Newest Version of iOS: iOS 27 Features and Supported iPhones
Kamran Liaquat Ali- posted on
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Quick answer: The newest major version of Apple’s iPhone operating system is iOS 27, released on 14 September 2026. It runs on every iPhone that supported iOS 26, from the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd generation) onwards. Apple then ships point updates: iOS 27.1 arrived on 22 October 2026 for the new iPhone Duo, with iOS 27.2 expected for other models soon after. To see the latest iOS version available for your own iPhone, open Settings → General → Software Update.
Last checked: 23 October 2026. The latest iOS version changes often; this page explains how to confirm it yourself.
How to Check Which iOS Version You Have
- Open Settings.
- Tap General → About.
- Look at iOS Version.
To see whether a newer version is available, go to Settings → General → Software Update. Apple also lists every update and its security fixes on its Apple security releases page.
What Is New in iOS 27
| Area | Main changes |
|---|---|
| Siri and Apple Intelligence | A more conversational Siri with its own app, Siri in the Camera, and writing help across apps |
| Photos and Safari | New AI photo editing tools such as Clean Up and Extend; Safari can organise tabs by topic |
| Productivity | Calendar events from natural language and context-aware suggestions in Mail and Phone |
| Accessibility | Better VoiceOver image descriptions and a conversational Magnifier |
| Family and safety | Redesigned Screen Time with schedules and website approval |
| Design and performance | Liquid Glass refinements with a transparency slider, faster app launches and AirDrop |
Apple Intelligence and the new Siri features need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max or any iPhone 16 or newer. Older supported iPhones get iOS 27 but not those AI features.
Which iPhones Support iOS 27?
| Supported | Notes |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 family | Full feature set |
| iPhone 17, 17 Pro, iPhone Air and 17e | Full feature set |
| iPhone 16 family and 16e | Full feature set |
| iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max | Full feature set |
| iPhone 15 and 15 Plus | iOS 27 without Apple Intelligence |
| iPhone 11 to 14 families | iOS 27 without Apple Intelligence |
| iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) | iOS 27 without Apple Intelligence |
No iPhone lost support between iOS 26 and iOS 27. If your iPhone is older than the iPhone 11 or SE (2nd generation), it cannot install iOS 27 but may still receive security updates for an older version.
How to Update Safely
- Back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer first.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and keep the battery above 50% or plug in the charger.
- Make sure you have several gigabytes of free storage.
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update and tap Update Now.
- Turn on Automatic Updates so security fixes install overnight.
Should You Install the Update Straight Away?
Security updates are worth installing promptly because they fix vulnerabilities that attackers may already know about. For a brand-new major version, some people wait a week or two for the first bug-fix release, as iOS 27.0.1 showed with a fix for a Face ID problem on some new iPhones. If your iPhone is essential for work, waiting briefly is reasonable; if it is your main device for banking and messaging, do not delay security updates for long.
iOS Version History at a Glance
| Version | Released | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 27 | September 2026 | Siri AI and wider Apple Intelligence |
| iOS 26 | September 2025 | Liquid Glass redesign; Apple moved to year-based version numbers |
| iOS 18 | September 2024 | First Apple Intelligence features |
| iOS 17 | September 2023 | StandBy mode and Contact Posters |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Apple jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26?
In 2025 Apple switched to year-based numbering, naming each release after the year that follows its launch. That is why iOS 18 was followed by iOS 26.
Is iOS 27 free?
Yes. iOS updates are free for all supported iPhones.
How long does Apple support an iPhone?
Apple usually supports iPhones with new versions for around five to six years, and provides security fixes for some older versions for longer.
Comparing phones? Read our Android vs iPhone comparison, and see the wider technology and AI guide.
