iOS 26 set to be available for millions next month but these popular iPhones will be left behind
Apple is delivering the future with the next generation of iPhone, but while some expected the big reveal of the iPhone 17 at WWDC 2025, you'll have to make do with a UI overhaul...for now.
While Apple CEO Tim Cook was there to introduce things, a lot of the big reveals had been spoiled ahead of time.
Alongside the previous confirmation that iOS 19 would be swapped out for a more simplistic yearly numbering system, the other major talking point was the introduction of Liquid Glass.
The tech giant has been accused of focusing on aesthetics rather than some of the other many complaints consumers have issues with when it comes to the iPhone, and even though you'll have to wait a bit longer until the iPhone 17 is unveiled, it'll be sure to run iOS 26.
Advert
Unfortunately, millions of you could be locked out of the upcoming operating system, as some iPhones will be unable to run it.
What is iOS 26?
Said to be the biggest Apple update since iOS 7, iOS 26 ushers in a new era of iPhone where operating systems will be named after specific years.
iOS 26 will take us through from the end of 2025 until 2026, with iOS 27 expected to cover 2026 and 2027.
As with any new iOS, it unfortunately means some older iPhones are being shown the door. Apple has confirmed all the compatible iPhones that will be able to run iOS 26.
The full list includes: iPhone SE (second generation and after), iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max, iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max, iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max, iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, and iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 17 will obviously be coming with iOS 26 out of the box, but those who want to make the most of Apple Intelligence should take note that it's limited to iPhone 15 and beyond.
What new features can we expect to see in iOS 26?
Expressive. Delightful. But still instantly familiar.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 9, 2025
Introducing our new software design with Liquid Glass. pic.twitter.com/8hA0q2aCTf
Among iOS 26's new features, there's the aforementioned Liquid Glass, which is a translucent interface that reflects and reacts to its surroundings.
Apple says that Liquid Glass is supposed to dynamically transform as a way to bring "greater focus to content, delivering a new level of vitality across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more."
There's an overhauled Games App, improved live translation, some much-needed reorganization of the Photos App, and other features like Call Screening and Hold Assist.
An unexpected but welcome addition is the ability to see how long until our phone is charged.
While only minor, it's praised as one of the 'underwhelming' iOS 26 update's best features.
When is it being released?
There's still a bit of a wait for iOS 26, with Apple currently only releasing the beta developer version.
This will be followed by a general beta release in July 2025. Apple typically releases this beta a month after the keynote, leaving enough time for developers to tinker with possibly three versions of iOS 26. A series of public betas will be released in increasing frequency across the summer ahead of a general public release.
All being well, iOS 26 will get its full public release in September. This is when we expect the iPhone 17 release, but as we saw with the sluggish rollout of iOS 18 and the delays to Apple Intelligence, it all depends on everything going well under the hood.
A series of iOS 18 software updates will continue to be released, ultimately stopping and forcing everyone to make the leap to iOS 26.