Apple dropped support for three iPhone models with the release of iOS 26. The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will not receive the latest update, marking the first time in recent years that Apple has cut device compatibility.
Any iPhone with an A13 chip or newer can run iOS 26, which includes all models from the iPhone 11 series onward. This means users with older iPhone models like the XS series will need to stick with iOS 25 and its security updates. The change affects millions of users who purchased these devices between 2018 and 2019.
Understanding which features work on your specific iPhone model becomes important as Apple continues adding advanced capabilities. Some iOS 26 features require newer hardware and won’t work on all supported devices. Users can check their device compatibility by going to Settings, then General, then About to find their Model Name.
Based on the latest information, here’s a list of iPhone models compatible with iOS 26:
iPhones Compatible with iOS 26:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Future Compatibility
iPhone 17 Series will be compatible with iOS 26, which are expected to include:
- iPhone 17: The base model, expected to have a 6.27-inch display.
- iPhone 17 Air: A new addition, positioned as a more affordable, larger-screen option. It’s rumored to have a 6.65-inch display and a focus on slimness.
- iPhone 17 Pro: Expected to have a 6.27-inch display, likely with ProMotion technology and the A19 Pro chip.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: The largest model, rumored to have a 6.86-inch display and potentially a 5,000mAh battery.
Important Notes:
- Apple Intelligence Features: While all the above models can run iOS 26, advanced Apple Intelligence features (like Genmoji, Image Playground, and Visual Intelligence search) will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup due to hardware requirements.
- Models Not Supported: The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max are not compatible with iOS 26.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone models with A13 chips or newer support iOS 26, starting with the iPhone 11 series
- Apple removed compatibility for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models for the first time in years
- Advanced iOS 26 features may not work on all supported devices due to hardware requirements
iOS 26 iPhone Model Compatibility Overview
Apple requires an A13 chip or newer for iOS 26 support, which means three older iPhone models lose compatibility. The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR cannot upgrade to iOS 26.
Full List of Supported iPhone Models
iOS 26 works with any iPhone that has an A13 chip or newer. This includes all iPhone models from the iPhone 11 series forward.
Fully Compatible Models:
- iPhone 16e (2025)
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 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 and later)
Apple Intelligence features work only on newer models with A17 Pro chips or newer. This limits Apple Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro models and all iPhone 16 series devices.
iPhone Models No Longer Supported
Apple dropped support for three iPhone models with iOS 26. These devices supported iOS 18 but cannot upgrade further.
Unsupported Models:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
These models will continue receiving iOS 25 security patches for a while. Users can still use their phones safely but miss new iOS 26 features.
The iPhone X also remains unsupported. It lost compatibility with earlier iOS versions.
Compatibility by Chipset and Release Year
Apple bases iOS 26 compatibility on processor power rather than release dates. The A13 Bionic chip serves as the minimum requirement.
A13 Bionic (2019): iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd gen)
A14 Bionic (2020): iPhone 12 series
A15 Bionic (2021-2022): iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE (3rd gen)
A16 Bionic (2022): iPhone 14 Pro series
A17 Pro (2023): iPhone 15 Pro series
A18 Series (2024-2025): iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16 series, iPhone 16e
Older chips like the A12 Bionic in the iPhone XS series lack the processing power for iOS 26. Apple requires newer hardware to run the updated operating system smoothly.
Users can check their iPhone model in Settings > General > About > Model Name to confirm compatibility.
iOS 26 Feature Availability and Limitations by iPhone Model
Not all iOS 26 features work the same across different iPhone models. Apple Intelligence requires iPhone 15 or newer, while visual elements like Liquid Glass have specific hardware needs.
Apple Intelligence and AI Feature Requirements
Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26 need powerful chips to work properly. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series get full AI capabilities.
iPhone Models with Full Apple Intelligence:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15
Older iPhones miss out on these smart features. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 can install iOS 26 but won’t get Apple Intelligence.
Missing AI Features on Older Models:
- Smart writing tools
- Enhanced Siri responses
- Photo recognition improvements
- Voice transcription upgrades
The A17 Pro chip and A16 Bionic chip power these AI tools. Earlier processors can’t handle the workload.
Device-Specific Software Update Considerations
iOS 26 brings a new Liquid Glass design that works differently on various iPhone models. Newer phones show smooth animations and effects.
Visual Feature Limitations:
- iPhone 13 and iPhone 14: Basic animations only
- iPhone 15 series: Full Liquid Glass effects
- iPhone 16 series: Enhanced visual performance
Older devices get limited animations and no Liquid Glass due to hardware limits. The display and graphics chips affect what users see.
Performance varies between models too. iPhone 16 runs iOS 26 fastest while iPhone 13 may show slower response times.
Update Timeline Differences:
- Developer beta: Available first for all supported models
- Public beta: Released weeks later
- Final release: Same day for all compatible iPhones
Battery life changes with iOS 26 updates. Newer iPhones handle the software better than older models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many iPhone users want to know which devices work with iOS 26 and how to get the update. The new operating system brings major changes but drops support for some older models.
What are the supported iPhone models for iOS 26?
iOS 26 supports iPhones released from 2019 onward. The iPhone 16 series includes all models: iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
All iPhone 15 models work with iOS 26. This includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 series maintains full compatibility. Users can install iOS 26 on the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
iPhone 13 models continue to receive support. The iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max all run iOS 26.
Both iPhone 12 models work with the new update. The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 remain compatible devices.
The iPhone 11 marks the oldest supported model. This device can run iOS 26 without issues.
The iPhone XS will not receive iOS 26 support. Apple dropped compatibility for this model and other devices released before 2019.
How can I check if my iPhone is compatible with iOS 26?
Users can find their iPhone model through the Settings app. Go to Settings > General > About and look at Model Name.
The About section shows the exact iPhone model name. Compare this information with the official compatibility list to confirm support.
Users can also check the model number printed on the back of their device. This number helps identify older iPhone models that may not display clear model names.
When will iOS 26 be officially available for download?
Apple announced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 in June. The company typically releases the final version in September each year.
The developer beta version went live immediately after the WWDC announcement. Registered developers can download and test this early version.
The public beta usually arrives in July. This allows regular users to try iOS 26 before the official launch.
What new features are included in the iOS 26 update for compatible iPhones?
iOS 26 introduces the new Liquid Glass design language. This creates a fresh look across the entire user interface.
The update includes new Apple Intelligence features. These additions expand the AI capabilities built into the operating system.
Enhanced privacy controls give users more control over their data. New security features protect personal information better than previous versions.
Improved performance optimizations help iPhones run faster. Battery life improvements extend daily usage for compatible devices.
How can users access the public beta version of iOS 26?
Users must sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program. This free program provides access to pre-release software versions.
Visit Apple’s beta website and create an account. Users need their Apple ID to register for the program.
After registration, users receive instructions for downloading the beta profile. Installing this profile enables beta updates through the Settings app.
Beta versions contain bugs and may cause problems. Users should backup their devices before installing any beta software.
What is the process for updating an eligible iPhone to iOS 26?
Users can update through the Settings app on their iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for iOS 26.
The iPhone must connect to Wi-Fi for the download. Ensure the device has enough battery life or plug it into a charger.
The download size varies but typically requires several gigabytes of storage. Clear space on the device if needed before starting the update.
The installation process takes 30 to 60 minutes. The iPhone will restart multiple times during the update process.
Devices not on the compatibility list will continue receiving iOS 25 security patches. These updates provide security fixes but no new features.
