MILLIONS of older iPhones are set to be locked out of Apple’s next big update.
Apple fans across the world are due to get the free iOS 26 upgrade later this year, giving their iPhones bonus features at no extra cost.
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That’ll include a robot that holds on phone calls so you don’t have to, the ability to send polls in Messages, a translation feature that lets you understand foreign languages in real time – plus a brand new “glassy” look for your iPhone icons and menus.
These tempting perks were announced during today’s special Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) event at Apple’s California HQ.
It’s coming to dozens of iPhone models going back years – but not all Apple customers are on the lucky list.
Several once-posh iPhone models are being cut-off, despite being able to get last year’s iOS 18 update.
Phones as far back as the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd gen) will be able to get iOS 26.
But if you’ve got an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max, you’re out in the cold.
Anything older than that won’t be eligible for the upgrade either – but that’s no surprise, as they would’ve missed iOS 18 too.
Here’s the full list of iPhone models getting Apple’s iOS 26 update:
- 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
- iPhone 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 (3rd gen)
- iPhone SE (2nd gen)
If you’ve got an older iPhone, now would be a good time to upgrade – or you’ll miss out.
THE SECOND CUT-OFF
It’s worth noting that just because you can get iOS 26 doesn’t mean you’ll unlock the full suite of features either.
Some artificial intelligence perks under the Apple Intelligence banner only appear on the very newest model.
For those, you’ll need one of the following gadgets:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
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You don’t necessarily need Apple Intelligence to get by, but it has some handy benefits.
It lets you create custom Genmoji emoji, can help you rewrite emails, and lets you use Siri to tap into ChatGPT.
WHAT’S NEW IN IOS 26?
For a start, it’s called iOS 26 and not iOS 19 as expected.
That means Apple is matching the main year for the software, making naming simpler. This is true for iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro software too.
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There’s a new look for apps with glassy, translucent, round-edged icons and circular buttons, and a transparent design borrowed from the Apple Vision Pro headset.
The Phone app has been upgraded to streaming your Favourites, Recents, and Voicemails into a single panel.
Safari has a glossy new design, and the Camera app has been simplified.
Messages now allows you to send polls, and set synced backgrounds for your chats.
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And there’s a new Apple Intelligence feature that lets you combine two emoji into one.
