Exclusive iOS 26 Perks Unveiled: Compatible Exclusively with Tranquil Topshelf Devices (Newer iPhone Models)
Gear Up for iOS 26: Breaking Down the Devices You Need for New Features
Apple kicked off WWDC 2025 with a heap of tantalizing updates for iOS 26, including innovations like Liquid Glass design, live translations, and Enhanced CarPlay and Messages. But before you get too excited, let's dive into the fine print to determine which iPhones and iPads will give you access to these new features and build a smooth user experience.
The Nitty-Gritty on iOS 26 Compatibility
Needless to say, every feature may not be available on every device that can run iOS 26. Take the eye-catching Lockscreen 3D effect, for instance. According to the whisperings of 9to5mac, you'll need an iPhone 12 or later to get that one.
Now, let's talk about some features that Apple's own website has spilled the beans on:
- Visual Intelligence with Screenshots: Requires iPhone 15 Pro or later
- Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone: Requires iPhone 15 Pro or later
- New Genmoji and Image Playground upgrades: (Details not specified, but likely also require iPhone 15 Pro or later)
Bringing Brains to Your Device: Apple Intelligence
Those keen on experiencing the full spectrum of Apple Intelligence features, including Reminders, Shortcuts actions with AI powers, Messages background creation and poll suggestions, and more, will need an iPhone 15 Pro (or newer) or any iPhone 16 model, iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad and Mac models with M1 and later that have Apple Intelligence enabled, and Siri and device language set to a supported language such as English or French. [1]
Covering All the Basics: Liquid Glass Redesign
Liquid Glass is the sleek new design language Apple is rolling out with iOS 26, which also includes updates to the Lockscreen, but not all Lockscreen modifications appear to be tied to specific devices. While advanced Lockscreen effects like the 3D effect are available on iPhone 15 Pro (and newer) devices, basic refreshments may be more accessible on a wider variety of iPhones that can run iOS 26. [1][3]
Bottom Line
With the release of iOS 26, it pays off to assess your device's capabilities to ensure you can make the most of all its features. If you're eyeing cutting-edge capabilities like 3D effects, Visual Intelligence, and Live Translation, you may want to set your sights on an iPhone 15 Pro (or upcoming models) and beyond.
Sources and Further Reading
- Apple's official website
- 9to5mac
- Engadget, reporting on which devices will miss out on iOS 26 updates.
- To enjoy the 3D Lockscreen effect in iOS 26, an iPhone 12 or later is required, as suggested by 9to5mac.
- For features like Visual Intelligence with Screenshots, Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, and new Genmoji and Image Playground upgrades, an iPhone 15 Pro or later is necessary.
- To access all Apple Intelligence features, including Reminders, Shortcuts actions with AI powers, Messages background creation, poll suggestions, and more, one needs an iPhone 15 Pro (or newer) or any iPhone 16 model, compatible iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad and Mac models with M1 and later that have Apple Intelligence enabled, and Siri and device language set to a supported language like English or French.
){kind=link}