iPhone devotees, listen up: Tons of new updates<\/a> are coming to Apple’s operating system this fall that you’ll be excited to try out. But instead of being named iOS 19, it’ll be called iOS 26. The biggest change? The new Liquid Glass design<\/a> (think Windows Vista<\/a>, but arguably more thoughtful), which looks to be Apple’s largest visual update in years. We spent two weeks test-driving it \u2014 you can check out our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview<\/a>, or you can try it out yourself by downloading and installing the public beta<\/a>, available now. Before you dive in, we’ll help you answer this question: Will my iPhone be able to run iOS 26?<\/p>\n Last year, Apple didn’t nix any iPhones from its eligibility list, but that’s not the case for 2025 \u2014 a few models are getting cut this time. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to get the boot in 2023, and this year the 2018 models are getting left behind. If you have an ineligible device, you won’t be able to download iOS 26 when it becomes available this fall.<\/p>\n We’ll get to the bottom of which iPhones will support iOS 26 this year. To see what’s coming with the latest OS and more, check out everything announced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 event<\/a>.<\/p>\n Unlike last year, several iPhone models won’t be eligible to download the newest iOS when it makes its debut this fall. This trio of models first released in 2018 won’t be coming to the iOS 26 party:<\/p>\n iPhone XR<\/p>\n<\/li>\n iPhone XS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n iPhone XS Max<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n While we don’t yet know the new iPhones Apple will be dropping this fall \u2014 though there are iPhone 17 rumors<\/a> \u2014 we do know, per Apple’s site<\/a>, that the phones listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. Basically, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you’re in the clear:<\/p>\n If you want to continue using your older iPhone that isn’t supported by iOS 26, that’s fine. However, you’ll miss out on security updates which could potentially put your phone at risk for malware and other threats. Additionally, some apps may stop working if they require a certain version of iOS or later. And of course, you won’t be able to access the latest features iOS 26 offers.<\/p>\n Apple usually rolls out its latest iOS in mid-September, just a few days before the new iPhones hit store shelves. Last year, it released iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. Expect a confirmation of the release date at the iPhone 17 event, expected in early September.<\/p>\nThese three iPhones won’t be compatible with iOS 26<\/h2>\n
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iPhones compatible with iOS 26<\/h2>\n
What if I don’t want to buy a new iPhone?<\/h2>\n
When will iOS 26 become available?<\/h2>\n
iOS 26 features we’re excited about<\/h2>\n