
iOS 26: Which iPhones Can Run Apple’s New Software

Apple officially unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, introducing a fresh Liquid Glass design, advanced Apple Intelligence AI features, and improvements to core apps like Messages and Phone. If you’re wondering whether your iPhone will receive this update, here’s the complete compatibility list based on Apple’s official information.
Explore Related Tech Topics
iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
Devices equipped with the A13 Bionic chip or newer can run iOS 26. Below is the full list:
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16 & 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 & 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 & 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 & 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 & 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020)
iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)
iPhones That Do NOT Support iOS 26
Older iPhones with chips before A13 are not eligible for iOS 26. These include:
iPhone XS / XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
iPhone 7 & 7 Plus
iPhone 6S & 6S Plus
iPhone 6 & 6 Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016)
All earlier models
These devices are limited to iOS 18 or earlier. Notably, the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR top out at iOS 18.
Additional Notes
- Apple Intelligence Features: While all listed compatible iPhones can run iOS 26, Apple Intelligence features (e.g., advanced AI capabilities like Live Translation and Visual Intelligence) require an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model. Older compatible models, like the iPhone 11, will miss out on these AI-driven features.
- Security Updates: iPhones unable to run iOS 26 (e.g., iPhone XS, XR) may still receive security updates for iOS 18 for up to six months to a year after iOS 26’s release, expected in September 2025. However, prolonged use of unsupported devices increases security risks, as they will eventually stop receiving patches.
- Beta Availability: The iOS 26 developer beta is available now, with a public beta expected in mid-July 2025. The stable release is slated for fall 2025, likely September. Users with incompatible devices can check for updates via Settings > General > Software Update to ensure they’re on the latest supported iOS version.