Apple has announced that it will discontinue software support for 16 devices across its product lines this fall, marking a significant shift in its device compatibility landscape.
Apple Watch Faces Major Compatibility Changes
The Apple Watch lineup experiences the most substantial reduction. With the release of watchOS 27, support will be withdrawn for the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and the second-generation Apple Watch SE. This update necessitates devices equipped with the S9 or S10 chip, effectively ending support for three generations of Apple Watches simultaneously.
iPadOS 27 Raises Hardware Requirements
Similarly, iPadOS 27 increases its hardware requirements, now supporting only devices with the A14 Bionic chip or the M1 chip. Consequently, five iPad models that were compatible with iPadOS 26 will not support the new update. These models include the iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation), iPad (8th generation), and iPad mini (5th generation).
macOS Golden Gate Ends Intel Mac Support
In line with its transition to Apple silicon, macOS Golden Gate will no longer support Intel-based Macs. The affected models are the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports), iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019). This move finalizes Apple’s shift away from Intel processors in its Mac lineup.
Apple TV Updates and iOS Continuity
The Apple TV is also impacted, with tvOS 27 dropping support for the Apple TV HD (2015) and the first-generation Apple TV 4K (2017). Only the second and third-generation Apple TV 4K models will receive the update. Notably, iOS 27 maintains the same device support as iOS 26, ensuring continuity for iPhone users.
These changes underscore Apple’s commitment to advancing its hardware and software ecosystems. While the discontinuation of support for older devices may inconvenience some users, it reflects the company’s focus on optimizing performance and security for its latest technologies. Users with affected devices should consider upgrading to newer models to continue receiving software updates and support.
