Apple will end software support for 16 specific hardware products across its macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS lineups, according to a report from 9to5mac. While the upcoming iOS 27 will maintain compatibility with every device that supported iOS 26, the company’s other platforms are facing a significant culling of older hardware, marking one of the largest simultaneous drops in support history.
Which Mac models are losing support for macOS Golden Gate?
Apple is phasing out support for several Intel-based Mac models with the release of macOS Golden Gate. According to 9to5mac, the following machines will no longer receive official operating system updates:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- iMac (2020)
- Mac Pro (2019)
This transition follows a broader industry trend of prioritizing Apple Silicon (M-series chips) over legacy Intel architecture. Users running these specific 2019 and 2020 models will remain on their current OS versions, missing out on new features and security patches exclusive to Golden Gate.
Why is iPadOS 27 dropping support for these tablets?
The transition to iPadOS 27 leaves behind five popular iPad models, effectively ending their update cycle. The devices losing support include the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), the 8th generation iPad, the iPad mini 5, and the iPad Air 3.
Industry analysts often link these support drops to the increasing hardware requirements of modern multitasking features and Apple’s advanced AI integrations. These older A-series chips may lack the neural engine performance or RAM capacity required to run the latest software fluidly.
Which Apple Watch and Apple TV models are impacted?
Wearables and home entertainment devices are also seeing a major purge. For watchOS 27, the list of unsupported hardware includes:
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
Additionally, the Apple TV 4K (1st generation) and Apple TV HD will no longer support tvOS 27. This shift effectively forces users toward newer hardware to access the latest streaming and health-tracking software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my device if it no longer receives updates?
Yes. Your device will continue to function as it does today. However, you will stop receiving new feature updates and, eventually, critical security patches, which may increase your vulnerability to potential threats over time.
Is it time to upgrade my hardware?
If you rely on your device for banking or sensitive work, moving to a supported model is advisable once official support ends. For casual use, many users continue to operate devices for years after support concludes.
Why is iOS 27 keeping support while other systems are not?
Apple has not provided a specific reason for the discrepancy, but the iPhone remains the company’s flagship product. Maintaining broad compatibility helps Apple sustain its massive services revenue, which relies on consistent access across the widest possible user base.
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