Apple has confirmed that iOS 27 will run on every iPhone currently compatible with iOS 26, extending support back to the iPhone 11 range. But while the broad compatibility will be welcomed by users holding onto older devices, the most advanced features announced at WWDC26 will remain limited to Apple’s newest hardware.

The update, due later this year, includes performance improvements, new safety controls, a rebuilt Siri experience and refinements to Apple’s Liquid Glass interface.

Apple says iPhone and iPad apps will launch up to 30% faster, photos will load up to 70% faster after being taken, and AirDrop transfers will be up to 80% faster.

Older iPhones will receive a number of visible changes, including a new Liquid Glass slider that lets users adjust interface transparency from ultra-clear to fully tinted.

Other additions include custom EQ for AirPods, Safari AI tab organisation, improved app responsiveness and faster sharing.

However, Apple’s biggest WWDC26 pitch – the next generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri AI – comes with tighter hardware requirements.

Apple says Siri AI will be able to understand on-screen content, draw on personal context from messages, emails and photos, perform actions across apps and access web-based information. A dedicated Siri app will also store conversations and sync them privately through iCloud.

But the most powerful on-device AI features will require newer, higher-end hardware. Advanced capabilities such as improved dictation and controls for Siri’s speaking pace and expressiveness are expected to be limited to devices including the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air and selected iPads and Macs with at least 12GB of memory.

That means many users with iOS 27-compatible phones will receive the operating system update, but not the full AI experience Apple highlighted on stage.

Apple is also expanding parental controls, with redesigned Screen Time tools, app category time limits, contact approvals and stronger communication safety features.

The first developer beta is available now, with a public beta expected in July. A final iOS 27 release is expected in September.