Apple Expands Markup Tools to 3 Apps in iOS 27 and macOS 27

Q: Will these impressive OS updates require the latest hardware, or can all users enjoy the full creative experience?

No. The new drawing and Markup upgrades in iOS 27 and macOS 27 are expected to reach a broad range of supported devices, but the full experience will vary by hardware. For the core features in this story—Markup tools coming to Messages on iPhone and to Notes and Freeform on Mac—there is no clear sign they are limited to only the newest models. If your iPhone or Mac supports iOS 27 or macOS 27, you should generally get those drawing and annotation improvements. The limits appear when Apple’s broader AI-powered features are included. On iPhone, the most advanced on-device Apple Intelligence features are reported to require newer models such as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. On Mac, Apple Intelligence runs on Apple silicon machines, but the most powerful on-device models are expected to need an M3 chip or newer with at least 12GB of memory. Intel Macs are reportedly excluded from macOS 27 altogether. Accessory support also matters. Users can still draw with a finger or trackpad/mouse, but features tied to Apple Pencil—such as squeeze, double-tap tool switching, pressure control, and barrel roll—depend on newer Pencil hardware and compatible iPads, not just the OS update itself. So, most users on supported devices should get the new Markup-based creative tools, but not everyone will get every advanced AI or stylus-driven capability. The broad update is widely accessible; the fullest creative setup still favors newer hardware.

3 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Jun 12

Messages on iOS 27 gains a new Drawing option in the app drawer, bringing Apple’s full Markup toolset into the chat app instead of the older limited sketch feature.
Notes and Freeform on macOS 27 also add Markup tools, extending Apple’s drawing features across more built-in apps on both iPhone and Mac.
iOS 27 and macOS 27 are already in developer beta, with Apple expected to release both updates to the public in September.