Apple Unveils iOS 26 Support: Is Your iPhone Compatible? Here’s What You Need To Check
Most iPhones released since 2019 are expected to support iOS 26, but it’s still better to verify your device’s compatibility.
Apple users can now access the iOS 26 public beta, but not all iPhones will make the cut this year. As reported by Engadget, Apple has officially removed some older models from the compatibility list, confirming that only iPhones launched in 2019 or later will be able to run the new update.
The iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are three devices that will no longer support the latest operating system. These models, all introduced in 2018, have been excluded from the iOS 26 rollout, marking a shift from last year, when Apple did not drop any devices from its eligibility list.
The full list of iPhones that will support iOS 26 includes:
iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
This compatibility list means that users with devices released in or after 2019 are in the clear. The users of unsupported models will not be able to download or install iOS 26 once it’s released in its final form.
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Apple is expected to roll out iOS 26 officially in mid-September, coinciding with the launch of its next iPhone lineup. An exact date is likely to be confirmed during the company’s annual product event in early September.
As per the Engadget report, users who choose to keep using unsupported models should be aware that they will miss out on critical security updates and future app compatibility. This may expose devices to increased vulnerability over time.
Apple’s iOS 26 update brings a series of design and functionality upgrades to streamline user experience and improve cross-device consistency. One of the visual changes is the introduction of the “Liquid Glass” design, which revamps the home screen with updated app icons, dark mode options, transparent effects and floating-style buttons.
The Phone app has also been redesigned, allowing users to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemails within a single view. A new “Hold Assist” feature notifies users when a support agent joins the call, eliminating the need to stay on hold.
Another addition is the “Live Translate” feature that enables real-time translation of conversations during phone calls or text exchanges with speakers of different languages. Group chats in the Messages app will also see the rollout of a polls feature to simplify group decision-making without the usual flood of back-and-forth messages.
