Which iPhones Can Run Apple’s iOS 26?

iOS 26 phone update

Summary Bullet Points

1. iOS 26 supported iPhones include all models with the A13 chip and newer.
2. The iOS 26 device list drops support for older models like iPhone XR and XS.
3. iOS 26-eligible iPhones range from the iPhone 11 to the latest iPhone 16 series.
4. iOS 26 iPhone compatibility ensures access to Apple Intelligence features.
5. iOS 26 phone update offers major upgrades for compatible Apple devices.

iOS 26 supported iPhones start with iPhone 11 and newer

The official iOS 26 device list is here, and Apple has confirmed that only iPhones with the A13 Bionic chip or later will receive the update. That means if you’re still using an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max, your device is no longer eligible.

Instead, iOS 26 supported iPhones begin with the iPhone 11 series and include every model released after it. Apple’s decision to cut support for A12-chip models is tied to performance demands introduced with new features like Apple Intelligence and the Liquid Glass UI.

iOS 26 eligible iPhones: The full list of supported models

Here’s the complete list of iPhones that support iOS 26 as of July 2025:

1. iPhone 16 series: 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
2. iPhone 15 series: 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
3. iPhone 14 series: 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
4. iPhone 13 series: 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
5. iPhone 12 series: 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
6. iPhone 11 series: 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
7. iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and SE (3rd generation, 2022)

If your iPhone appears on this list, you’ll be able to upgrade to iOS 26 and use most, if not all, of its newest features.

iOS 26 iPhone compatibility drops support for older models

The iPhones excluded from the iOS 26 compatibility list are those built with Apple’s A12 chip, released in 2018. These include:

1. iPhone XR
2. iPhone XS
3. iPhone XS Max

While these devices will no longer receive major iOS updates, Apple says they will continue to get critical security patches for a limited time. Still, those hoping to try out iOS 26 features will need to upgrade to a newer device.

iOS 26 phone update brings AI features and a redesigned UI

Why is iOS 26 phone support limited to newer iPhones? Apple’s pushing the limits of what an iPhone can do. Key features coming with iOS 26 include:

1. Apple Intelligence – on-device AI that personalises your experience
2. Liquid Glass UI – a sleeker, more interactive design
3. Smarter Siri – now context-aware and better at multitasking
4. Advanced privacy tools – with deeper app-level controls
5. Customizable Control Center – for better workflow and shortcuts

These features demand processing power only available in iPhones with A13 chips or newer.

iOS 26 device list reflects Apple’s shift to an AI-first strategy

Apple’s updated iOS 26 compatibility chart highlights a broader trend: Apple is transitioning into a new era of AI and real-time personalisation. Devices that can’t handle these capabilities, like the older A12 models, are being phased out from the main update cycle.

Still, Apple maintains its industry lead in offering long-term device support, with some iPhones receiving updates for up to 7 years. That’s well above average compared to most Android manufacturers.

Final thoughts: Is your iPhone on the iOS 26 compatibility list?

If you’re using an iPhone 11 or anything newer, you’re ready for iOS 26. But if you’re still on a 2018 model, this may be the moment to consider upgrading. 

Between the new AI capabilities and visual upgrades, iOS 26 is one of the biggest updates Apple’s ever rolled out, and only newer devices will fully benefit.

Excerpt from related story: Apple’s Vision Air and Smart Glasses on the Way 

Spectrum Daily reports Apple is set to shake up the XR and wearable space with a lighter, cheaper Vision Air headset by late 2025, followed by AI-powered smart glasses in 2026. 

Designed to rival Meta’s Ray-Bans, the glasses will offer Siri integration, built-in cameras, and on-the-go translation. Apple’s roadmap also includes a Vision Pro refresh and a high-performance Vision Pro 2 by 2028.