Apple Bets iOS 27 AI Features Will Drive iPhone Upgrades Beyond 4 Dropped Models

12 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · May 29

iOS 27 is expected to push more iPhone upgrades than usual because many headline features will work only on Apple Intelligence-capable devices, not just because support may end for four older models.
Apple Intelligence currently requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, meaning even iPhone 15 and 15 Plus users would likely miss the biggest iOS 27 additions despite broader software compatibility reportedly extending back to iPhone 12.
Siri appears to be the main upgrade hook: rumors point to a large-language-model overhaul, chatbot-style interface, dedicated app, and deeper on-screen and personal-context awareness.
Other rumored AI-gated features include new Photos tools, custom wallpaper generation, subtitles for all videos, natural-language Shortcuts creation, a Siri-powered Camera mode, and Safari upgrades.
Apple has long supported older iPhones for years, but an AI-heavy iOS 27 would mark a sharper split between basic software access and full feature access, raising pressure to buy newer hardware.

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