The public beta of iOS 27 is already out: anyone can now try the new system, and the update is formally available for the same iPhones as iOS 26. The list of compatible devices is only half the story. Some new features only work on recent models, and the most advanced capabilities will be exclusive to just three smartphones. Let’s figure out what exactly your iPhone will get.

As usual, all the key iOS 27 features will be available to a limited number of devices. Photo.

As usual, all the key iOS 27 features will be available to a limited number of devices

Which iPhones Will Get iOS 27

Good news for owners of older models: iOS 27 is compatible with the same iPhones as iOS 26. If your smartphone currently runs the current version of the system, it will update without any issues. Apple has not cut anyone from the list for the second year in a row.

Here is the full list of supported devices:

Which iPhones will get iOS 27. iOS 27 will work even on iPhone 12, but the most important features won't be there. Photo.

iOS 27 will work even on iPhone 12, but the most important features won’t be there

  • iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e
  • iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 and 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 and 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE second generation and newer

All these models will receive the basic iOS 27 feature set. This includes child safety features, Liquid Glass design refinements, changes in Messages, FaceTime, Maps, and Music. Even owners of iPhone 11 or SE won’t be left without fresh capabilities — just without the smartest ones.

It’s also worth noting the scam protection feature. The system has learned to recognize suspicious calls and warn about risky money transfers. For elderly relatives, this is arguably the main reason to update.

Which iPhones Support Siri AI

The main dividing line runs through artificial intelligence. Apple Intelligence requires the A17 Pro chip or newer. The restriction is familiar: the same requirements were in place before.

AI features will be available on these iPhones:

Which iPhones support Siri AI. To use the new Siri, you'll need at least an iPhone 15 Pro. Photo.

To use the new Siri, you’ll need at least an iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max, 17 Pro, iPhone Air (A19 Pro chip)
  • iPhone 17 and 17e (A19)
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16 and 16e (A18 and A18 Pro)
  • iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro)

These devices will get a redesigned Siri interface, a standalone assistant app, and new photo tools — Extend expands the frame beyond the shot, and Reframe changes the composition. The system has also improved in photography with new modes available.

If you have an iPhone 14 or an older model, you’ll be able to update, but there will be no artificial intelligence. There’s no way to enable it — the issue is hardware, not regional restrictions.

Which iOS 27 Features Require 12 GB of RAM

There’s an even narrower circle of devices. Apple’s top-tier local model only runs on iPhones with 12 GB of RAM. Processing happens directly on the smartphone without sending data to the cloud, and this amount of memory is needed just to fit the model into RAM. By the way, Siri AI can be used in Russian, and it’s great.

For now, it powers two features:

  • Enhanced system dictation — more accurate speech recognition and understanding of spoken context.
  • Siri voice customization — you can change the speech tempo and expressiveness level.
Which iOS 27 features require 12 GB of RAM. These features will become exclusive to the most modern iPhones. Photo.

These features will become exclusive to the most modern iPhones

The list is short: iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. The capabilities are niche, so their absence on the iPhone 16 Pro is unlikely to be upsetting. But the trend is clear — there will be more such exclusives going forward.

Should You Install the iOS 27 Public Beta

We’re talking about a public beta, not a final release. Beta versions often run unstably: they drain the battery faster, heat up the device, and conflict with banking apps. Installing such a build on your main iPhone isn’t recommended — it’s better to wait for the release in the fall.

If you can’t wait, it’s wiser to use a spare device. Before installing, make sure to create a backup: rolling back without one won’t be possible.

Should you install the iOS 27 public beta. I've already installed iOS 27, and I really like the new system. Photo.

I’ve already installed iOS 27, and I really like the new system

With iPhone 15 Pro and newer, iOS 27 will fully shine: Siri, photo editing, dictation, and all the other AI features. Owners of iPhone 15, 14, and older will get a fresh design and standard app features, but without artificial intelligence. The most advanced features will remain exclusive to iPhone 17 Pro and Air.

There’s no need for anyone to rush with the beta. The stable version will come out in the fall, and along with it, apps will catch up and the early build bugs will be resolved.