When Apple reveals a software update for its devices, some users find themselves holding their breath. Apple excels in offering hardware support for years following release, but eventually, every iPhone reaches its end of life. Along these lines, Apple disclosed the list of devices compatible with iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and several older models were not included.
You may remember that last year, Apple maintained support for any additional iPhone models. All the same iPhones that could upgrade to iOS 17 were also eligible for iOS 18. Unfortunately, this year is different, as two older models have received their last major updates. If you possess an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max, you will not be able to install iOS 26.
Here’s the complete list of devices supported for iOS 26, per Apple:
– iPhone 11
– iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
– iPhone SE (2nd generation)
– iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12
– iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
– iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13
– iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
– iPhone SE (3rd generation)
– iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
– iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
– iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
– iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
– iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
– iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
– iPhone 16e
It is important to note that the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are nearing seven years old. It was only a matter of time before Apple ceased support for them. The positive aspect is that Apple continues to provide security updates for older, unsupported models, meaning that although these phones will not receive the latest iOS version, further updates will be available.
Naturally, we also anticipate that the next wave of iPhone models will be compatible with iOS 26, but we are a few months away from the next generation. Speculation indicates that Apple plans to introduce the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max this fall. We wouldn’t be shocked to see an iPhone 17e emerge next spring.
