Apple‘s WWDC 2025 keynote is already within the rearview mirror, and, as ordinary, the occasion was dominated by the adjustments coming to the iPhone’s working system later this yr. The reviews of a numbering scheme change had been true — iOS 18 is skipping to iOS 26 — however there have been a laundry checklist of precise usability adjustments proven off, in addition to the new Liquid Glass design, which seems to be Apple’s largest visible replace in years. However the greatest query we’re all questioning: Will my iPhone be capable to run iOS 26?
Final yr, Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility checklist, however that is not the case for 2025 — a number of fashions are getting minimize this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this yr the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. In case you have an ineligible gadget, you will not be capable to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible this fall.
We’ll unravel which iPhones will help iOS 26 this yr. To see what’s coming with the newest OS and extra, this is everything announced at Apple’s WWDC event today.
These three iPhones will not be suitable with iOS 26
In contrast to final yr, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut this fall. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 social gathering:
-
iPhone XR
-
iPhone XS
-
iPhone XS Max
iPhones suitable with iOS 26
Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple shall be dropping this fall — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed beneath shall be suitable with iOS 26. Mainly, if in case you have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:
What if I do not wish to purchase a brand new iPhone?
If you wish to proceed utilizing your older iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26, that is positive. Nevertheless, you will miss out on safety updates which might doubtlessly put your cellphone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps might cease working in the event that they require a sure model of iOS or later. And naturally, you will not be capable to entry the newest options iOS 26 gives.
When will iOS 26 develop into accessible?
Apple often rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, just some days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final yr, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. Count on a affirmation of the discharge date at that iPhone 17 occasion, anticipated in early September.
iOS 26 options we’re enthusiastic about
Liquid Glass design: Your property display is getting revamped with new app icons, together with darkish mode and all-clear choices. You may additionally discover buttons with a brand new floating design. Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes extra cohesive.
Telephone app redesign: You may lastly be capable to scroll by contacts, latest calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new characteristic known as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.
Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog through cellphone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Dwell Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls characteristic: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable to create polls. This will help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages relating to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.
