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iOS 27, released on September 14, 2026, runs on the iPhone 11 lineup and every later model, plus the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation, the same list of iPhones that iOS 26 supported in 2025. The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR stopped receiving major iOS versions when iOS 26 launched, and run iOS 18 at most. Models that still receive the current iOS have stronger resale demand, while models that lose support see lower prices. Every model on the iOS 27 list is commonly bought for cash. Is My Old iPhone Worth Anything? Selling Older Models covers the oldest supported models.
- Current iOS: iOS 27, released September 14, 2026.
- Oldest supported models: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2nd generation.
- Last dropped: iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, with iOS 26 in 2025.
- Apple Intelligence: requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, even on iOS 27.
Which models run the current iOS?
The table lists every iPhone that runs iOS 27, grouped by year.
| Year | Models that run iOS 27 |
|---|---|
| 2026 | iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e |
| 2025 | iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16e |
| 2024 | iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max |
| 2023 | iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max |
| 2022 | iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
| 2021 | iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max |
| 2020 | iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation) |
| 2019 | iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max |
New models released after this list ship with the current iOS. Apple's iOS compatibility page is the authoritative list.
What happens when support ends?
When an iPhone stops receiving new major iOS versions, 4 things change:
- No new features: the phone stays on its last supported iOS version.
- Security updates may continue for a time: Apple has released security updates for older iOS versions after newer ones launched, but the timing is not guaranteed.
- App support declines: developers gradually raise the minimum iOS version their apps require.
- Resale demand falls: buyers prefer phones that receive current updates.
The phone keeps working, but it becomes less useful over time as apps stop supporting its iOS version.
Does update support change the offer?
Update support changes the offer through demand. Models on the current iOS list have active resale markets, so buyers pay for them based on model, storage and condition. Models that lose support usually see a price drop when Apple announces the new iOS at its June developer conference, and again when the iOS version releases in September. The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 2nd generation, as the oldest supported models, earn lower offers than newer models but still sell for cash. How Fast Do iPhones Lose Value? Depreciation by Year shows how prices fall.
How long does Apple support an iPhone?
Apple has supported recent iPhones with major iOS versions for about 6–7 years after release. The table shows examples.
| Model | Released | Last major iOS |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6s | 2015 | iOS 15 |
| iPhone 8 and iPhone X | 2017 | iOS 16 |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | 2018 | iOS 18 |
| iPhone 11 lineup | 2019 | Still supported with iOS 27 |
The iPhone 11 lineup has received major updates for 8 iOS versions, from iOS 13 to iOS 27. Apple does not announce in advance how long a model will be supported; the list for each version is published at Apple's June developer conference.
When does Apple announce which models lose support?
Apple announces the device list for each new iOS version at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), held each June. The new version releases in September, usually days after the iPhone event. Sellers with a model near the end of its support often sell before the June announcement, because prices for dropped models tend to fall after the list is published.
Which models are likely to be dropped next?
The oldest supported models are the iPhone 11 lineup and the iPhone SE 2nd generation, both from 2019 and 2020. Apple has not announced the device list for the iOS version after iOS 27, which is expected at WWDC in June 2027. Owners of these models can expect them to be the first candidates when support ends, based on Apple's past pattern, and can plan a sale accordingly.
How do I check which iOS my iPhone runs?
Check the iOS version in Settings > General > About, under iOS Version, or in Settings > General > Software Update, which also shows whether an update is available. A phone that shows "iOS is up to date" on an old version, with no newer version offered, has reached its last supported major version.
Should I update my iPhone before selling?
Updating before selling is useful when a newer iOS version is available, because it confirms the phone runs current software and installs security fixes. It is not required, because buybacks test phones on any version. The phone must be erased and signed out of the Apple Account either way. How to Prepare Your iPhone to Sell: 9-Step Checklist covers preparation.
Do unsupported iPhones have any value?
Unsupported iPhones, such as the iPhone XR or iPhone 8, usually have little resale value through buybacks, because demand is low and app support is declining. They can be recycled through Apple, carriers or certified e-waste recyclers after erasing. Recycle or Sell Your Old iPhone? How to Decide explains the choice.
Does every iOS 27 feature work on every supported iPhone?
Not every iOS 27 feature works on every supported iPhone, because some features need newer hardware. Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Some camera, display and satellite features depend on specific models. Older supported models receive the core update with security fixes and most general features. Which iPhones Support Apple Intelligence? lists Apple Intelligence models.
How does iOS support differ for iPhone SE models?
The iPhone SE 2nd generation, released in April 2020, and the iPhone SE 3rd generation, released in March 2022, both run iOS 27. The SE 2nd generation uses the A13 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 11, which is why both share the same support list. The SE 3rd generation uses the A15 Bionic. Is the iPhone SE Worth Selling? SE 2nd and 3rd Gen Values covers SE values.
Why did iOS jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26?
Apple changed its version numbering in 2025, naming the release after the following year, so the version after iOS 18 was iOS 26, and the 2026 release is iOS 27. The change aligned the numbers across Apple's platforms, such as macOS and watchOS. It did not skip any releases: iOS 26 was the next major version after iOS 18.
How many major updates has each supported model received?
Each supported model has received a different number of major updates, counted from the version it shipped with. The table shows examples.
| Model | Shipped with | Major versions received through iOS 27 |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | iOS 13 | 8 |
| iPhone 12 | iOS 14 | 7 |
| iPhone 13 | iOS 15 | 6 |
| iPhone 14 | iOS 16 | 5 |
| iPhone 15 | iOS 17 | 4 |
| iPhone 16 | iOS 18 | 3 |
| iPhone 17 | iOS 26 | 2 |
Newer models have more remaining years of expected support, which adds to their resale demand.
Do app developers follow iOS support?
App developers usually support the current iOS and 1–2 earlier versions, and raise their minimum version over time. Banking, payment and streaming apps often raise minimums sooner for security reasons. A phone stuck on an old iOS version gradually loses access to these apps, which is a key reason resale demand falls after support ends.
Is it safe to use an iPhone that no longer gets updates?
An iPhone that no longer gets major updates can still work, but it becomes less secure over time as new vulnerabilities are found and not fixed. Apple sometimes patches older versions for serious issues, without a guaranteed schedule. For daily banking and personal data, a supported model is the safer choice, and selling or recycling the old phone is the practical step.
When is the best time to sell an iPhone near the end of support?
The best time to sell an iPhone near the end of support is before WWDC in June, when Apple announces which models the next iOS will support. A model that is dropped usually sees lower demand after the announcement. The September iPhone launch then lowers prices again. Best Time to Sell Your iPhone Before Prices Drop covers the full calendar.
Does a supported iPhone need the latest iOS to sell?
A supported iPhone does not need the latest iOS installed to sell, because buybacks test phones on any version and the next owner can update after setup. Updating is still a good check that the phone works normally on current software.
Which chips do the oldest supported models use?
The oldest supported models use the A13 Bionic chip: the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2nd generation. The iPhone 12 lineup uses the A14 Bionic, and the iPhone 13 lineup and iPhone SE 3rd generation use the A15 Bionic. Apple has historically ended support by chip generation, so models with the same chip usually share the same final iOS version.
Does iOS support affect carrier compatibility?
iOS support does not directly change carrier compatibility, but carriers update network features, such as 5G standalone and voice services, that work best on current iOS versions. Older phones on unsupported iOS can still connect for calls and data. Carrier settings updates continue to reach many older models for a time.
How do I sell a phone that just lost support?
Sell a phone that just lost support the same way as any other: request a quote, erase it, sign out and ship it with the prepaid label. When the model falls outside the accepted list, recycling is the better route.
Do iPads and Macs follow the same support pattern?
iPads and Macs follow a similar pattern, with Apple publishing each new iPadOS and macOS device list at WWDC in June. Support lengths vary by device. Selling an iPad or Mac before it loses support also tends to return more.
Can I install an older iOS version?
Installing an older iOS version is usually not possible, because Apple stops signing older versions shortly after a new release.
Frequently asked questions about iOS support
Which iPhones can run iOS 27?
iOS 27 runs on the iPhone 11 lineup and every later model, plus the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation. That includes the iPhone 12 through 17 lineups, the iPhone Air, the iPhone 16e and 17e and the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It supports the same iPhones as iOS 26.
Is the iPhone 11 still supported?
The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are still supported and run iOS 27, released on September 14, 2026. They are the oldest iPhones on the iOS 27 list, together with the iPhone SE 2nd generation, which uses the same A13 Bionic chip. Apple publishes the supported list for each iOS version at WWDC in June.
Which iPhones no longer get iOS updates?
The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR stopped receiving major iOS versions with iOS 26 and run iOS 18 at most. Earlier models, such as the iPhone 8, iPhone X and iPhone 6s, stopped earlier. Apple may still release occasional security updates for older iOS versions, but the timing is not guaranteed.
Does losing iOS support lower an iPhone's resale value?
Losing iOS support usually lowers resale value, because buyers prefer phones that receive current updates and apps gradually stop supporting older iOS versions. Prices for dropped models tend to fall after Apple announces the support list at WWDC in June, and again when the new iOS releases in September. Check Settings > General > Software Update to see whether a newer version is available.
How many years does Apple update iPhones?
Apple has supported recent iPhones with major iOS versions for about 6–7 years after release. The iPhone XS and XR, from 2018, received updates through iOS 18. The iPhone 11, from 2019, still receives iOS 27. Apple announces each version's supported devices at WWDC each June. Models near the end of support tend to sell for more before the June announcement.
Sources and references
- MacRumors: iOS 27 release date and features.
- Apple: iOS compatible devices and iOS release notes.
- Apple Support: update your iPhone.