Which iPhones Support iOS 27? What It Means for Resale Value in the UK

Which iPhones Support iOS 27? What It Means for Resale Value in the UK

Apple's official iOS 27 compatibility list starts with the iPhone 11 and includes every mainstream generation released since, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). However, simply supporting iOS 27 does not mean an iPhone supports every new feature. Apple Intelligence and the new Siri AI require substantially newer hardware, including the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max or iPhone 16 and later models.

For UK owners thinking about upgrading or selling, that difference matters. Software support helps an older iPhone remain useful, while access to newer AI features can make newer models more attractive in the second-hand market.

However, iOS compatibility alone does not determine what your phone is worth. Model, storage, cosmetic condition, battery health and faults still play a major part in resale value.

If you are already considering an upgrade, you can find your device and check its current trade-in value with Sell My iPhone.

Quick answer: If you own an iPhone 11 or newer, Apple currently lists your phone as compatible with iOS 27. The iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) also qualifies. However, Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 or newer.

When is iOS 27 coming out?

Apple previewed iOS 27 at WWDC in June 2026 and says the software update will arrive this autumn.

As of 28 August 2026, Apple still describes iOS 27 as a preview rather than the final public release. Therefore, sellers should avoid describing a phone as already running the finished version unless that is genuinely the case. Apple currently describes Siri AI as coming in English later in 2026.

iOS 27 is more than a routine update

The headline feature is Apple's new Siri AI experience. Apple also plans wider improvements to performance and apps across iOS.

However, some of the most prominent capabilities depend on Apple Intelligence. Consequently, there is now an important distinction between an iPhone that can install iOS 27 and one that can access Apple's newest AI features.

That distinction could become increasingly relevant when people compare used iPhones.

Which iPhones support iOS 27?

Apple currently lists a broad range of compatible phones.

Older supported devices extend back to the iPhone 11 family, which originally arrived in 2019. Meanwhile, the iPhone SE remains supported from the second generation onwards.

Full iOS 27 compatibility list

Therefore, an owner of an iPhone 11, 12 or 13 does not need to upgrade simply because iOS 27 is arriving.

Those devices remain on Apple's compatibility list.

If you are not certain whether you have a standard, Pro, Pro Max or another variant, check our guide to finding your exact iPhone model and storage before selling.

Getting this right matters because the model and storage capacity can affect the value of the handset.

Which iPhones get Apple Intelligence with iOS 27?

This is where the compatibility question becomes more complicated.

Apple Intelligence does not work across every iPhone that supports iOS 27.

The hardware requirement is much newer

Apple currently lists Apple Intelligence compatibility for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, every iPhone 16 model and the newer iPhone 17-generation devices.

That means the compatible iPhones include:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17e
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro

Consequently, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus can run iOS 27 but do not appear on Apple's current Apple Intelligence compatibility list.

The same applies to the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 families.

iOS support and feature support are now different things

Previously, buyers could often think about software support in fairly simple terms: does the phone receive the latest iOS version or not?

Increasingly, that answer no longer tells the whole story.

An iPhone 13 and an iPhone 16 may both run iOS 27, for example. However, their available features differ because the newer handset supports Apple Intelligence.

That creates another factor for buyers to consider when comparing second-hand models.

Example: Someone choosing between a cheaper used iPhone 14 Pro and an iPhone 16 may find that both support iOS 27. However, the iPhone 16 also supports Apple Intelligence. A buyer who specifically wants Apple's AI features may therefore favour the newer handset even if the iPhone 14 Pro remains fully usable.

Does iOS 27 support increase an iPhone's resale value?

Supporting the latest major version of iOS is positive for an older iPhone, but it does not automatically make the handset more valuable overnight.

Instead, software compatibility helps preserve usefulness.

Current software can help an older phone remain desirable

Someone considering an older iPhone generally wants confidence that it can still run current apps and remain practical for everyday use.

Continued iOS support helps with that.

For example, Apple's inclusion of the iPhone 11 on the iOS 27 list means a relatively old model remains relevant to users who do not need Apple's newest hardware.

That is more attractive than a handset that has already fallen outside current major software support.

There is no fixed 'iOS 27 premium'

You should not assume that installing iOS 27 adds a particular number of pounds to your phone's value.

Trade-in prices depend on the wider second-hand market as well as the exact handset.

More important factors commonly include:

• the exact iPhone model
• storage capacity
• cosmetic condition
• battery health
• whether major functions work
• account and device status
• current demand for that model

Sell My iPhone's valuation process asks you to identify your device and select details such as storage, network and condition before generating a value. You can search for your iPhone and start a valuation here.

Could Apple Intelligence affect used iPhone values?

Potentially, and this may become more important than basic iOS compatibility.

Apple has placed Apple Intelligence and Siri AI at the centre of its current software strategy. Therefore, buyers may increasingly distinguish between phones that receive normal iOS updates and those that also support Apple's latest AI features.

New features can change buyer priorities

Imagine someone buying an iPhone they expect to keep for another three years.

They may care less about whether two models can both install iOS 27 today and more about which phone gives them access to Apple's newer features during that ownership period.

For such a buyer, Apple Intelligence compatibility could make an iPhone 15 Pro more attractive than a standard iPhone 15.

Similarly, it could strengthen the appeal of an iPhone 16 compared with an older generation.

If you own an iPhone 16 Pro specifically, you can check the current Sell My iPhone valuation options for the iPhone 16 Pro.

Owners of Apple's larger model can similarly check the iPhone 16 Pro Max trade-in page.

Not every buyer cares about AI

However, sellers should not assume that Apple Intelligence suddenly makes every older iPhone undesirable.

Many buyers prioritise price, camera quality, display size, battery life or simply owning a reliable iPhone.

An iPhone 12 or 13 can still satisfy those needs while receiving iOS 27.

Consequently, AI compatibility is an additional resale factor rather than a dividing line between valuable and worthless phones.

Should you sell an iPhone that does not support Apple Intelligence?

Not necessarily.

The absence of Apple Intelligence is one reason you might choose to upgrade, but it should not force the decision by itself.

Keep the phone if it still does what you need

If your iPhone works well, receives iOS 27 and meets your everyday requirements, keeping it can make perfect sense.

Replacing a perfectly useful phone simply because another model has additional software features may cost far more than the practical benefit you receive.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 11 through iPhone 14 generations still gain the important benefit of remaining on Apple's latest major iOS compatibility list.

Consider selling if you already intend to upgrade

The decision changes if you were planning to replace the phone anyway.

In that situation, software developments can affect timing because older devices generally face stronger competition as newer generations become established in the used market.

Your phone also continues to age while you wait.

Battery condition can worsen, scratches can accumulate and market prices can move.

Our detailed guide explains when the best time to sell an iPhone in the UK may be.

Sell My iPhone also states that emailed quoted prices are guaranteed for 14 days when the device received matches the quoted condition, so it makes sense to request a valuation when you are genuinely ready to send the handset.

Does losing iOS support make an iPhone worthless?

No. An iPhone does not become worthless the moment Apple stops including it in its newest major iOS release.

However, losing current software compatibility can gradually reduce its appeal.

Older phones can still have a market

A device outside the newest iOS list may still make calls, take photographs and run many apps.

Some buyers deliberately choose inexpensive older handsets for children, work, secondary use or basic everyday tasks.

In addition, a handset that no longer makes sense for conventional resale may retain value through refurbishment or parts recovery.

Sell My iPhone accepts a range of working and damaged devices, while its FAQs explain that some devices with no resale value can instead enter a recycling route. You can read the Sell My iPhone FAQs here.

Software age is only one part of condition

Consider two older iPhones of the same model.

One has a clean display, healthy battery and fully working cameras. The other has poor battery health, cracked glass and a faulty charging port.

Their software support is identical, yet their commercial condition is very different.

Therefore, you should not judge your phone's resale prospects from iOS compatibility alone.

If your handset has physical or functional damage, our guide to pricing a broken iPhone in the UK explains how different faults can influence the selling decision.

What about the iPhone 11?

The iPhone 11 is one of the more interesting devices on Apple's compatibility list because Apple originally launched it in 2019.

Despite its age, Apple currently includes the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max in the iOS 27 list.

That is good news for current owners

Software support gives owners another reason to continue using an iPhone 11 if the handset remains in good condition.

It also gives second-hand buyers more confidence than they might have if Apple had ended major iOS compatibility.

However, age creates other considerations.

Many iPhone 11 devices have now accumulated years of battery cycles, cosmetic wear or previous repairs. Consequently, the individual handset's condition may influence resale value more heavily than its eligibility for iOS 27.

Check battery health before valuing an older iPhone

Battery condition becomes increasingly relevant as a phone ages.

Before selling, check the battery information available in Settings and describe the handset accurately.

Sell My iPhone's published grading rules currently specify different battery requirements depending on grade. For example, its terms require at least 90% battery health for its highest used grade and at least 85% for its Average and Poor grades.

Read our full explanation of how iPhone battery health affects resale value in the UK.

You can also check Sell My iPhone's FAQs and current grading information before choosing a condition.

What about iPhone 12 and iPhone 13?

Both generations remain inside the iOS 27 compatibility list.

That can make them interesting second-hand options because they offer more modern hardware than the iPhone 11 while generally sitting below the newest iPhones in the market.

Neither generation gets Apple Intelligence

The limitation is the same one facing several other older models.

Neither the iPhone 12 nor iPhone 13 family appears on Apple's Apple Intelligence compatibility list.

Nevertheless, owners still receive iOS 27 itself.

For buyers who do not care strongly about AI features, those phones may therefore remain perfectly reasonable choices.

The mini models still have a distinctive selling point

Apple's compatibility list also includes the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini.

Some buyers specifically prefer a smaller handset. Consequently, an older device can retain appeal even when newer phones offer substantially more processing power.

That illustrates why model-specific demand matters. Age alone does not determine value.

What about the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15?

These generations illustrate why sellers should separate iOS compatibility from Apple Intelligence compatibility.

All iPhone 14 models receive iOS 27

Apple lists the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max as compatible with iOS 27.

However, none appears on Apple's current Apple Intelligence compatibility list.

That means an iPhone 14 Pro can remain a capable and desirable used handset while still missing Apple's headline AI platform.

The iPhone 15 generation splits in two

All four iPhone 15 models support iOS 27:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max

However, Apple Intelligence supports only the Pro and Pro Max models from that generation.

Therefore, someone selling an iPhone 15 should identify the exact model rather than assuming every member of the range has the same feature set.

Again, this is why confirming your specification matters. Use our guide to check your exact iPhone model and storage before requesting a quote.

Should you update to iOS 27 before selling your iPhone?

You do not need to install a major software update purely to make an iPhone saleable.

Once Apple releases the final version, current software may reassure some buyers. However, preparing the phone correctly matters much more than chasing a particular iOS version.

Back up your data first

Before selling, make sure you have transferred or backed up anything you want to keep.

Sell My iPhone has a dedicated six-step guide to preparing your mobile phone for sale, covering backups, locks, accounts, data erasure and other practical steps.

Do this before wiping the handset.

Remove iCloud and Find My correctly

An iPhone that remains linked to the previous owner's Apple account can cause serious problems for a trade-in.

Sell My iPhone therefore provides a separate guide to removing iCloud from your iPhone before trade-in.

If the device is already account locked and you are unsure what that means for selling, read Can You Sell an iCloud-Locked iPhone in the UK?.

Do not install beta software simply to increase value

As of late August 2026, Apple still labels iOS 27 as a preview and says the public release is coming this autumn.

Running beta software offers no guaranteed resale-value benefit.

Instead, concentrate on backing up your data, removing your accounts and describing the device accurately.

Important: Installing the newest version of iOS is not the same thing as preparing an iPhone for resale. Your personal data, Apple account, Find My status, SIM and physical condition all need separate attention.

What matters more than iOS 27 when selling?

Software compatibility makes a useful headline, but the physical handset still drives much of its value.

Model and storage

An iPhone 15 Pro Max does not have the same market value as a standard iPhone 15, even though both belong to the same generation.

Storage also matters.

Always identify the correct specification before requesting a valuation.

Check your iPhone model and storage correctly before selling if you are unsure.

Battery condition

A tired battery reduces the day-to-day usefulness of an older phone.

Consequently, battery condition can influence both grade and valuation.

Read how iPhone battery health affects resale value before deciding whether your handset's battery needs attention.

Cosmetic condition

Scratches, dents, cracked glass and frame damage affect how a second-hand handset can be graded.

Sell My iPhone publishes its current grading criteria within its terms and conditions, including requirements covering cosmetic condition, battery health, functionality, account clearance and replacement-part warnings.

You can also use the Sell My iPhone FAQs for a simpler overview of how devices are assessed.

Functional faults

Camera, charging, speaker, microphone, touchscreen, Face ID or other faults can affect value.

Describe problems accurately rather than hoping an inspection will miss them.

Sell My iPhone also lists a Faulty grade for certain damaged devices, although the exact condition and number of defects can affect the offer.

If you are dealing with damage, read How to Price a Broken iPhone in the UK.

A practical example: iPhone 13 versus iPhone 15 Pro

Imagine two UK iPhone owners considering an upgrade in August 2026.

These examples illustrate the decision rather than representing specific Sell My iPhone valuations.

Owner one has an iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 remains compatible with iOS 27.

It does not support Apple Intelligence, but the owner remains happy with its camera, performance and size. Battery health is acceptable and the phone has only light cosmetic wear.

There is no technical requirement for this owner to sell simply because iOS 27 is coming.

Keeping the handset remains a perfectly reasonable option.

Owner two has an iPhone 15 Pro

The second owner already intended to upgrade.

Their iPhone 15 Pro supports both iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence.

That feature compatibility may support buyer interest compared with some similarly aged handsets that do not offer Apple Intelligence.

However, waiting indefinitely still carries normal resale risks. Market prices can change, while the phone continues accumulating battery cycles and cosmetic wear.

Neither decision comes from software alone

The iPhone 13 owner may sensibly keep their phone, while the iPhone 15 Pro owner may sensibly sell.

The difference comes from their plans, device condition and feature requirements rather than a rule saying every older phone must be replaced after a software announcement.

If you decide that selling makes sense, start by finding your device on Sell My iPhone.

How to decide whether to keep or sell your iPhone

Instead of basing the decision on one Apple announcement, use a short checklist.

Keep your current iPhone if:

• it supports the apps and software you need
• its battery still performs adequately
• the handset works properly
• Apple Intelligence is not important to you
• upgrading would provide little practical benefit

Consider selling if:

• you already planned to upgrade
• you specifically want Apple Intelligence features
• your old iPhone is sitting unused
• its condition is likely to deteriorate
• you would prefer to realise its remaining value now

Ultimately, the strongest reason to sell is not simply that Apple announced iOS 27.

It is that your old device no longer fits your needs and still has resale value that you would rather put towards something else.

Thinking about upgrading? Check what your iPhone could be worth with Sell My iPhone. Choose the correct model, storage, network and condition so the valuation reflects the handset you actually own.

What happens once you decide to sell?

The software question is only the first part of the process.

A well-prepared device is easier to inspect and process.

Check its condition accurately

First, compare the handset with Sell My iPhone's current grading criteria.

The company uses categories including New, Very Good, Average, Poor and Faulty in its published terms.

For more information, visit the Sell My iPhone FAQs.

Prepare the handset

Next, use the device preparation guide.

That includes backing up your information, removing locks and accounts, erasing personal data and preparing the physical handset for dispatch.

Remove your Apple account

For an iPhone, follow the iCloud removal guide before sending the handset.

This step matters because an account-linked device can delay normal processing.

Keep evidence of the device

Sell My iPhone recommends photographing the handset before sending it and keeping a note of its IMEI.

That gives you a useful record of the device and its condition before dispatch.

Could iOS 27 change used-iPhone demand later in 2026?

It may influence what buyers search for, but no single software update determines the entire second-hand market.

The more interesting development is the widening gap between phones that merely run the latest iOS and phones that also support Apple's newest intelligence features.

Feature compatibility may become more visible

As Apple promotes Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, consumers may increasingly ask whether a used handset supports those features before buying it.

That could support demand for models such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 family and iPhone 17 generation.

By contrast, older phones may compete more heavily on affordability and condition.

Older supported iPhones still have a role

Not everybody needs the newest technology.

A buyer who wants an affordable iPhone for messaging, banking, photographs and everyday apps may care far more about price, battery and condition than AI capabilities.

Therefore, continued iOS 27 compatibility keeps a broad range of older iPhones relevant even as Apple's newest features become more hardware-dependent.

The key takeaway for UK iPhone sellers

Apple's iOS 27 compatibility list is good news for owners of older iPhones.

The iPhone 11 remains supported, as do every mainstream generation after it and the iPhone SE from the second generation onwards.

However, the more significant distinction for resale could increasingly become Apple Intelligence compatibility.

Apple currently supports Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone 16 family and newer compatible iPhones.

That does not make an iPhone 11, 12, 13 or 14 suddenly undesirable.

Instead, the second-hand market now includes older models that still receive current software and newer devices that also provide Apple's latest AI capabilities.

For sellers, the practical rule remains simple.

Check the exact model. Understand its software support. Assess the battery and physical condition. Prepare the device properly. Then compare its current resale value rather than assuming a software announcement has made it either valuable or worthless.

If you are ready to sell, search for your device and get a current Sell My iPhone valuation.

Frequently asked questions

iOS 27 compatibility

Which is the oldest iPhone that supports iOS 27?

Apple's current compatibility list starts with the iPhone 11 family. That includes the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Apple also supports the iPhone SE from the 2nd generation onwards. You can see Apple's official iOS 27 compatibility information.

Does the iPhone 12 support iOS 27?

Yes. Apple lists the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max as compatible with iOS 27.

Does the iPhone 13 support iOS 27?

Yes. The iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max all appear on Apple's current iOS 27 compatibility list.

Apple Intelligence and older iPhones

Does iPhone 14 get Apple Intelligence with iOS 27?

No. The iPhone 14 family supports iOS 27, but Apple does not include those models on its current Apple Intelligence compatibility list.

Does the standard iPhone 15 support Apple Intelligence?

No. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus support iOS 27, but Apple Intelligence requires the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max from that generation.

You can check Apple's current Apple Intelligence compatibility list directly.

Selling an iPhone after iOS 27

Does iOS 27 make my iPhone worth more?

There is no fixed increase in resale value simply because an iPhone supports iOS 27.

Current software support can help keep an older device useful and attractive, but model, storage, cosmetic condition, battery health and market demand remain important.

You can check your current device value here.

Should I sell my iPhone because it does not support Apple Intelligence?

Only if the missing features matter to you or you already intend to upgrade.

An iPhone 11, 12, 13 or 14 can still support iOS 27 and remain useful even though it does not support Apple Intelligence.

What should I do before sending my iPhone?

Back up anything you want to keep, remove your Apple account and Find My, remove the SIM, erase your personal data and check the phone's physical condition.

Sell My iPhone provides a complete device preparation guide and a separate iCloud removal guide.

How does Sell My iPhone decide the condition of my phone?

Condition depends on factors including cosmetic wear, functionality, battery condition, account status and, for Apple devices, certain replacement-part warnings.

You can read the Sell My iPhone FAQs or review the detailed Sell My iPhone terms and grading criteria.

References and further reading

• Apple — iOS 27 Preview
• Apple — Apple Intelligence and Siri
• Apple Newsroom — WWDC26: Apple unveils next generation of Apple Intelligence, Siri AI and more
• Sell My iPhone — Sell Your Device
• Sell My iPhone — Preparing Your Mobile Phone for Sale
• Sell My iPhone — Removing iCloud From Your iPhone
• Sell My iPhone — Frequently Asked Questions
• Sell My iPhone — Terms, Conditions and Device Grading Criteria
• Sell My iPhone — How to Check Your iPhone Model and Storage Correctly Before Selling
• Sell My iPhone — How iPhone Battery Health Affects Resale Value in the UK
• Sell My iPhone — When Is the Best Time to Sell Your iPhone in the UK?
• Sell My iPhone — How to Price a Broken iPhone in the UK