Apple unveils iOS 27 with AI features as WhatsApp drops older iPhones
By Aboki Forex —
Apple has officially launched iOS 27 at its WWDC 2026 event. The update brings artificial intelligence features, faster performance, and deeper Siri integration. But older iPhone users face a new problem. WhatsApp will stop supporting several older iPhone models that cannot run the latest iOS.
What is new in iOS 27
Unlike iOS 26 which focused on the Liquid Glass design, iOS 27 is built around speed and AI. The biggest change is the new Siri AI. Apple rebuilt Siri using Google’s Gemini technology after a partnership announced earlier this year. The upgraded Siri can now understand personal context from Messages, Mail, and Photos. It can carry out actions across multiple apps. Siri also gets more natural conversations, improved voice controls, and its own standalone app.
Other improvements include faster app launches, better battery optimisation, AI-powered photo editing tools, smarter Spotlight and Mail search, better parental controls, faster AirDrop transfers, new customisation options for the Liquid Glass interface, and enhanced Health app features for cycle tracking and wellness. The update also improves iCloud sharing, Safari tab organisation, and Shortcuts with natural language commands.
Which iPhones will get iOS 27
Apple confirmed that all devices running iOS 26 will support iOS 27. That means iPhone 11 models and newer devices are eligible. Supported devices include the iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 16 series, and the iPhone 17 lineup. The iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and older devices will not receive the update.
Advanced AI only on premium models
While many iPhones can install iOS 27, the most advanced AI tools will only work on newer premium devices. Siri AI and Apple Intelligence require at least an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or newer model with Apple’s A17 Pro chip and at least 8GB of RAM. Users with iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and the standard iPhone 15 will get performance upgrades and design changes but will miss out on the headline AI features.
Beta release and caution for users
Apple released the first developer beta on June 8. The public beta is expected in July. The final version should arrive around September alongside the next iPhone lineup. Apple warns that the current developer beta is unstable and may cause overheating, battery drain, app crashes, and issues with banking apps. Experts advise most users to wait for the July public beta or the final September release. Users who rely heavily on mobile banking, two-factor authentication, or their iPhone for daily work should avoid the early beta versions.
WhatsApp ends support for older iPhones
The iOS 27 announcement comes as WhatsApp phases out support for older iPhones that cannot run modern iOS versions. Devices left behind by Apple’s software roadmap may gradually lose access to new WhatsApp features, security updates, and eventually the app itself. For many users holding onto older iPhones, this update cycle could determine whether it is finally time to upgrade.