iOS 26: Supported devices (And What It Means for Older iPhones)

iOS 26: What We Know (And What It Means for Older iPhones)

The Potential iPhone Lineup for iOS 26

Here's the compatibility list:

• 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
• iPhone¹ 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 2 (2nd generation)
• iPhone SE 3 (3rd generation)

This list suggests that Apple continues to offer robust support for many older devices, which is generally good news for consumers who don't upgrade their iPhones every year.

The End of an Era: Dropped Support for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR

However, the delivers a stark message for owners of some popular older models: "iOS 26 drops support for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR."

This is a significant detail. The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR were released in 2018. If this information is accurate, it means these devices will not receive the iOS 26 update. While it's always a bit of a bummer when your device no longer gets the latest software, it's also a natural progression for technology. These phones would have received several years of major iOS updates, which is commendable.

What does this mean for owners of these devices?

• No new features: You won't get access to any of the new features or improvements introduced in iOS 26.
• Security updates may continue for a while: Historically, Apple has continued to provide security updates for a period even after a device stops receiving major iOS versions. However, eventually, even these will cease.
• App compatibility: While existing apps will continue to work, newer apps or updates to existing apps may eventually require a more recent iOS version, limiting their functionality or availability on unsupported devices.
• Consider an upgrade: If you own an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR and want to stay on the latest software, it might be time to start thinking about an upgrade in the near future.

What are your thoughts on this potential compatibility list? Are you an iPhone XS/XS Max/XR owner? Let us know in the comments below!

---