Update for iOS 26: The following iPhone and iPad models will receive this latest version: - Upcoming Software Update for iOS: Select iPhone and iPad Models Set to Receive Version 26
Breaking Down iOS 26: The Devices That'll Join the Party
Written by Malte Mansholt
- Approx. Reading Time: 2 minutes
Apple's latest reveal at WWDC 2025 - iOS 26, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and VisionOS - has sent waves through the tech community. But not every device will rock the new system. Say goodbye to these iPhones and iPads:
Goodbye Old Timers: Devices Left Behind
iOS 26, much like its iPad counterpart, doesn't play well with old hardware. Three iPhones and one iPad will be left out of the fun.
- iPhone: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
- iPad: iPad (7th generation) from 2019
These devices will continue to run on iOS 18.x and won't get the iOS 26 upgrade. Compatible models start from the iPhone 15 series to newer releases.
iOS 26: Bid Farewell to the Yesteryears
With respect to iPhones, the new update will embrace devices from the iPhone 16 lineup, including:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
For iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, and even the second and third-gen iPhone SE, their party invites are still in the mail.
iPadOS 26: Out With the Old, In With the New
As for the iPad, any model not falling under these categories will miss out on iPadOS 26:
- iPad Pro: iPad Pro (M4) and later models or those with the M4 chip
- iPad Air: iPad Air (M2) and later models or those from the 3rd generation onwards
- iPad: Tablets with the A16 chip and 8th generation and up
- iPad mini: iPad mini (A17 Pro) and later models or those from the 5th generation onwards
A Quick Check for Your Device
To find out which category your device belongs to, head to the settings on your device, select "General," and then "About." This will show your model and generation number.
[table]| Device Type | Outdated/Not Supported if... ||---------------|-----------------------------------|| iPhone | iPhone XS, XS Max, XR || iPad Pro | Older than 12.9-inch 3rd gen, 11-inch 1st gen or lacks M4 chip || iPad Air | Older than 3rd generation, excluding M2 and newer || iPad | Older than 8th generation, except those with the A16 chip || iPad mini | Older than 5th generation, except those with A17 Pro chip |[/table]
Keep checking your device for compatibility with iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, and get ready to experience the future with Apple!
AppleiOSiPhoneiPadWWDCTablet for Seniors
- The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation, introducing a new era of smart technology where smartphones like the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, will run seamlessly on iOS 26.
- Furthermore, as technology advances, gadgets such as the new iPad models featuring the M4 chip or later, including the iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2) and up, will embrace the latest changes brought forth by iPadOS 26, leaving behind old devices such as the iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, and iPad (7th generation) from 2019.
