Is Your iPhone Compatible With iOS 26?

Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26, which comes with a host of advanced AI features, better performance, and improved personalisation. But the key question is: Is your phone compatible with iOS 26?

Apple, typically, offers software updates for devices up to six years, but not all iPhones receive the same iOS experience. Some of iOS 26’s most exciting features such as real-time AI translation or on-device generative AI will be limited to newer models like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series, thanks to their cutting-edge chipsets.

If you have an older iPhone, you need to check whether your device supports iOS 26. In this guide, we’ll breakdown 

• Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26

• Which devices offer the full iOS 26 experience

• What features are missing on older models

Let’s dive into the full compatibility list, and what it means for your device’s future.

iPhones Compatible with iOS 26

Here is the full list of iPhones that support iOS 26:-

• iPhone SE (2nd generation)

• iPhone SE (3rd generation)

• iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max

• iPhone 12, Pro and Pro Max

• iPhone 12 Mini

• iPhone 13 mini

• iPhone 13, Pro and Pro Max

• iPhone 14, Pro and Pro Max

• iPhone 14 Plus

• iPhone 15, Pro and Pro Max

• iPhone 15 Plus

• iPhone 16, Pro and Pro Max

• iPhone 16 Plus

• iPhone 16e

• iPhone 17, Pro and Pro Max

• iPhone Air

Apple

iPhones That Will Get the Full iOS 26 Experience

Not all iPhones compatible with iOS 26 will support all the features of Apple’s latest operating system. Some of iOS 26’s headline features require cutting-edge hardware, particularly the new A18 and A19 chipsets found only in Apple’s latest flagships. Currently, features like Apple Intelligence, Visual Intelligence, and Live Translation are available on iPhone 15 Pro models as well as on the iPhone 16 and 17 series.

The advanced features of iOS 26 come with a whole new layer of AI functionality. We're talking about features like your iPhone being able to understand what’s on your screen, create custom emojis just for you, and even translate conversations in real time - all processed directly on your phone.

The Best iOS 26 Features Worth Using

iOS 26 is packed with smart features such as live translation and call screening. Find out what’s new and how to get the most out of your iPhone.

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iOS 26 Compatible iPhones (Limited Features)

If you're using an older iPhone such as an iPhone 11, for example, you'll still receive iOS 26, but with some limitations.

Here are the models with partial support:

• iPhone 14 series

• iPhone 13 series

• iPhone 12 series

• iPhone 11 series

• iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd Gen)
  

iOS 26 features missing on older iPhones

• No generative AI tools in Photos

• Limited AI-based Siri responses

• No real-time voice translation

• Slower performance in multitasking and background app management

• Reduced Live Speech and accessibility enhancements
  

These models have older chips, which lack the processing power and RAM needed to run some iOS 26 features smoothly.

Performance and Battery Life on Older iPhones Running iOS 26

As per Apple’s latest report on software updates, you might notice your battery draining. For most users, this is temporary and quite normal as the device needs power to install a major update. However, if you’re using an older iPhone compatible with iOS 26, the battery drain might be more significant. You may also experience longer load times for apps and storage pressure from new system files and cached data.

That being said, Apple has a solid track record of maintaining usability across older devices. If you have an iPhone 11 or newer, iOS 26 should still feel stable and a few battery optimising tips might help.

Final Thoughts: iOS 26 and the Future of iPhone Longevity

Apple continues to maintain the bar for software longevity, offering iOS 26 to phones released in 2019. But as iOS becomes increasingly reliant on AI and on-device processing, hardware is becoming a bigger factor in what your phone can actually do.

If your iPhone is missing out on key updates like Apple Intelligence or Live Translation, it might be the right time to consider a trade-in or upgrade. Selling your phone now, while it still holds value and runs the latest software, can help you get the best offer.