Apple has recently unveiled iOS 26 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025. There are a bunch of fresh features that iPhone users will enjoy. Mainly, there’s a bold new “Liquid Glass” design. Some improvements in Apple Intelligence and updates in core apps like Messages, Photos, and Camera. We are interested to know if the iPhones are eligible for iOS 26. The official release is slated for September 2025, alongside iPhone 17. Let’s find out what other iPhone series will enjoy the complete features of iOS 26.
Also Read: Apple’s WWDC25 5-Day Event Confirmed: Check All Details!
iOS 26 Release Timeline
The announcement already happened at the beginning of June. The beta version is expected in July. But before you look for iPhones eligible for iOS 26, know that it will still be under the developmental stage, so you may not be able to see all the features yet. There can be glitches as well. Nevertheless, here’s the timeline for iOS 26 release.
| Release Type | Date / Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Developer Beta | Available since June 9, 2025 |
| Public Beta | Expected in July 2025 |
| Official Release | Anticipated in September 2025 (with iPhone 17 launch) |
Also read: What Is RCS Support For iOS And Android? The Latest Messaging Service By Apple!
Apple iPhones Eligible For iOS 26 Compatibility Requirements
Apple has strategically built iOS 26 for models having the A13 Bionic chip or newer. It is because models under this category have the key required hardware features to run the operating system smoothly. Like sufficient processing power, GPU performance, and memory to handle the new design.
Here’s a list of things your iPhone should have to be able to run iOS 26.
- A13 Bionic or Newer: Needed for the Liquid Glass design to run efficiently and ensure smooth performance for updated apps and system features.
- A17 Pro or Newer: Required for the full suite of Apple Intelligence features, including on-device AI processing, smarter system integrations, and enhanced Visual Intelligence capabilities.
- Minimum 4GB RAM: All supported iPhone models meet this requirement for optimal performance.
- Minimum 8GB Free Storage: Required for iOS 26 installation, with 15-20GB recommended for smooth operation and additional app data.
Also read: Everything About iOS 18.5: Release Date, Features, And More!
iPhones Eligible For iOS 26
As we know, iOS 26 runs on devices with an A13 Bionic chip or newer, not all features are available on every supported model. Apple Intelligence features, such as advanced on-device AI processing, Live Translation, and enhanced Visual Intelligence, require the A17 Pro chip or later. This means iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 series will only enjoy the full functionality.
Apple iPhone 17 Series (2025)
The upcoming iPhones this year, the Apple iPhone 17 series, will launch with iOS 26 out of the box. They are expected to feature A19 or A19 Pro chips, which means there’s full compatibility.
| Apple iPhone 17 Series |
|---|
| Apple iPhone 17 |
| Apple iPhone 17 Plus |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max |
Also read: How To Use Check In On iPhone With iOS 17?
iPhone 16 Series (2024)
| Apple iPhone 16 Series |
|---|
| Apple iPhone 16 |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro |
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Apple iPhone 16e |
iPhone 15 Series (2023)
| Apple iPhone 15 Series |
|---|
| Apple iPhone 15 |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max |
iPhone 14 Series (2022)
| Apple iPhone 14 Series |
|---|
| Apple iPhone 14 |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro |
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Also Read: 10 iPhone 15 New Features We Bet You Did Not Know!
iPhone 13 Series (2021)
iPhone 12 Series (2020)
The new 3D Lock Screen effect from iOS 26 adjusts the time based on wallpaper content. This will be exclusive to iPhone 12 and newer.
| Apple iPhone 12 Series |
|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max |
iPhone 11 Series (2019)
| Apple iPhone 11 Series |
|---|
| Apple iPhone 11 |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max |
Also Read: iOS 16 Vs iOS 17: Is It Worth Upgrading Your iPhone?
iPhone SE Series
| Apple iPhone SE | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd generation) | 2020 |
| Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | 2022 |
Older models like the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 series will support iOS 26 but may miss out on AI-driven features due to hardware limitations. For example, the iPhone 11 series, being the oldest compatible models, may experience reduced performance with resource-intensive features.
iPhone Models Not Eligible For iOS 26
iOS 26 drops support for iPhones with the A12 Bionic chip or older, as these lack the necessary performance to handle the new operating system’s demands. The following models, which were supported by iOS 18, will not receive iOS 26:
- Apple iPhone XR
- Apple iPhone XS
- Apple iPhone XS Max
These devices were released in 2018. So, these are technically seven years old and use the A12 Bionic chip. Naturally, they would struggle to meet the performance requirements of iOS 26, particularly for the GPU-intensive Liquid Glass design and AI features.
Also read: Apple iPhone 16 Vs iPhone 15: Expected Features And Upgrades!
How to Get iOS 26?
To get the Developer Beta (Available now):
- Check Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. Note that betas may have bugs, so they are not recommended for primary devices.
To get the Public Beta (July):
- It will be accessible through Apple’s Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
For The iOS 26 Official Release (September):
- To install, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.
iOS 26 Expected Features
The iOS 26 introduces some exciting updates. We can say it is one of the most significant iOS redesigns since iOS 7. Here are some highlights:
- Liquid Glass Design: A translucent, motion-responsive interface inspired by visionOS, applied to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Centre, and apps like Camera and Photos. This creates a fluid, immersive experience across the system.
- Apple Intelligence Enhancements like visual intelligence, live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. That eases use for real-time text and audio translation, processed on-device for privacy.
- AI-driven features like, CarPlay tapbacks, auto-categorised Reminders, order tracking in Wallet, and poll suggestions in Messages (some require newer iPhones).
To have a detailed review of the features in iOS 26, check out this post: iOS 26 Launch Date, Features, Eligible Devices, And More!
In A Nutshell
The iPhones eligible for iOS 26 are backed by the latest chipset. You will be able to enjoy Apple Intelligence in full swing if you have an iPhone 15 or later. Older devices also receive the update, but a few of the features won’t work. Check your compatibility, back up your data, and get ready for a more intelligent and visually captivating iOS experience!
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