Apple’s iOS 27 Creates a New AI Divide Among iPhone Users

Apple officially unveiled iOS 27 during WWDC 2026, confirming one major surprise for iPhone users — the iPhone 11 lineup will continue receiving software support despite earlier rumours suggesting otherwise. However, while the update reaches a wide range of devices, Apple’s latest AI-powered experiences will remain limited to newer premium iPhones, creating what analysts describe as a growing divide within the iPhone ecosystem.

The iOS 27 will support all devices currently running iOS 26, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11 series, and newer models up to the latest iPhone 17 lineup. At Apple’s keynote event, the company put an end to speculation that older devices would lose support this year.

Still, not every compatible iPhone will receive the same features.

Apple confirmed that its new Siri AI and Apple Intelligence tools will only work on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models. These features rely on Apple’s A17 Pro chip and at least 8GB RAM, hardware unavailable on older and non-Pro models.

That means standard versions of the iPhone 15, as well as the iPhone 14 Pro and earlier devices, will receive iOS 27 but miss out on the biggest AI additions.

The upgraded Siri experience is one of Apple’s headline features this year. The assistant now operates through a dedicated app-like interface similar to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Users can search across apps and the web simultaneously, compose messages, manage schedules, and receive AI-generated answers directly within the system.

While older iPhones will not get Siri AI. Apple says it will still benefit from broader iOS 27 improvements. According to the company, apps will launch up to 30% faster, AirDrop transfers will improve by nearly 80%, and iCloud shared albums will now be compatible with Android, alongside general performance upgrades for ageing devices.

European users, however, face additional restrictions. Apple confirmed that iPhone and iPad users in the European Union will not receive Siri AI at launch due to Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulatory concerns. The delay does not affect Mac, Apple Watch, or Apple Vision Pro users in the EU and the U.K.

The announcement is also expected to affect the resale market for older iPhones.

According to data shared by SellCell, the iPhone SE (2nd gen) has already lost over 90% of its original value, while the iPhone 11 lineup has depreciated between 84% and 88%. The company noted: “Historically, devices that lose software support face additional resale pressure because buyers know their remaining lifespan is becoming more limited.”

However, analysts believe the more important shift could impact newer non-Pro devices.

SellCell warned: “The bigger resale story may be whether consumers begin placing a premium on Apple Intelligence-capable devices. If they do, newer non-Pro models such as the iPhone 15 could face greater resale pressure than many expect.”

Current market estimates show the standard iPhone 15 retaining nearly 40% of its launch value, but experts expect that gap to widen once buyers fully understand the AI limitations compared to Pro models.

For users wanting complete access to all iOS 27 capabilities, refurbished iPhone 15 Pro devices are now emerging as the most affordable entry point into Apple’s new AI ecosystem.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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