Apple's reveal of the upcoming iOS 26 has left many users shocked and desperate to have it on their iPhone, yet you might not actually be compatible depending on which device you're running.
All eyes were fixed on Apple's WWDC event yesterday as the tech giant rolled out a collection of exciting new software updates coming soon to your favorite gadgets.
By far the biggest reveal was the long-awaited iOS 26, which is iOS 19 in all but name as Apple has decided to rejig their naming conventions.
With the somewhat disappointing launch of iOS 18 now behind us, many are ready to move on to all of the breathtaking new features that await us in the next operating system.
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Apple experts have called the new update the biggest redesign in over a decade, with a heavy emphasis on reflecting the visual approach of Apple's Vision Pro headset, despite reports that the expensive VR headset wasn't the biggest commercial success.
However, there's little point getting excited about all of the new features if you won't be able to take advantage of them, so make sure that you're aware of which iPhones can actually use iOS 26 with the list below.
All devices compatible with iOS 26
Here are all of the iPhones that will be able to download and install iOS 26 when it launches, as per Apple Hub on X:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 13, mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12, mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone SE 3
- iPhone SE 2
As you can see, the new iOS update has bumped off the previous oldest generation of iPhones that were capable of accessing iOS 18, so if you've got an iPhone X, XS, XS Max, or XR, then you might want to think about upgrading in the next few months.
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While the SE 2 might be the weakest phone in this particular line-up, the iPhone 11 is the oldest so expect this to be the last round of operating system updates that you'll be able to have access to unless something changes in the future.
What new features does iOS 26 bring?
Outside of the major visual redesign that has proven to be divisive amongst Apple fans, iOS 26 also introduces a number of highly requested features that'll enhance your overall experience when using an iPhone.
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Apple Intelligence - Apple's bespoke AI tool - has received a number of handy additions, including live message translation, visual searching, ChatGPT integration, and Genmoji improvements.
Call screening is a big boost that iPhone users have been requesting for years now, and it's finally coming to calls and messages in iOS 26. You're also going to be able to enjoy a one-stop destination for all your favorite games in a new 'Apple Games' app, making the experience far more streamlined.