Introduction: Why iOS 26 Is a Big Deal
Apple officially unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025—and it's more than just another yearly update. This release brings a dramatic visual refresh, powerful AI features, and marks a shift in how Apple names its OS—aligning the version with the calendar year.
Dubbed the “Liquid Glass” redesign, it's touted as the most sweeping interface change since iOS 7. On the inside, Apple Intelligence adds real-time translation, smarter call handling, and privacy-first AI right on the device.
But here's the twist: not all iPhones will get these goodies. Let's walk through exactly who’s in—and who's missing out.
What’s New in iOS 26
Liquid Glass Design
A flexible, translucent interface inspired by Vision Pro—buttons, Control Center, dock, and even lock-screen elements glow and adapt dynamically .Apple Intelligence & AI Features
Live Translation in Messages, Phone, FaceTime—even across platforms and non-iPhone users—with on-device processing for privacy.
Hold Assist: the phone waits on hold and alerts you when a human agent is connected.Call Screening: auto-screens unknown numbers, transcribes calls, and helps filter spam.
Also: Genmoji, smarter Shortcuts, Visual Intelligence in apps, and a new Game app hub.Smarter Battery Tools
Adaptive Power Mode adjusts based on usage patterns, and Battery Insights shows which apps are draining the most juice.Enhanced App Experiences
Messages gets polls and richer group chat design.Phone app integrates call screening and Hold Assist with unified tabs.
Camera, Safari, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and CarPlay all see redesigns and clean-up.When Will It Launch?
Developer beta is already live from June 9, 2025Public beta expected in July 2025.
Full rollout likely around September 16, 2025, shortly after the new iPhone 17 announcement.Which iPhones Are Compatible?
Supported iPhones
Per Apple and major outlets, any iPhone with at least an A13 chip qualifies—with a few key exclusions. Here's the full list:
Newest generation: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e
iPhone 15 (all models)iPhone 14 (all models)
iPhone 13 (all models)
iPhone 12 (all models)iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd gen – A13) and SE (3rd gen – A15).
Dropped Models
Unfortunately, support stops at older chipsets. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (released in 2018, all A12 chips) will not receive the update—and remain stuck on iOS 18.
In other words, if you're using anything older than an iPhone 11 or any SE before 2nd gen, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Why Apple May Have Dropped Those Models
Hardware Limits: Those A12 chips aren’t cut out for the new UI demands and on-device AI.Apple’s shift away from supporting all iOS 17-compatible devices, breaking a pattern seen in last year’s iOS 18, signals a new realism about device longevity .
What This Means for You
If you have an iPhone 11 or newer (or SE 2/3): you’re set. Enjoy the Liquid Glass look, AI tools, battery smarts, and more.If you’re on XR, XS, or XS Max: no iOS 26 means missing out on major new features and likely reduced security updates
Older models (iPhone X, 8, 7, etc.) are already out of the update cycle and won’t be supported.Expert Insight
Tech outlets like Tom’s Guide emphasize the 2018 iPhones reaching the end of their lifecycle:
After weeks of speculation … the iPhone XS and XR won’t support iOS 26
Meanwhile, 9to5Mac flags a crucial nuance:
Even if a model can run iOS 26, it won’t necessarily get all features. AI features will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models
Apple confirms this tiering: only newer Pro models get full Apple Intelligence tools .
iOS 26 Is a Big Leap—But Not for Everyone
iOS 26 is a landmark release. With its beautiful Liquid Glass design, powerful on-device AI, enriched apps, and smarter battery life, it's Apple’s most ambitious update in years.
For users with iPhone 11 and newer, it’s a compelling evolution. But if you're on an older model—especially the XR, XS, or XS Max—you’ll miss out entirely. Though security updates may still trickle through iOS 18, the fastest, smartest, most visually modern iOS experience simply isn’t coming to those devices.
If you value cutting-edge features, privacy-first AI, and want to ride the wave of Apple’s UI revolution, now is a good time to upgrade.
Quick Summary Table
| iPhone Model |
iOS 26 Support |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 & newer | ✅ Supported | Full update eligibility |
| iPhone SE (2nd/3rd) | ✅ Supported | Even with A13/A15 chips |
| iPhone XR/XS/XS Max | ❌ Dropped | No iOS 26, remain on iOS 18 |
| iPhone X, 8, 7, older | ❌ Unsupported | Already out of update cycle |
iOS 26 arrives this fall—it's big, bold, and beautiful. Stay tuned with dev and public betas if you're curious, and mark September 16, 2025 on your calendar for the full launch alongside the new iPhone 17 lineup
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