Apple’s next major iPhone software update is here: iOS 26 released today, but not every iPhone is compatible with the new software. Here are the iPhone models that do (and don’t) support iOS 26.
Three iPhone models miss out on iOS 26 support
Every year when Apple releases major new software versions, there’s always a chance that older hardware models won’t be supported.
Last fall, iOS 18 was supported by all the same iPhones that could run iOS 17. But this year, there’s a change to model compatibility with iOS 26.
iOS 26 is not supported by:
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
These three models are supported by iOS 18, but Apple has dropped them this year in iOS 26.
All iPhones compatible with iOS 26
Here’s the full list of iPhones that do support iOS 26:
iPhone 17
iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 and 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 and 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer)
It’s worth noting that even if a model technically can run iOS 26, it won’t necessarily get all of its features.
For example, there are 20+ new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26 that are exclusive to newer iPhones. You’ll need at least an iPhone 15 Pro or newer for those improvements.
Is iOS 26 going to motivate you to upgrade to a compatible model? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
