Following the recent WWDC at Apple Park, it's clear that the Cupertino company intends to make a splash with its latest software offering. The new iOS 27 operating system is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious updates in recent memory, focusing almost entirely on integrating intelligent processes that promise to change how we interact with our phones on a daily basis.
Although many analysts expected a purge of older models to lighten the system load, the reality has been quite different, much to the relief of many. Extended support has become the main focus of the presentations, confirming that devices several years old will continue to receive the latest software updates, something that isn't always the case and that extends the lifespan of millions of devices worldwide.
A wider list of devices than expected
Against all odds, Apple has decided not to exclude any users who could already run the previous version. This means that the iconic iPhone 11 remains in the update cycle, along with its larger siblings and the second-generation iPhone SE. It's a masterstroke to maintain the resale value of these devices and ensure that a huge user base remains within the ecosystem with the latest security patches.
In total, 29 models will be able to install this version, ranging from the iPhone 11 family to the upcoming iPhone 17. It is particularly striking that devices launched in 2019 will receive a major update in 2026 , contradicting the pessimistic leaks that pointed to a much more aggressive cut based on the power of older processors.
Apple Intelligence: Power Has Its Limits
However, all that glitters is not gold, and this is where the fine print comes in. While almost everyone can install the system, Apple Intelligence's flagship features require processing power only found in the most modern chips. Therefore, Siri AI and advanced editing tools will only work on the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 16 series, and the new iPhone 17.
This technical difference stems from the need to run language models locally to ensure privacy, something that depends directly on the device's RAM and neural engine. Therefore, if you have a standard iPhone from a couple of years ago, you'll enjoy the visual and performance improvements, but you won't experience the AI ​​revolution that Apple has so heavily promoted in its demonstrations.
The legal labyrinth in the European Union
For those of us living in Spain or any other European Union country, the situation is a bit more complex due to the current regulatory framework. Apple has confirmed that some Siri AI features will not be available at launch in our territory due to the impact of the Digital Markets Act. The company prefers to be cautious to avoid potential sanctions and legal issues related to interoperability and competition.
This situation is causing some disappointment among European users, who will find their operating system somewhat more limited than in other regions. Even so, negotiations between Apple and Brussels are expected to be successful in the coming months, allowing the full AI experience to be rolled out gradually once all the required transparency and security standards are met.
The timeline for getting your hands on these new features is set and doesn't hold any major surprises compared to previous years. The most eager users will be able to access the public beta in mid-July , while the rest of us will have to wait until September for the final download. With this move, Apple manages to strike a balance between offering enviable support for older phones and, at the same time, incentivizing the purchase of the most powerful models for those who don't want to miss out on the AI ​​experience.
