Apple has officially introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, bringing an eye-catching ‘Liquid Glass’ aesthetic and a host of new features. This is exciting news for many Apple users, as a significant number of devices will support this latest update.
You might be surprised to learn that there haven’t been a flurry of updates since iOS 18 in 2024, as Apple has skipped several versions. Instead of releasing iOS 19 this year, we jumped straight to iOS 26, which is part of a synchronized launch alongside iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. It’s a refreshing change that aligns Apple’s operating system numbering.
If you’re curious about whether your iPhone is eligible for the iOS 26 upgrade, you’re in the right place. This update supports devices dating back to 2019, which means a lot of users can enjoy the latest software enhancements.
Which iPhone models can download iOS 26?
To upgrade to iOS 26, your iPhone needs to have at least an A13 Bionic chip. Fortunately, this criterion means six generations of iPhones are included in this update, providing broad compatibility.
Here’s the list of models that can access the new iOS 26:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
However, the following three models will not receive the iOS 26 update, having last been updated with iOS 18:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
This isn’t a huge shock, given that these models are now eight years old. If you own one of these iPhones, it might be wise to consider an upgrade this year for access to the latest features and security enhancements.
When will my iPhone get iOS 26?
For those with compatible models, Apple has indicated that the final version of iOS 26 will roll out in Fall 2025, likely around September. Traditionally, Apple releases its operating system updates shortly after unveiling new iPhones, suggesting that iOS 26 will be available following the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17.
If you can’t wait until September, a public beta version of iOS 26 will be available in July. Keep in mind that this beta software may come with bugs, so if your iPhone is essential for daily use, it may be best to hold off on downloading the beta.
Will my iPhone support iOS 26 when it’s released? The answer depends on your device model, and if it’s an A13 Bionic chip or newer, you’re good to go!
If you’re wondering about the performance improvements in iOS 26, you’ll likely see enhanced speed and security features that can profoundly improve your user experience. Plus, the alluring new design will make your device feel fresh and modern.
How can I participate in the new features if I’m currently using an older iPhone? While you can’t upgrade to iOS 26 on unsupported models, consider that many of the latest innovations eventually transition to newer iPhone models. Being informed will help you make informed choices in the future.
For users anxious to get the latest updates, which features should I expect with iOS 26? This new update is set to include various enhancements, particularly in user interface design and application performance, which should feel smoother than ever!
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