What is the Latest iOS Version on iPhone?

Apple has released the newest version of its operating system, iOS 27.

This one's a bigger deal than most yearly updates. The headline act is a completely rebuilt Siri that finally acts like a real assistant instead of a glorified timer-setter, alongside a deeper bench of Apple Intelligence tools and—for the first time ever—support for a foldable iPhone. Read on to learn about Apple iOS versions, including iOS 27, and which ones work on which devices.

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What is iOS?

For starters, the letters OS stand for operating system. In 2007, when Apple released its very first iPhone, it introduced iOS, an operating system designed exclusively for iPhones.

The original iOS was based on but not the same as the Mac OS used to run Macintosh computers. Apple has unique operating systems for different devices. For example, there's Mac OS for computers and laptops, watchOS for Apple watches, and iOS for iPhones.

By comparison, Android devices use an open-source operating system referred to simply as OS that Google launched in 2008 to compete with the iPhone. Where iOS is exclusive to Apple iPhones, Android OS is designed for all other smartphone manufacturers.

Which iPhones Run iOS 27?

To run Apple's latest iOS version, 27, you'll need an iPhone with an A13 Bionic chip or newer—that's the iPhone 11 and everything after it. Here's the complete list of iOS 27 compatible iPhones:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone 17e
• iPhone Air
• iPhone Duo
• iPhone 18 Pro
• iPhone 18 Pro Max

Which iPhones Lack Support for iOS 27?

Not every iPhone made the cut. The following models can't run iOS 27:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone X and earlier

iOS 27: What's New

The star of the show is Siri, which Apple rebuilt from scratch on a new generative AI architecture. It finally understands context, remembers what you were just doing, and holds something closer to an actual conversation instead of fumbling one-off commands. You'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to use it, and the fanciest custom AI voices are reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air.

Apple Intelligence picked up a bigger toolkit too. Photos can now remove objects, extend a scene beyond its original frame, and generate images privately in the cloud. Safari sorts your tabs and bookmarks by topic on its own. Screen Time got a redesign with category-based time allowances and an "Ask to Browse" setting for approving new sites, and Find My now lets you set how long a location gets shared, or hide your spot entirely.

There's also iPhone Handoff, which lets you use the same phone number across two devices at once, Apple Cash can now split a bill straight from a photographed receipt, and CarPlay finally supports browsing and playing video while parked. Under the hood, Apple says app launches are up to 30% faster, photos load up to 70% faster, and AirDrop transfers move up to 80% faster.

And iOS 27 isn't just for familiar hardware—it's also what powers the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable phone. It's got a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display that opens up into the largest screen ever on an iPhone.

How to Update to iOS 27

If you have Automatic Updates turned on with an iOS 27 compatible device, the update should install on its own as soon as it's available. In some cases, though, you'll need to do it manually. Here's how:

• Open your Settings.
• Navigate to "General."
• Tap "Software Update."

From this screen, you'll see which version you're currently running. If you're already up to date, you'll see a message confirming it. If not, you'll be prompted to either "Download and Install," or "Install Now" if the update already finished downloading. Clear out some free storage before you start, just in case.

How Often Does Apple Release a New iOS?

Apple releases a new major iOS version every year, usually in the fall alongside new iPhones. In between those releases, smaller updates roll out every six weeks or so to patch bugs and add smaller features.

Should You Update to iOS 27?

In a word, yes. Updating to the latest iOS keeps your iPhone running smoothly and helps close security gaps—and in our phone not working article, out-of-date software is one of the most common culprits behind phone problems. Best of all, the update is free. And to be fair, we give Android users the same advice about staying current on their OS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPhones can get iOS 27?



Any iPhone 11 or later can run iOS 27—that covers the 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 series, the iPhone Air, the new foldable iPhone Duo, and the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.

Has iOS 26 been phased out?


Not entirely. Apple's attention has shifted to iOS 27, but iOS 26 updates are still being released for anyone who'd rather stay put for now.

Is iOS 27 worth installing?


Yes—it's a bigger overhaul than most yearly updates, especially if you're curious about the new Siri or any of the deeper Apple Intelligence features.