Apple’s newest operating system releases for Apple Watch and iPad, watchOS 27 and iPadOS 27, significantly narrow device compatibility. Several Apple Watch models from recent generations and certain iPad models will no longer support the latest software, signaling a notable shift in Apple’s upgrade cycle for these devices.
- watchOS 27 supports only Apple Watch Series 10 and later, Ultra 2+, and SE 3
- iPadOS 27 drops support for 3rd-gen iPad Air and 8th-gen standard iPads
- iPhone 11 and newer continue to receive iOS 27 updates
What happened
Apple has revealed that the new watchOS 27 update will drop support for multiple previous Apple Watch generations. Official support extends mainly to the recent Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer, and the SE 3 model. While some early indications suggest Series 9 and the first-generation Ultra may still get the update, long-standing models like Series 6, 7, 8, and SE 2 are excluded from the official compatibility list.
On the iPad side, iPadOS 27 removes support for older hardware including the 3rd-generation iPad Air and the 8th-generation standard iPad. The minimum supported iPad Pro models have also been updated to the 4th-generation 12.9-inch and 2nd-generation 11-inch versions or greater. This marks a more extensive compatibility pruning than in previous years.
Why it matters
Apple’s decision to cut support for several recent Apple Watch generations is notable because watch users typically upgrade less frequently than iPhone users. This may affect customer satisfaction for those with still-functioning devices that now cannot run the latest software enhancements or security updates.
Dropping older iPads while continuing support for iPhone 11 models—a device released in 2019—highlights Apple's shifting priorities and hardware requirements for their various product lines. Users with Apple Watches from even a few years ago may find themselves forced to upgrade sooner than expected to maintain software compatibility.
What to watch next
Apple is expected to confirm the full list of devices supporting watchOS 27, especially regarding newer models like Series 9 and the first-gen Ultra which currently have mixed reports about their eligibility. Official clarification will help users understand their options accurately.
Consumers and enterprises managing fleets of devices will need to assess the impact of these compatibility changes on their hardware refresh cycles. Adjusting upgrade plans and budgeting for new device acquisitions could become necessary to maintain access to Apple’s latest software features and security patches.