Apple confirms iOS 27 will run on iPhone 11 and later (including the second‑generation iPhone SE), but only three iPhones will support the full set of new features — in particular the advanced Siri AI and Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Three iPhones at the top of the stack
Only the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone Air will run the complete on‑device Apple Intelligence models included with iOS 27. These devices host Apple’s most advanced on‑device model, required for higher dictation accuracy (speech‑to‑text) and for adjusting Siri’s expressiveness and speaking rate.
Why the difference comes down to RAM
The tiering of iPhones for iOS 27 mainly hinges on RAM. The on‑device model that powers the advanced features requires at least 12 GB of RAM; only the iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air offer that configuration. By contrast, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e ship with 8 GB, which is insufficient for the highest tier.
Who will get standard Apple Intelligence features
An intermediate tier will support the standard Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features: the entire iPhone 16 lineup (including the iPhone 16e) plus the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These models will receive the redesigned Siri interface, a new standalone Siri app, and enhanced photo‑editing tools such as Extend and Spatial Reframing.
Other iPhones get iOS 27 without Apple Intelligence
iPhones from the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus down to the iPhone 11 will be updated to iOS 27 but will not include Apple Intelligence or the new Siri AI. Apple says all compatible devices will still get shared improvements, including a revised CPU scheduler for better task management, a rebuilt system search, and Liquid Glass refinements.
A regional caveat: the European Union
At launch, Siri AI will not be available on iPhone or iPad in the European Union due to regulatory constraints tied to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple says it is working with regulators to find a solution; in the meantime, Siri AI will be available in macOS 27 “Golden Gate.”
What we know about upcoming iPhones
Analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo says the next generation (iPhone 18) will likely follow a staggered launch: the iPhone 18 and 18e are expected to include 9 GB of RAM — enough for the standard Apple Intelligence tier but not the top tier — while the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra would feature 12 GB and could support all advanced functions. These models are expected in the fall.
Timeline
The public beta of iOS 27 is already available; the final rollout is scheduled for September, coinciding with the expected launch of the new iPhone Pro models.
