Which iPhones support iOS 26?

As with each iOS release, Apple drops support for some older devices. iOS 26 will be available for the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, and second-generation iPhone SE or newer.

That means iPhone X, XS, XR, and XS Max won’t receive the update.

Exclusive iOS 26 features for newer iPhones

Having access to iOS 26 does not guarantee access to all its features. Several are reserved for newer models such as the iPhone 16 lineup, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Visual search

Apple’s new Visual Intelligence enables on-screen circle-to-search. When you take a screenshot, the feature analyzes the content and offers suggestions - such as adding a detected date to your calendar.

It can also identify products in screenshots and link you to platforms like Etsy or Google, or allow you to ask ChatGPT questions about the image.

Live translation

Like Samsung Galaxy’s feature, iOS 26 can translate voice and text in apps like FaceTime, Messages, and calls - but only on newer iPhones.

AI-enhanced Shortcuts app

The Shortcuts app is upgraded with Apple Intelligence integration. You can now create AI-based shortcuts for tasks like text summarization or image generation - again, limited to supported models.

Messaging upgrades

The Messages app receives enhancements including typing indicators in group chats, automatic spam filtering, and custom chat wallpapers. Poll creation and AI-generated chat backgrounds are exclusive to newer iPhones.

Smart reminders

Reminders can now suggest actions based on message or email content. As this relies on Apple Intelligence, it too is restricted to newer hardware.

Why older iPhones miss out

The main reason is hardware limitations. Many iOS 26 features rely on neural engines, large language models, and machine learning, which require the latest chips - A17 Pro, A18, and A18 Pro.

Older iPhones simply lack the computational power to handle these AI-driven capabilities. However, the iOS 26 visual redesign, including the new Liquid Glass aesthetic, will still appear on supported models.

Du Lam (Makeuseof)