At WWDC 2025, Apple officially unveiled iOS 26, bringing a range of futuristic features and support for a wide list of devices. The update promises deeper AI integration, more personalisation options, and a more streamlined iOS experience for users worldwide. Notably, ios 26 iphones support covers models going back several generations, reaffirming Apple's commitment to long-term device compatibility.
This new update also raised eyebrows by skipping iOS 19 entirely — an unconventional leap that Apple explained as part of a branding reset to align iOS and iPadOS with macOS versioning.
iOS 26 Release Timeline and Beta Access
Apple has confirmed that the developer beta of ios 26 iphones is already available starting June 10. A public beta will follow in July, with a stable release expected around mid-September — likely aligning with the iPhone 17 series launch.
Eligible users can download the beta via the Apple Developer Program or wait for the public beta version via Apple Beta Software Program.
Full List of iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
Here’s the complete list of iPhones that support ios 26 iphones:
-
iPhone 15 series
-
iPhone 14 series
-
iPhone 13 series
-
iPhone 12 series
-
iPhone 11 series
-
iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
-
iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
Models older than iPhone XR have been dropped from the compatibility list, marking a significant transition towards newer hardware optimization.
Notable Features in iOS 26
iOS 26 iphones introduces some highly requested and futuristic features:
-
AI-powered Smart Replies and Summaries
The Messages app now uses on-device AI to suggest replies and summarise long conversations. -
Interactive Home Screen Widgets
Widgets on the home screen are now truly interactive, allowing users to toggle settings, mark tasks, and control apps directly. -
Live Voicemail Translation
Real-time voicemail transcription and translation is now available in over 20 languages. -
Smart Charging Optimization
The new smart charging tech adapts to user habits to improve long-term battery health. -
Revamped Control Center
A redesigned Control Center makes accessing essential toggles easier, with more customization.
Why Apple Skipped iOS 19
Many users were surprised when Apple jumped from iOS 18 to iOS 26. Apple stated that the move was designed to align iOS version numbers with iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, all of which are reaching version 26. This shift simplifies cross-platform development and unifies branding.
