Apple’s next big iOS update is here, bringing a fresh new design and smarter features. But not every iPhone made the cut.
Apple’s next big iOS update is out now, bringing a fresh new design and smarter features. But not every iPhone made the cut.
Apple pulled the curtain back on iOS 26 during WWDC 2025, showing off Liquid Glass UI, performance boosts, and new system-wide intelligence. While those features grabbed the spotlight, the real question for most of us is simple: will my iPhone actually run it?
iOS 26: What’s New
If you’ve seen the demo, you know iOS 26 looks different. Apple’s Liquid Glass design language brings cleaner layers, smoother motion, and a more cohesive look across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Animations feel tighter, UI polish is up, and there are meaningful performance improvements under the hood. Apple Intelligence also steps up with more than 20 new features on supported hardware.
Expect smarter writing tools, richer widgets, and Live Activity stacks that surface more at a glance.
How to get it: On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software Update and tap Download and Install. If you don’t see it yet, try again later today or restart your device.
Which iPhones Are Left Behind
This year Apple dropped support for three models that ran iOS 18. If you’re using an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR, iOS 26 will not be coming your way. Support now starts with iPhone 11 and newer, plus iPhone SE second generation and above.
Full List of iOS 26 Compatible iPhones
- iPhone 17
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE second generation and newer
Not All Features For Every Device
Being on the list does not guarantee every feature. More than 20 Apple Intelligence upgrades require newer hardware. You will need at least an iPhone 15 Pro or newer for the full AI experience. Older models still get the refreshed design, security updates, and performance gains.
Bottom Line
If you are on an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR, it may be time to consider an upgrade. For everyone else, iOS 26 is available today and looks like the most significant iPhone update in years, blending a modern look with smarter features across the board.
iOS 26: What’s New?
Liquid Glass UI: Cleaner layers, smoother motion, and a more cohesive look across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Speed & Responsiveness: Snappier animations, better multitasking, and general performance improvements.
Apple Intelligence: 20+ on-device AI tools for writing, organization, and smarter system actions (iPhone 15 Pro or newer required for full feature set).
Smarter Widgets: Richer, more interactive widgets with extra glanceable info.
Live Activity Stacks: Keep multiple live activities neatly stacked on the Lock Screen with quick controls.
Privacy & Security: Stronger background protections and tighter data controls across the system.
Available Now: Install via Settings → General → Software Update.
iOS 26 Feature Highlights
| Feature | What It Brings | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Glass UI | A fresh design with smoother motion, layered transparency, and a modern look across iPhone, iPad, and Mac | All supported devices |
| Performance Boosts | Faster animations, better responsiveness, and more efficient multitasking | All supported devices |
| Apple Intelligence | 20+ new AI-powered tools for writing, organization, and smarter system features | iPhone 15 Pro and newer |
| Enhanced Widgets | Richer widgets with more glanceable info and interactive options | All supported devices |
| Live Activity Stacks | Multiple live activities stacked and easily managed on the Lock Screen | iPhone 12 and newer |
| Security Updates | Stronger privacy controls and background protections | All supported devices |
| Public Beta | Ran July–September 2025 (now closed) | N/A |
| Public Release | Released September 16, 2025 — available now | Settings → General → Software Update |
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How do I install the iOS 26 beta version for my iPhone 11. I was only able to select which update to turn on between beta 18.6 and 26 in my iPhone on the software update section but there’s no update to download?
If you’ve already enabled the iOS 26 beta in Settings, the next step is simply waiting for Apple to push the latest build to your device. On your iPhone 11, head to Settings > General > Software Update, make sure iOS 26 Developer Beta or Public Beta is selected under the Beta Updates menu, and refresh the page.
If you’re only seeing iOS 18.6 right now, it usually means Apple hasn’t made the latest beta build available for your hardware yet. Betas often roll out in waves, and sometimes older models like the iPhone 11 get the update a few hours later.
Keep checking back, once it’s posted, you’ll be able to download and install it over the air like any other iOS update.