Apple officially unveiled iOS 26 during its WWDC 2025 keynote, showing off a major design overhaul, smarter features powered by AI, and a new naming system that skips version numbers and aligns iOS updates with the calendar year. But with all the upgrades comes the usual catch — some older iPhones won’t be making the cut.
Here’s a look at which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26, and which ones are being left behind.
iPhones That Support iOS 26
If you own any of the following models, you’ll be able to install iOS 26 when it rolls out later this year:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
- 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 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and 16e
- And, of course, the upcoming iPhone 17
Any iPhone not listed above is officially off the list.
Which iPhones Are Losing Support?
If your device falls below the A13 Bionic chip threshold, it’s not getting iOS 26. That means the following models are no longer eligible:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
These models received iOS 18, but iOS 26 will pass them by. While they’ll still work, they won’t get any of the new features or security updates coming with the latest OS.
Read: New AirPods Features in iOS 26: Camera Control and Studio-Quality Audio for Content Creators
A Quick Note on Apple Intelligence
Even among supported devices, not everyone gets the full iOS 26 experience. Apple’s new AI features, grouped under the “Apple Intelligence” banner are only available on newer iPhones powered by the A17 Pro chip and beyond. Right now, that includes:
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- All iPhone 16 models (including the base 16 and 16e)
- iPhone 17 series, when it launches
If your phone isn’t on that list, you’ll still get iOS 26, but you won’t see the new AI tools like live translation, smart call handling, or contextual actions.
When Can You Download It?
- Developer beta: Available now
- Public beta: Launching July 2025
- Official release: Expected around September, alongside the iPhone 17 launch
The Bottom Line
Apple’s making some big moves with iOS 26, but not everyone’s coming along for the ride. If you’re using an iPhone older than the 11, this is where support ends. And if you want the full Apple Intelligence experience, only the latest devices qualify.
If your current iPhone isn’t on the list, now might be a good time to start thinking about an upgrade.
