iOS 26 Compatibility Guide: Which iPhones Are In—and Which Are Left Behind

Apple has officially unveiled its next-generation mobile operating system, iOS 26, during WWDC 2025. The update brings a sweeping visual overhaul, powerful AI tools, and refined app experiences. But not every iPhone of the recent past will receive the update. Here’s what IndiBlogHub readers need to know about iOS 26 compatibility, key features, and upgrade advice.

1. Supported iPhones — the Complete List

Apple has confirmed that iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards will support iOS 26. This includes:

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation

iPhone 12 and 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max**

iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max**

iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max**, and 16e (the rumored entry-level model) 

Apple also expects future iPhone 17 models to ship with iOS 26 pre-installed – they’re guaranteed full compatibility too. 

You can also check :- iOS 26 supported IPhones 

2. Not Supported: Time to Say Goodbye

Apple has dropped support for three iPhones released in 2018:

iPhone XR

iPhone XS

iPhone XS Max

These models will not be compatible with iOS 26. Previous updates like iOS 17 and iOS 18 had still supported these devices, but this year Apple has set them aside. 

3. Why These Devices Are Cut: A Hardware Perspective

A12 Bionic chip limitation: The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max use the A12 Bionic chip, which doesn’t meet Apple’s new performance and AI criteria for iOS 26. 

AI and Apple Intelligence demands: New features rely on powerful neural processing (A17 Pro or later) not available in these older models. 

Apple typically supports iPhones for about six to seven years with major updates—this exclusion aligns with that policy. 

4. iOS 26: Key Features and Innovations

🪞 Liquid Glass Redesign

iOS 26 introduces a bold new visual style—Liquid Glass—with translucent overlays, layered interface elements, and floating controls. It marks the most significant aesthetic shift since iOS 7. 

📞 Smarter Phone and Call Screening

Callers must optionally state their purpose before the call connects.

The OS listens for activity in hold music and notifies you when someone speaks. 

🌐 Apple Intelligence & Live Translation

On devices with the A17 Pro or newer chip (iPhone 15 Pro, 16, 17), major AI-powered features activate:

Live translation during FaceTime, calls, and text messages (supports multiple languages like French, German, Portuguese, Spanish)

Visual Intelligence integrations allow screenshot content recognition and interactions via ChatGPT or Google search

Genmoji creation, AI‑generated chat images, and screenshot tools 

🎥 Redesigned Camera and Content Creation Suite

The Camera app now offers hidden advanced settings, dirty lens alerts, external mic support, and AirPods-based camera controls—ideal for vloggers and creators. 

The Washington Post

🚀 Other Upgrades

1. Messages: in-chat polls, typing indicators, custom backgrounds

2. Photo app redesign with new tabs and spatial wallpapers

3. New official Games app replacing Game Center interface

4. Revamped Preview app for PDFs

5. Enhanced CarPlay, Wallet, Maps, Safari, and multitasking on iPadOS that follow iOS 26’s stylistic overhaul.

5. How to Get iOS 26 Early

Public beta launched in mid‑July 2025 for users enrolled in Apple's Beta Software Program; full rollout expected September 2025, likely alongside the iPhone 17 launch. 

Installation requirements: roughly 9 GB download size, up to 19 GB free storage needed; backup recommended; stable Wi‑Fi and power advised. 

6. Should You Upgrade Your Device?

If you’re running iPhone XR / XS / XS Max: iOS 18 is the last major update. Consider upgrading to at least an iPhone 11 or SE (2nd gen) or better to stay compatible. 

Using iPhone 11 through 14: You will get iOS 26, but Apple Intelligence features might be restricted if your model lacks A17 Pro.

On iPhone 15 Pro / 16 / 16e: Expect full feature access, including all AI-powered functionalities. 

7. Device Support Table

8. Final Thoughts

iOS 26 is Apple’s most ambitious OS release since iOS 7—combining a stunning aesthetic update (Liquid Glass) with major AI enhancements and productivity improvements. However, Apple has drawn a clear line: older iPhones using the A12 chip are no longer supported.

If your device is iPhone 11 or newer, you'll receive the core iOS 26 update. But if you’re eyeing features like live translation, AI-driven screenshot tools, or Visual Intelligence, an upgrade to an A17 Pro‑powered device (iPhone 15 Pro, 16, or future 17) is essential.

✅ Conclusion

As Apple enters its new year-based OS naming schema, iOS 26 reflects both design ambition and strategic hardware gating. For Indian users planning their next iPhone purchase, this update underscores the value of investing in the latest hardware for maximum longevity, feature access, and support. For bloggers and tech enthusiasts writing on IndiBlogHub, this makes for a compelling tech guide: clear device eligibility, standout features, and practical upgrade advice.

You can also check :- iOS 26 supported IPhones