On September 15, 2025, Monday, Apple will release iOS 26, its newest iPhone software update. This important upgrade will provide the new Liquid Glass design, major updates to privacy and intelligence, and significant refinements across the iPhone software ecosystem. The critical question for millions of users is whether their device will be included among the devices compatible to use the new iOS 26.
Here is a complete list of all the compatible iPhones based on recent reporting from leading technology publications.
The Launch: Everything You Need to Know
According to 9to5Mac, iOS 26 launches more globally September 15 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Eastern). Apple suggests for an update process that an upgrade be done via Wi-Fi, and the update will be available for free on eligible devices. Apple announced iOS 26 in June during WWDC and touted a Liquid Glass aesthetic, meaning a more dynamic, cohesive unified user interface (UI), alongside significant updates to Apple Wallet, CarPlay, and stand-alone intelligence capabilities. Users with beta access to updates have witnessed this redesign for several months, but now you’ll see all elements of a stable update and rollout come Monday.
Apple also mentioned that some older devices will continue to receive security updates, while only the listed iPhones will receive a full iOS 26 experience. The latest OS will be released as an over-the-air update via Settings > General > Software Update.
Full List of Supported iPhones
According to ZDNet and Tom’s Guide, the following iPhones are eligible for iOS 26:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
Notably, the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR (all prior generation devices) will not support iOS 26, even though they obviously had support at iOS 18 and, 19, 20, and 21 or later! These three devices will be the last version of iOS update from Apple, but they will continue to get security updates sporadically for the foreseeable future.
Exclusive Features and Upgrade Advice
According to Mashable, all the supported devices will have a Liquid Glass UI and basic core system updates, but only the iPhone 15 Pro and later devices will be able to access ‘Apple Intelligence’ (advanced generative AI) or specialized update features that require advanced hardware to run on. Recent iPhones, in particular the iPhone 17 series, will operate all features of iOS 26, including next-generation privacy and AI-based photo editing, and real time language translation into English, Spanish, etc. for direct conversation.
If your device does not make the exclusive iOS 26 experience, Apple suggests upgrade or trade-in processes for a new iPhone – and considers favorable resale alternatives and compensation for the trade-ins of older iPhones. If you choose to retain a non-supported device and use it, basic functionality (calling, texting, etc.) is maintained depending on the quality and available internal memory, but they will not serve a future security or compatibility purpose.
What to Expect on release Day
According to MacRumors, Apple may throttle rollout times and stagger availability for several hours assuming there is a great demand the new software. In the meantime, users should ensure their devices are backed up from iCloud or iTunes prior to available updates. The updates will be free and available on eligible devices and can be placed in a Software Update process as needed. The Apple website and Apple support documentation will list tips and best practices to follow on the day of release as well.
With the release of iOS 26, Apple is setting a high bar for mobile innovation but also offering clarity on how consumers will use the new methods; and which iPhones will be provided effective next-generation software innovation (and planning options if not).