Straight from Siri's mouth, we've obtained a list of Apple devices that will be losing software support from Apple in 2026, which is this year if you didn't know. Losing software support from Apple doesn't mean that you should toss your aging iPad into the trash as the device will continue to work. Even if you won't receive the latest iPadOS updates, your tablet will typically continue to receive security updates for a period of two to four years after losing iPadOS support.
A device that loses software support doesn't instantly stop working
No matter which Apple device you own, the moment Apple software support ends, the product does not stop working. The display doesn't stop turning on, the processor will not start failing, and the battery does not refuse to deliver the necessary power to the device (although this one feels like it is true!)
The iPhone 5s received a security update this year. | Image by PhoneArena
Apple continues to push out security updates for a few years
But what is true is that Apple will push out security updates that will allow much older iPhone models to use current applications. For example, the oldest version of iOS to receive a security update this year (2026, remember?) was the one pushed out to devices whose software journey with Apple had previously ended with iOS 12. These devices, which go as far back as 2013's iPhone 5s and 2014's iPhone 6, had last received an update in 2023.
2013's iPhone 5s and 2014's iPhone 6 received a security update this year
Even though this update (iOS 12.5.8) was released for security reasons, it was merely to update software certificates that will allow the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 to work with applications such as FaceTime, iMessage, and device activation to continue to work after January 2027.
Unsupported devices still run, but with a caveat
While unsupported devices will continue to work, they will be less safe to use as more time goes by. If you do have an Apple device that has lost software support, do not use it online and do not use it for any purpose involving personal data or sensitive information.
Not one iPhone model will lose support for iOS 27 this year. If your iPhone runs iOS 26, it will run iOS 27. Having said that, only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17 series, and the iPhone 18 line will be able to run Siri AI.
Now here is the list that you've been waiting for. The following Apple devices will lose software support in 2026:
Apple Watch (these models will not receive watchOS 27)
Mac Pro (2019, 8-core, 12-core, 16-core, 24-core, or 28-core Intel Xeon W)
Apple TV (these models will not receive tvOS 27)
Apple TV HD (2015)
Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)
The major reason why Apple is due to the hardware requirements for Apple's AI initiative, Apple Intelligence. For example, iPadOS 27 requires an A14 Bionic or an M1 chip. For watchOS 27 compatibility, an Apple Watch must be powered by an S9 or S10 SiP. For macOS 27, a Mac cannot be powered by an Intel processor.
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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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