The launch of iOS 26 It's been one of the most anticipated moments for the Apple user community, especially for those waiting to find out if their phone will remain on the list of compatible devices. This year, with the change in nomenclature that abandons the traditional iOS number sequence for a system aligned with the release year, the anticipation has been even greater. The big question remains: Which iPhones will be able to update to iOS 26? Below you'll find the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on compatible models, key new features, and everything you need to know to decide if your phone still has a chance with Apple's latest innovations.
Thanks to the official information published during WWDC 2025 and confirmed by reference media, we can offer you an insight detailed not only the exact list of models, but also the important differences between devices and the new features that are coming or going depending on the iPhone you have.
Let's break down everything we know so far, the benefits of upgrading, the technical limitations, and the steps you should take if your model falls behind.
Why is it now called iOS 26? The trend-setting change
One of the most talked about topics of the year is the iOS name jump: Apple has decided to make a splash and move from iOS 18 directly to iOS 26.This strategy seeks to unify the release numbers of all its operating systems (macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS), aligning them with the year following release. This way, both developers and users will be able to identify at a glance the annual release cycle for each version. This doesn't change anything in terms of usability, but it does make it clear that the Cupertino company is committed to a distinct annual update.
This move also represents a generational leap for some iPhone models. While iOS 18 was generous and allowed all iOS 17-compatible devices to receive the update, iOS 26 marks the end of support for iPhones introduced in 2018 (XR, XS, and XS Max).. Other newer models will continue to receive improvements throughout the iOS 26 lifecycle.
Refreshed Design: Liquid Glass and the iOS Visual Experience 26
If there is one thing that stands out in this edition, it is its striking redesign known as Liquid Glass, a visual language that features translucent surfaces, depth effects, and liquid glass-like effects. This change is evident in the Home screen, Control Center, icons, and widgets, providing a more modern, consistent, and visually pleasing aesthetic that also unifies the experience with the new macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS.
The redesign is not just a facelift: It also improves usabilityNavigation is smoother and more customizable, with lock screens that better reflect the user's personality and more accessible controls. Those who value aesthetics will find iOS 26 a notable improvement over any previous generation.
New Star Features: Apple Intelligence and More
Beyond design, iOS 26 aims to take artificial intelligence to a new level.Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into the entire system, optimizing everything from communications to automating everyday tasks. One of its most striking features is real-time translation within apps like Messages and FaceTime, facilitating conversations between users who speak different languages ​​without relying on external tools.
Apple's AI also streamlines tasks within the Phone app thanks to the "Hold Assist" feature, which notifies the user when a call on hold is resumed, making life easier both professionally and personally. Other improvements appear in the Wallet app, which simplifies daily tasks, the revamped Apple Music app, and the arrival of the Apple Games app, which centralizes all downloaded games in one place.
Which iPhone models are compatible with iOS 26?
iPhone compatibility with iOS 26 has been officially detailed by Apple and confirmed by all relevant sourcesThe new operating system will be available for the following models:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16, 16e
- iPhone 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Plus, 15
- iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14
- iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13 mini, 13
- iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12 mini, 12
- iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) (also known as iPhone SE 2020 and SE 2022)
These devices, from the most recent ones introduced in 2025 to those launched in 2019, will receive the iOS 26 update for free starting in September, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 17 series, which will come with the system pre-installed.
What about older models?
Owners iPhone XR, XS and XS Max won't be able to update to iOS 26. This reflects Apple's support policy, which typically offers major updates for about five or six years. Other models like the iPhone X, 8, and 8 Plus, or earlier generations, won't be able to access this version either.
Official list of models NOT compatible with iOS 26:
- iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus
- iPhone 5s and earlier devices
For these, The last supported version will be iOS 18While they won't be able to benefit from the latest features or the redesign, Apple continues to issue security updates to protect its devices for a while longer.
Key hardware differences: Features exclusive to newer models
Importantly Not all iOS 26 features will be available on all compatible iPhones.. More advanced Apple Intelligence features and AI enhancements require powerful processors and more RAM, available only on models with an A17 Pro chipset or higher, such as:
- All iPhone 16s
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
If you have one of these devices, you will be able to enjoy features such as Real-time translations, improvements to photo and message organization, smart suggestions, and moreOther models will have access to many features but with some more limited capabilities.
Free update, requirements, and how to install iOS 26
Upgrade to iOS 26 will be free and available via OTA. (over-the-air) from the Settings app, as in previous versions. To ensure a smooth process, keep in mind:
- Have enough storage space; New versions require several GB available for download and installation.
- Back up to iCloud or iTunes, especially if there are important or valuable files that you want to protect from possible failures.
- Keep your phone charging and connected to WiFi throughout the process to avoid interruptions.
For those who want to try the beta version first, Apple has been offering the public beta of iOS 26 since July.The final version will arrive in September, as usual. The beta is intended for developers and enthusiasts willing to accept potential bugs, so it's recommended to wait for the stable version to avoid surprises.