Apple's iOS 26 Compatibility: Which iPhones Make the Cut?
Upgrade Alert for All iPhones: Check If Your Device is Compatible with iOS 26 Update
Get ready for the latest iteration of Apple's operating system, iOS 26, slated to drop later this year! But before you pop the champagne, let's talk about those iPhones that won't be dancing along with the new OS.
At Apple's annual WWDC keynote livestream, Tim Cook and the gang showcased iOS 26's enticing features - from the innovative "Liquid Glass" design language to a more intuitive camera and photos organization. But as we leap ahead to iOS 26, it's important to acknowledge that the party won't be for every iPhone. Here's the rundown of compatible devices:
- iPhone SE (second gen and beyond only)
- iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the yet-to-be-announced iPhone 17 too!
Now, if you own an iPhone earlier than the iPhone 11, it's time to start thinking about an upgrade if you don't want to miss out on iOS 26's new features. iPhone X line owners, who were able to enjoy iOS 18 last year, will soon find themselves needing an upgrade as well. It's also essential to note that Apple-related features will be limited to iPhone 15 and 16 models until the 17 is revealed.
Stay tuned for more details on iOS 26's release, but expect it to drop before the end of the year!
Topics: Apple, iOS, iPhone, WWDC
Rollover Support:
- iPhone 16 models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e.
- iPhone 15 models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max (though the Pro Max is not explicitly mentioned in all sources).
- Older Models: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone SE (second generation or later).
Phased Out:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
These models won't get iOS 26 support.
- Apple's upcoming iOS 26 will be supported on a range of iPhones, including the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and 16e.
- If you own an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR, you should expect those devices to be phased out and will not receive iOS 26 support.
- The latest features of iOS 26, such as the innovative "Liquid Glass" design language, a more intuitive camera, and improved photos organization, will only be available on the iPhone 15, 16, and 17 models, as older models will have limited Apple-related features until the iPhone 17 is revealed.
- As the rollout of iOS 26 approaches, consider upgrading your iPhone X model or earlier, or even purchasing Apple's iPhone 17 to take advantage of the new operating system's features.
