Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update will support iPhones as old as the 2019 iPhone 11, marking an unprecedented eighth year of software support. This move appears strategic as hardware prices soar and the second-hand market for older iPhones expands worldwide.
- iOS 27 supports iPhone 11 and later, covering devices up to 8 years old.
- Rising new phone prices and thriving refurbished markets drive longer device lifespans.
- Apple’s strategy aims to retain users and compete with lower-cost Android alternatives.
What happened
Apple announced that its next major iOS update, iOS 27, will be available on iPhone models dating back to the iPhone 11, originally released in 2019. This extension of software support to an eighth year for certain devices is notably longer than typical smartphone support cycles. The reduced exclusion of older phones from the latest software is a significant shift for Apple.
This update ensures even older iPhones maintain access to fresh software improvements and security enhancements. It also builds on Apple’s recent efforts to keep iMessage and FaceTime compatible on devices as old as the iPhone 5S, underlining the company's focus on supporting legacy devices alongside newer models.
Why it matters
The decision to support iOS 27 on older phones arrives as global phone prices have significantly increased, with some models rising by up to $200 or more year-over-year. This escalating cost makes purchasing brand-new devices less accessible for many consumers, encouraging longer usage of existing phones or reliance on refurbished units.
In markets such as Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, refurbished iPhones have become an important growth segment. With nearly half of consumers in a recent poll considering refurbished devices, Apple’s continued support helps reinforce loyalty among users who may delay or forego purchasing new phones due to cost pressures, reducing churn to competing Android devices.
What to watch next
Apple’s strategy to extend software support comes as the smartphone landscape evolves, with Android manufacturers offering new phones at lower entry prices—sometimes under $500—compared to Apple's $600 starting price for new models. How effectively Apple can retain users on older devices against this cost competition will be crucial to watch.
Additionally, regulatory pressures, particularly from the European Union, are pushing Apple toward more standardized and open protocols that narrow the feature gap between iPhones and Android phones, such as cross-platform messaging compatibility via RCS. Apple’s software support strategy may need to adapt further as ecosystem competition and regulatory demands intensify.