iOS 27 Coming to Older iPhones May Just Be Apple’s Winning Strategy


Apple’s iOS 27, unveiled at WWDC 2026, will be coming to iPhone models as old as the iPhone 11 series that launched in 2019. While eight years of software support is unprecedented, it’s also potentially more necessary than ever.

Even though the iPhone 11 is unlikely to support any of the newer Apple Intelligence-related features, the additional year of fresh software support comes amid two important moments in the tech industry.

The most obvious has been the overall increased cost of electronics, attributed to factors like the ongoing RAM shortage and concerns over rising tariffs over the past few years. We’ve seen several phone companies push phone prices up by as much as $200 between their 2025 and 2026 models — in some cases, phone prices have even increased after their initial release.

But perhaps less publicized is the second-hand market, where older iPhone models remain easy to obtain. The iPhone 11 with 256GB of space costs $209 as of this writing on Amazon. In a recent CNET poll surveying 2,600 adults, over 48% said they have considered purchasing a refurbished device, citing cost-effectiveness and the high cost of new electronics as the primary motivators.

Both factors point to a trend that people are aiming to keep their phones longer than ever and are willing to make use of devices that aren’t the latest and greatest but are perfectly capable of their overall needs. I’ve contacted Apple asking about how many iPhone 11 users are out there (an answer I’m not expecting to get), but there’s other evidence that people are using older iPhones and can use the additional software support.

Apple has reasons to take care of customers on older iPhones

Apple’s iPhone line typically tops the lists for bestselling smartphones around the world, and as such, it’s not too surprising to hear that Apple’s also one of the biggest sellers of refurbished phones. According to an October 2025 report from analytics firm Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 all drove refurbished sales growth in Africa, India and Southeast Asia. 

In markets more like the US, the refurbished market had flatter growth between 2024 and 2025, with the report citing longer replacement cycles and rising costs driving customers to delay upgrading.

With fewer people upgrading, Apple may be taking a closer look at ensuring customers who are still using older devices aren’t left in a lurch with devices that are harder to use. In January of this year, iPhone models running iOS 12 and later received a small update that helped ensure that iMessage and FaceTime would still function on models as old as the iPhone 5S from 2013. And even when Apple does sunset iOS updates for an iPhone, the company historically provides several additional years of security updates.

iPhone 13 Mini

The only way to get a smaller iPhone 13 Mini is to buy one used, and in some cases, that’s exactly what people are doing.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Supporting older iPhone models can help stem people from moving to Android

As phone prices increase, Apple’s ongoing support of older iPhone models could be a defensive strategy. While Samsung, Motorola and Google have a plethora of new Android phones that sell for under $500, Apple’s entry-level price for a new phone is now $600 (the iPhone 17E released earlier this year).

Making 2019’s iPhone 11 feel a little fresher with iOS 27 provides an additional reason for an iPhone user to stick around in Apple’s ecosystem without needing to consider a switch to Android where they might get a phone with a bigger battery or newer camera for less money than a new iPhone.

Giving reasons to stay on an iPhone is more important since Apple’s also being driven (largely by the European Union) to support more open technologies that put the iPhone and Android phones on a more level playing field. This includes RCS text messaging that makes many iMessage-like features work across iPhone and Android, and eSIM features that make it easier to transfer your phone number from an iPhone to Android.

Apple providing a currently industry-leading eight years of support to its iPhone 11 is a small feather in its cap that can be touted to one-up Android until similar commitments are made by companies like Samsung, Google and Motorola.





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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