With iOS 26 available to download now, the big question for many is: Will my iPhone be able to run it? The update, originally revealed at Apple’s September event, is packed with exciting upgrades, from a redesigned “Liquid Glass” interface to a smarter Visual Intelligence search that will change how you search and screen calls.
However, not every iPhone will make the cut. Because iOS 26 requires the power of the A13 Bionic chip or newer, some popular older models will unfortunately be left behind. Before the public release, it’s a good idea to check if your device is on the official compatibility list. Find out below if your iPhone supports the iOS 26 update.
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Every iPhone that will get iOS 26
The phones left off this year’s list are the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR.
When the iPhone 17 is released later this year, it will come loaded with iOS 26.
Heads-up: Apple Intelligence isn’t for everyone
While all of the models above can install iOS 26, Apple Intelligence requires beefier hardware. Features such as Genmoji, Image Playground and the new Visual Intelligence search only work on:
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 models
- iPhone 17 models
If you’re on an older device, you’ll still get all the design changes and everyday updates, but nothing involving Apple Intelligence.
Watch this: 26 More Things Hidden in iOS 26
Not sure which iPhone you own?
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look at Model Name. If your phone isn’t on the compatibility list, it will keep receiving iOS 18 security patches for a while, but you won’t see any of iOS 26’s new features.
