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iOS 27 will be unveiled in just over a week<\/a>, and rumors indicate there are lots of reasons why the new software might push more people than usual to upgrade to a new iPhone.<\/p>\n iOS 27 compatibility list won\u2019t tell the whole story<\/p>\n Every year, Apple launches a major new version of iOS at the same time as new iPhones debut. There\u2019s a marketing benefit to this, as seeing all the new features in iOS might motivate users to buy a new, more capable iPhone.<\/p>\n But rumors indicate that could be more true than ever this year.<\/p>\n Apple has a strong history of supporting older devices with its latest software versions. iOS 26, for example, is compatible with iPhones released up to six years prior.<\/p>\n iOS 27, per rumors, is expected to drop support for four iPhone models<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, the biggest reason Apple might see more iPhone upgrades this year isn\u2019t due to those dropped models. <\/p>\n Rather, it\u2019s because many of iOS 27\u2019s best features will be limited to AI-supported iPhones.<\/p>\n Why iOS 27\u2019s AI focus could motivate iPhone purchases<\/p>\n Apple Intelligence launched in 2024 with strict hardware requirements. You have to have an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to use Apple\u2019s AI features.<\/p>\n iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, and all older iPhones, do not support Apple Intelligence.<\/p>\n So even though iOS 27 will likely<\/a> be compatible with iPhone 12 and newer, anyone with an iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or even the iPhone 15 (non-Pro) will miss out on its best features.<\/p>\n Before now, Apple Intelligence arguably hasn\u2019t provided enough reason to motivate upgrades for most users. But in iOS 27, that could very well change.<\/p>\n The biggest AI draw will be Siri itself.<\/p>\n iOS 27\u2019s new Siri is poised to be a massive upgrade for users<\/a>, with a Gemini-inspired LLM foundation, chatbot interface, dedicated app, onscreen and personal context awareness, and much more.<\/p>\n All signs indicate that if your iPhone doesn\u2019t support Apple Intelligence, you\u2019ll be stuck with the old Siri.<\/p>\n Similarly, the vast majority of rumors about iOS 27\u2019s new features mention an AI requirement.<\/p>\n New Photos app features<\/a>, custom wallpaper generation<\/a>, subtitles for all videos<\/a>, natural language Shortcuts creation<\/a>, the Camera app\u2019s new Siri mode<\/a>, Safari improvements<\/a>, and more\u2014all tied to AI.<\/p>\n Apple will have some changes that benefit older iPhones too. But more than ever before, it sounds like iOS 27 will be an AI-heavy update. And as such, it will offer a lot more reason than usual for users with an older iPhone to upgrade.<\/p>\n Do you think AI will start to matter more for iPhone users with iOS 27? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n Best iPhone accessories<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/apple-intelligence-iphone-17-pro.jpg\")
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