Apple will release its annual software upgrade this month to replace iOS 18, but we’re not going to be getting iOS 19. Instead, we’re getting iOS 26. Apple has switched to vehicle-style numbering for its operating systems and is now using the number of the upcoming year – so it’ll be iOS 26 instead of iOS 25 because the update will be available across both 2025 and 2026.
iOS 26 brings the first new major design change that Apple has brought to iOS since iOS 7. Apple says that the new “Liquid Glass” look will be the basis of the next decade of iOS design. But there are a handful of iPhone models that unfortunately won’t make the cut when Apple releases the update this September.
iPhone Models on iOS 18 That Won’t Get iOS 26
While iOS 18 supported a wide range of iPhones, Apple is trimming the list for iOS 26. The devices that will not receive the upgrade this month include the following:
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
If you’re wondering about your iPad and iPadOS 26, most models able to run iPadOS 18 support iPadOS 26, with the exception of the 7th-generation low-cost iPad.
iOS 26 – iPhone Compatibility List
Apart from the above devices, iOS 26 will run on all other iPhones that support iOS 18. In other words, the following models are supported:
iPhone 16e
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)
Note that this compatibility list does not mean that all iOS 26 features will work with the above models. Several of the update’s features are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17, since they rely on Apple Intelligence. You can learn more about them here.
Note that iOS 26 will come pre-installed on new iPhone 17 models when they launch in September 2025.
iOS 26: Liquid Glass and More
iOS 26 introduces a bold new design and intelligent features across the system. The new Liquid Glass interface brings a translucent, reactive look to the Lock Screen and apps, with time and elements adapting fluidly to wallpaper and motion. App icons and widgets can also now appear in a clear, customizable style.
In iOS 26, apps benefit from a more content-focused layout: Safari now flows edge-to-edge, Camera has a streamlined interface, and Photos adds new Library and Collections tabs. Meanwhile, tab bars in Music, News, and Podcasts shrink during browsing to emphasize content.
Apple Intelligence is upgraded with Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, plus Visual Intelligence now lets users analyze on-screen content to search or ask questions. Elsewhere, Genmoji and Image Playground now support more creative mixing, and Shortcuts gains AI-based smart actions.
In addition, the Phone app gets a unified view of Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail, along with Call Screening and Hold Assist, while Messages adds sender screening, group chat polls, and backgrounds. CarPlay also sees visual improvements and smarter alerts.
Other updates include: Apple Music’s AutoMix feature and lyrics translation, Maps’ Visited Places, Wallet’s installment payments and rewards, and a new Apple Games app as the hub for Apple Arcade.
iOS 26 is currently in beta, but Apple is expected to officially release the update during or shortly after the company’s “Awe dropping” event on Tuesday, September 9, when the new iPhone 17 lineup will be revealed.