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The annual cull of older iPhones has come around again. The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air launch next, bringing with them the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system. Available now, iOS 26 adds fresh features, improves security and changes the look and feel of existing iPhones. It’s a free software update that downloads automatically. Unfortunately, not every iPhone will get it.
iOS 26 (now named to coincide with the year) requires an A13 Bionic chip or newer to run. That means that while most iPhones from the last five years are safe, if you’ve got an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or an iPhone XR you won’t be able to download the update.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the iPhone XS and XR are destined to go live on a farm just yet. Apple doesn’t officially state how many years of software support an iPhone will receive, but it tends to continue pushing critical security updates to older versions of iOS for one or two years before discontinuing support. Given that the iPhone XS and XR launched in 2018, that’s a good innings for a smartphone.
There’s a second detail to think about this year, though. While a long list of older iPhones will get the core iOS 26 update, only the most recent and powerful Pro models can run Apple Intelligence, the company’s fancy word for AI.
What’s new in iOS 26?
Launched on 15 September, iOS 26 introduces Apple’s new ‘Liquid Glass’ aesthetic, a drastic design overhaul that’s all about translucency and glass-like elements. The shiny new interface is shared with the Mac, iPad and iPhone to create a universal look and feel across Apple products.
Alongside the fresh new aesthetic, many of the most commonly used apps get an update. The new camera app uses a new minimalist interface that hides most of the least-used controls and settings. The photos app is more intuitive and makes it easier to find and share pictures. You can now create polls and add dynamic backgrounds to chats in the messages app. Even the phone app gets an update, adding call screening and the ability to have your phone wait on hold for you.
Which iPhones can download iOS 26?
If your iPhone has an A13 Bionic chip or newer, it will be able to run iOS 26. Here’s the full list of iPhones compatible with iOS 26.
iPhone 17 series iPhone Air iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16e) iPhone 15 series iPhone 14 series iPhone 13 series (including iPhone 13 mini) iPhone 12 series (including iPhone 12 mini) iPhone 11 series iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
With the A13 Bionic chip now set as the baseline, the following iPhones will not receive the iOS 26 update and will remain on iOS 18.
iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone XR 
iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro marks a design overhaul for Apple’s premium flagship phone, with a new horizontal camera bar that houses an upgraded camera system. The new A19 Pro chip delivers improved performance and powers a suite of Apple Intelligence features, while the addition of a periscope telephoto lens enables 8x optical zoom for detailed long-distance shots.
Which iPhones get Apple Intelligence?
Just because your iPhone can run iOS 26, it doesn’t mean you’ll get access to the fancy new AI-powered features of Apple Intelligence. These include generative writing tools, new photo editing capabilities and a much smarter Siri.
Apple Intelligence relies on the processing power of the Neural Engine found in Apple’s A17 Pro chip and newer. This means that AI features are reserved for the very latest and most powerful iPhones.
iPhone 17 series iPhone Air iPhone 16 series iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max
If your old phone has reached the end of its life and you’re ready to upgrade to Apple’s latest flagship, check out our main guide to pre-ordering the iPhone 17. We’ll be updating our guide with the best contract deals and offers as they appear.
Apple has also unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 – here’s how you can pre-order the new earbuds