iOS 26 system requirements: will it run on your iPhone?

Apple revealed its next major smartphone software update back in June. Called iOS 26 it will work best with the latest iPhones, and it’ll come pre-installed on the upcoming iPhone 17.

It’s becoming available for beta users right now, but a full release won’t come until September, if Apple follows its usual schedule. A whole bunch of older iPhones will also get the free software update – stretching back around five years.

Note that Apple’s software versions are now named after the year ahead – so iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 and so on. So if you’re looking for the requirements to run what you thought was called iOS 19, you’re in the right place!

iOS 26 offers a brand new glassy redesign that makes the software look like the Apple Vision Pro’s visionOS, alongside plenty of other new features. But will your current iPhone get the upcoming software update? Here’s our guide to the iOS 26 system requirements.

• Read more: Why Apple skipped iOS 19 and went straight to iOS 26 – the reason makes so much sense

Can my iPhone get iOS 26?

iOS 26 doesn’t run on all of the same devices that could run iOS 18. This year’s update officially ditches support for the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max – all of which are from 2018.

So the earliest iPhones on the compatibility list are the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 11 series from 2019. That’s fairly impressive considering a lot of Android devices still only offer three years of security updates.

Last year’s iOS 18 supported the same devices as the iOS 17 update, which killed compatibility for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus from 2017, the iPhone X, the original iPhone SE, and the 7th generation iPod touch.

Here’s a full list of the devices compatible with iOS 26:

• iPhone 17 series (upcoming)
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11
• iPhone SE (2020, 2nd generation)

• Related: This is what liquid glass looks like on iOS 26 – and how you can turn it off if you’re not a fan

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home