Apple unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, showcasing a striking new ‘Liquid Glass’ design and numerous exciting features. A key question for many users is about iOS 26 supported devices. This update also sees Apple aligning its OS numbering, jumping from iOS 18 (2024) directly to iOS 26, alongside new versions for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
Which iPhones Will Get the iOS 26 Update?
To run iOS 26, your iPhone needs the A13 Bionic chip or a more recent processor. This welcome news means that six generations of iPhones, stretching back to models released in 2019, are eligible for this significant software upgrade. If you’re wondering about your device, here’s the list of iPhones compatible with 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
[internal_link_to_iphone_14_series_review] - 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
[internal_link_to_iphone_11_long_term_review] - iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iPhones Missing Out on iOS 26
Unfortunately, not all older iPhones will receive the iOS 26 update. Three models that received iOS 18 last year will not be compatible with iOS 26:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
This decision isn’t entirely unexpected, as these devices are now eight years old and operate on increasingly dated technology. If you own an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR, consider upgrading later this year. An upgrade ensures you have the latest software, access to new features, and ongoing security updates. [internal_link_to_iphone_upgrade_guide]
When Can You Download iOS 26?
For those with a compatible iPhone, Apple has announced that the final version of iOS 26 will be released in the “Fall,” which typically means September. Based on Apple’s past iOS launch schedules, iOS 26 will likely become available to the public shortly after the anticipated iPhone 17 launch event, expected around mid-September.
If waiting until September feels too long, an iOS 26 public beta will be available in July. However, be cautious: beta versions are development builds and can be unstable or contain bugs. If your iPhone is essential for daily critical communications, it’s advisable to avoid installing beta software. [internal_link_to_ios_beta_risks_and_rewards]
In summary, iOS 26 brings exciting changes, and a wide range of iPhones from the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd gen) onwards will support it. Owners of iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models will need to consider an upgrade. The official release is slated for Fall 2025, with a public beta in July for early adopters. Stay tuned to MaagX for more iOS 26 news and in-depth reviews.
