Apple Releases iOS 26 Public Beta: Here’s the Full List of Compatible iPhones
A wave of new features is coming to iPhones this fall with the launch of iOS 26, marking a significant update over last year’s release. The standout change is the Liquid Glass design, Apple’s biggest visual overhaul in years, offering a fresh look with redesigned app icons and a more unified interface across devices.
If you’re eager to try it early, the public beta is now available for download. But before you jump in, here’s everything you need to know about which iPhones will support iOS 26—and which ones won’t.
Older iPhones Left Behind
Unlike last year, Apple is dropping support for several older models. If you own one of these 2018 iPhones, you won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 26:
– iPhone XR
– iPhone XS
– iPhone XS Max
This follows Apple’s pattern of phasing out devices after roughly seven years of updates.
Which iPhones Support iOS 26?
If your iPhone was released in 2019 or later, you’re in luck. Here’s the full list of compatible devices:
– iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)
– iPhone 11 series (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max)
– iPhone 12 series (12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
– iPhone 13 series (13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
– iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
– iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max)
– iPhone 16 series (16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max)
What Happens If You Keep an Older iPhone?
You can continue using an unsupported iPhone, but you’ll miss out on security updates, leaving your device vulnerable to threats. Some apps may also stop working if they require newer iOS versions. And, of course, you won’t get access to iOS 26’s new features.
When Will iOS 26 Officially Launch?
Apple typically releases its new iOS in mid-September, just before new iPhones hit stores. Last year, iOS 18 arrived on September 16. Expect iOS 26 to follow a similar timeline, with a confirmed date likely announced at Apple’s September event.
Top iOS 26 Features to Look Forward To
Liquid Glass design: A sleek visual refresh with new app icons, dark mode options, and floating buttons for a more cohesive look across Apple devices.
Phone app redesign: A streamlined interface that combines contacts, recent calls, and voicemails in one place. Plus, Hold Assist notifies you when a call center agent picks up.
Live Translate: Real-time translation for phone calls and text messages, making cross-language conversations seamless.
Polls in Messages: A new feature for group chats, letting users create polls to simplify decision-making—like picking a restaurant without endless back-and-forth texts.
With iOS 26, Apple is pushing both aesthetics and functionality, making it one of the most anticipated updates in years. If your iPhone is compatible, you’ll have plenty to explore this fall.
