# Preparing Your Devices for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27

Essential steps to ensure a smooth update to Apple's latest operating systems.

- **Source:** [OS X Daily](https://brifing.si/source/912712f1-151d-4c88-84fc-ed036da8cfab)
- **Published:** 2026-09-11
- **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering)
- **Original article:** <https://osxdaily.com/2026/09/10/how-to-prepare-for-ios-27-on-iphone-ipados-27-on-ipad/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/947201e9-0e17-4d4a-827a-47dfd01eed17

## Release Date and Overview

iOS 27 for iPhone and iPadOS 27 for iPad are set to release on Monday, September 14. These updates focus heavily on performance improvements, refinements to the Liquid Glass interface, and new Siri AI features. Users updating from OS 26 will see noticeable benefits. The updates will be available around 10:00 AM PDT, but there's no rush to install immediately.

## Compatible Devices

Every iPhone that runs iOS 26 will support iOS 27. However, iPad compatibility is stricter. The iPad Pro 11" 1st gen, iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd gen, iPad Air 3rd gen, iPad 8th gen, and iPad mini 5th gen are excluded. The reason for these exclusions isn't clear, but it's disappointing for owners of these models. Most other iPadOS 26-compatible iPads will run iPadOS 27.

## Storage Requirements

To download and install iOS 27 or iPadOS 27, ensure your device has at least 30GB of free storage. This doesn’t mean the update will use all that space, but it needs room to complete the process. Delete unused apps, old files, media, podcasts, and shows to free up space. This step is crucial to avoid installation issues.

## App Updates

After clearing space, update all apps to ensure compatibility with iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Developers have been preparing these updates for months, and many apps are already optimized for Apple's latest system software. Updating apps now will prevent potential crashes or performance issues post-update.

## Backup Your Data

Backing up your device is critical before any major update. Use iCloud for an easy backup solution, or connect via USB to a Mac or Windows PC for a local backup. Local backups allow downgrading if needed, though iOS 27's performance focus makes this unlikely. Backups preserve photos, notes, messages, and other personal data.

## Apple Watch and Apple TV Updates

If you have an Apple Watch, update it to watchOS 27 after installing iOS 27. This usually happens automatically but can be initiated manually. Apple TV will update to tvOS 27 automatically when connected to the internet, or you can manually trigger it via Settings > General > Software Update.

## Beta Testers Note

Beta testers running iOS 27 RC will receive the final version on September 14. To avoid future beta updates, disable beta updates in Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. This prevents unintended installation of iOS 27.1 or later beta versions.

## Final Recommendations

iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 are recommended updates due to their performance enhancements and new features. While you can install immediately, waiting briefly is fine. Ensure your devices are prepared, backed up, and updated for the best experience. Don’t forget to update other Apple devices like your Watch and TV for full compatibility.

## Sources covering this story

- https://osxdaily.com/2026/09/10/how-to-prepare-for-ios-27-on-iphone-ipados-27-on-ipad/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._