iOS 26 supported devices — here's the iPhones that do (and don't) make the cut

(Image credit: Future)

This past summer Apple held its annual WWDC 2025 event with a preview of this year's iPhone software. The new version, rebranded iOS 26, delivers a new "Liquid Glass" aesthetic.

While iOS 26 has been in beta since June, Apple announced that the public version of the software upgrade is finally launching on Monday, September 15.

For most iPhone owners the new features will be an exciting update. However, not everyone is going to get to experience the controversial Liquid Glass aesthetic. If you have an older iPhone, it may not be able to run iOS 26.

We will note that you can still use an iPhone that isn't running the current OS, but you will miss out on new features and crucial security updates.

Apple just announced the iPhone 17 lineup, which is available for preorder, so now might be the time to finally upgrade to one of the best iPhones.

With that in mind, which phones are losing support this fall? Surprisingly, only a trio of currently available models will be incapable of running iOS 26.

WWDC INTERVIEW: Craig & Joz on Why Siri's Not Ready, AI Vision and iPadOS Shocker! - YouTube

Watch On

iPhones that won't support iOS 26

iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR

Apple's iOS 26 page omits the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max from the list of supported devices. That tracks with previous rumors that the trio of phones would not be compatible with iOS 26. All three models debuted in 2018, meaning that they will turn seven years old in September.

Most phone companies have settled on seven years of support for smartphones, so this is fairly par for the course in the mobile world.

iPhones that will support iOS 26

iphone 12 vs. iphone 12 mini — (Image credit: Apple)

iPhone 17
iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16e
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (both 2020 and 2022 models)

Apple Intelligence cavaet

Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone

(Image credit: Future)

Despite being able to support iOS 26, not every device will be able to run every upgrade, especially when it comes to Apple Intelligence. You need an iPhone 15 Pro or later to run Apple's takes on AI, a requirement that continues with iOS 26.

With the arrival of the iPhone 17 family and the new iPhone Air launching in September, there are now eleven iPhones that will support the full suite of iOS 26 features.

iPhone 17
iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max

If your phone is capable of running iOS 26 and its liquid glass aesthetic, the full version launches on September 15 in a free software update.

More from Tom's Guide

See more Phones News

TOPICS

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.