Apple Devices That Are Reaching The End Of Software Support In 2026

By Noelle Corbett
The Apple logo on a glass building Ozgurdonmaz/Getty Images

Back in June, Apple revealed new operating systems for all of its devices, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. These are currently in beta and are expected to release in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and other new products. However, with brand new software comes the end of support for older hardware.

The good news is that all iPhones currently on iOS 26 will be able to upgrade. That includes models stretching all the way back to 2019's iPhone 11, though older models won't be able to access some of iOS 27's features, particularly AI ones. The same can't be said for other products, like iPads and Apple Watches. The following Apple devices will reach the end of software support with the release of iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27, visionOS 27, and tvOS 27:

iPad

  • ‌iPad Air‌ (3rd generation)
  • iPad Pro‌ 11-inch (1st generation)
  • ‌iPad Pro‌ 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
  • ‌iPad‌ (8th generation)
  • ‌iPad mini‌ (5th generation)

Apple Watch

  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Ultra
  • Apple Watch SE

Mac

  • ‌MacBook Pro‌ (16-inch, 2019)
  • ‌MacBook Pro‌ (13-inch, 2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
  • ‌iMac‌ (2020)
  • Mac Pro (2019)

Apple TV

  • ‌Apple TV‌ HD
  • ‌Apple TV‌ 4K

Can you still use Apple devices that are no longer supported?

Two Apple Watch Series 6 smartwatches on a white background Krystiannawrocki/Getty Images

If you have one of the devices listed above, you should know that reaching the end of software support doesn't mean the end of support altogether. Older operating systems still get security updates for years, keeping phones and other tech left behind as safe to use as those on the current software. Apple lists all of its security updates and affected hardware here, so take a look if you're unsure about any of your devices.

Using iPhones as an example, Apple releases security updates for operating systems going back to iOS 15, the one used by the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 models. In January 2026, iOS 12 got its first update since 2023 to make sure devices as far back as the iPhone 5s (a nearly 13-year-old phone) will still be able to use iMessage, FaceTime, and other features after January 2027. The one exception is when all phones on the current OS are capable of updating to the new one, as was the case with iOS 26. This happened previously with iOS 17, which received its final update after just one year since all compatible phones could access iOS 18, so history will likely repeat itself when iOS 27 releases.

Once security updates end, unsupported devices won't stop working outright, but they do become less safe to use. At that point, it's time to upgrade. If you do want to keep a device like an iPad for longer, it's best to keep it offline, and definitely don't use it for anything involving personal or sensitive information.

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