Every iPhone model that won't get free iOS 26 upgrade revealed – millions to miss out as exact list confirmed by Apple
Even newer models will miss out on some features
OUT WITH THE OLD
OUT WITH THE OLD Every iPhone model that won't get free iOS 26 upgrade revealed – millions to miss out as exact list confirmed by Apple
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MILLIONS of older iPhones are set to be locked out of Apple's next big update.
Apple fans across the world are due to get the free iOS 26 upgrade later this year, giving their iPhones bonus features at no extra cost.
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Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, shared news about the company's gadgets at WWDC 2025
Credit: Apple
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Apple is upgrading how its devices look with the new 26-series of software updates
Credit: Apple
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Apple's iPhone XS, which came out back in 2018, won't get the new iOS update
Credit: Apple
That'll include a robot that holds on phone calls so you don't have to, the ability to send polls in Messages, a translation feature that lets you understand foreign languages in real time – plus a brand new "glassy" look for your iPhone icons and menus.
These tempting perks were announced during today's special Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) event at Apple's California HQ.
It's coming to dozens of iPhone models going back years – but not all Apple customers are on the lucky list.
Several once-posh iPhone models are being cut-off, despite being able to get last year's iOS 18 update.
Phones as far back as the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd gen) will be able to get iOS 26.
But if you've got an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max, you're out in the cold.
Anything older than that won't be eligible for the upgrade either – but that's no surprise, as they would've missed iOS 18 too.
Here's the full list of iPhone models getting Apple's iOS 26 update:
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 (3rd gen)
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
If you've got an older iPhone, now would be a good time to upgrade – or you'll miss out.
iPhone 16e review – I've secretly tested Apple's cheapest mobile and I love the new button but that's not the best bit
THE SECOND CUT-OFF
It's worth noting that just because you can get iOS 26 doesn't mean you'll unlock the full suite of features either.
Some artificial intelligence perks under the Apple Intelligence banner only appear on the very newest model.
For those, you'll need one of the following gadgets:
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Your iPhone will look very different in iOS 26
Credit: Apple
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The iPhone XR is also losing access to the latest iOS updates
Credit: Apple
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There's a new feature that allows you to let a robot "hold" on phone calls for you
Credit: Apple
You don't necessarily need Apple Intelligence to get by, but it has some handy benefits.
It lets you create custom Genmoji emoji, can help you rewrite emails, and lets you use Siri to tap into ChatGPT.
WHAT'S NEW IN IOS 26?
For a start, it's called iOS 26 and not iOS 19 as expected.
That means Apple is matching the main year for the software, making naming simpler. This is true for iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro software too.
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Apple has rebranded its software to match the main year for each software release
Credit: Apple
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The new look introduces a glossier design
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It's possible to send polls in the iPhone's Messages app
Credit: Apple
There's a new look for apps with glassy, translucent, round-edged icons and circular buttons, and a transparent design borrowed from the Apple Vision Pro headset.
The Phone app has been upgraded to streaming your Favourites, Recents, and Voicemails into a single panel.
Safari has a glossy new design, and the Camera app has been simplified.
Messages now allows you to send polls, and set synced backgrounds for your chats.
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You can create custom backgrounds for your Messages chats
And there's a new Apple Intelligence feature that lets you combine two emoji into one.
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