iOS 27 is Coming: Which iPhone Gets Which Features?

Until the iPhone 5, Apple customers had it easy. There was only one new model to buy each time, available in two to three colors and in two or three storage configurations. After that, Apple changed its strategy. First, the company wanted to offer a budget alternative to the expensive new device with the iPhone 5c, and then there were years of a standard and a Plus model. Now the lineup consists of the iPhone 17e, the iPhone 17, and the powerful iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. But that’s not all. At WWDC 2026, Apple announced that not every new software feature will come to every iPhone with iOS 27. This raises the question for customers: Which model should one buy now?

iOS 27 Extends Support for Older Devices

The good news is that anyone with an iPhone running iOS 26 does not necessarily have to buy a new iPhone. Although there were rumors that the iPhone 11 would be left out, that turned out to be untrue. Even the 2019 smartphone will still receive the update to iOS 27. Many new features, such as access to Apple Intelligence, will still be missing, but the company announced at its developer conference that the new system will make older smartphones faster again. For example, apps should open more quickly. If you’re satisfied with that, you can save money on a new iPhone.

iOS 27 with Apple Intelligence: It Gets Complicated

Things get more complicated, or rather more expensive, if you want all the new features—not only because Apple will not initially bring the new voice assistant Siri AI to Europe. This could change over time, as the first version of Apple Intelligence was originally not available in Europe either. Apple later added it via a software update. If that happens and you want to benefit from all features, you will need the currently latest iPhones: Air, 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max (but not the iPhone 17e). Some functions are reserved exclusively for more powerful devices.

It is no longer enough to just own an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. While the smartphone remains generally compatible with the AI package, you cannot use all features with it. The same applies to the newer iPhone 16 series, which was supposedly developed with a focus on Apple Intelligence. Specifically, this initially concerns minor details, such as customizing the voice of the new AI version of Siri to your preferences and using the improved dictation feature.

In addition to AI, only the latest devices benefit from the ability to stream via FaceTime with both the front and rear cameras simultaneously. This is not possible on older models.

For the update to iOS 27, the situation is as follows:

• iPhone Air, 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max: All features
• iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e, 17e: Apple Intelligence features, without the ability to personalize the voice of the new Siri, no ability to stream FaceTime calls using both the front and rear cameras simultaneously
• iPhone 11 to iPhone 15, iPhone SE 2 and SE 3: Functional update without Apple Intelligence

Is it Worth Waiting for the iPhone 18?

This makes the iPhone lineup more fragmented than ever: there are devices without Apple Intelligence, those with it, and then those with extended functionality. To be on the safe side, one might consider waiting to purchase until September. Reports suggest that Apple will first introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone Ultra, before the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18, and iPhone 18e are expected to follow in the spring.

However, the current CEO Tim Cook has already hinted that Apple will increase the prices of future devices due to the chip crisis. Cook did not disclose which products would be affected. It is hard to imagine that the company would leave its most important product out of this price increase.

So if you want to get as many new features as possible on your iPhone and are considering a new purchase, it’s worth taking a look at the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone. All three devices are no longer as expensive as they were at launch. Especially for the iPhone Air, many retailers have reduced the price. Alternatively, it’s worth looking at established refurbished manufacturers. These iPhones may show minor signs of use, but this solution is considered significantly more sustainable.