Your aging iPhone will soon feel a little less creaky and a bit more spring in its step with iOS 27. The update promises to boost app launches by up to 30%, quicken AirDrop transfers by as much as 80% and speed up photo library loading times by 70%. Apple’s got tech-savvy about switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, too.

The secret? Optimizations to the iPhone's CPU scheduler. This is a standard component in operating systems that coordinates work for the CPU, managing app traffic so your current focus runs smoothly. Some of these improvements are thanks to advancements brought down from Apple’s latest devices into iOS 27 for older models like the iPhone 11.

Apple’s move comes amid growing consumer pressure to keep smartphones updated without having to rush for a new model. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for Data and Analytics at research firm IDC, notes that keeping older iPhones functional longer is a big differentiator between iOS and Android. Consumers expect their Apple devices to last longer and retain value, unlike many Android devices which may become obsolete after two or three years.

Keeping customers on older models also opens the door for them to purchase other Apple products like watches or headphones. And with Apple’s services business hitting an all-time revenue record of $31 billion in April, there’s a clear financial incentive for supporting every device possible.