Apple Confirms iOS 26 Compatibility: older iPhones Left Behind
Cupertino, CA – Apple has detailed which iPhone models will be compatible with the upcoming iOS 26 update, set to launch on September 15.Several older models will not receive the update, marking the end of software support for those devices. This means users with these iPhones will miss out on new features and,crucially,future security updates.
the decision impacts millions of iPhone users still utilizing older devices.While Apple typically provides security updates for several years, this marks a definitive end to software support for the listed models. Continuing to use unsupported devices poses increasing security risks as vulnerabilities are discovered and remain unpatched.
Specifically, the following iPhones will not be compatible with iOS 26:
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 5s
* All previous models
Despite losing access to new features, Apple intends to maintain basic security support for a limited time for these older devices, allowing continued “safe” use without the latest functionalities.
New features arriving with iOS 26, such as those related to Apple Intelligence, will be limited to iPhones with advanced processors and greater RAM – specifically, iPhone 15 Pro models and newer, equipped with an A17 chip or higher.
