Digimagaz.com – Apple’s next major mobile operating system updates, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, are set to arrive this fall, bringing a mix of design enhancements, productivity tools, and communication upgrades. While the updates promise exciting features, some older devices will lose compatibility this year, marking a shift from Apple’s more inclusive approach in 2024.
Three iPhones Dropped from Support in 2025
For the first time since 2023, Apple has removed a set of iPhones from its eligibility list. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max all released in 2018 will not support iOS 26. This means users of these models will miss out on both the upcoming features and critical security updates.
Apple’s decision follows its typical five- to six-year device support cycle, a timeline that balances hardware capability with software demands. Owners of these older devices may want to consider upgrading to maintain security protections and app compatibility.
iPhones That Will Support iOS 26
Apple has confirmed that any iPhone released in 2019 or later will be compatible. The full list includes:
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iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
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iPhone 11 series
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iPhone 12 series
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iPhone 13 series
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iPhone 14 series
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iPhone 15 series
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iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 lineup
The upcoming iPhone 17 models, expected in September, will naturally ship with iOS 26 preinstalled.
iPads Compatible with iPadOS 26
The following iPads — plus any future models released later this year — will receive iPadOS 26:
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iPad Pro (M4) and later
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
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iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
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iPad Air (M3, M2, and 3rd generation or later)
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iPad (A16 and 8th generation or later)
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iPad mini (A17 Pro and 5th generation or later)
Key Features Coming in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
Apple is introducing several notable features designed to enhance both the visual and functional aspects of its mobile platforms.
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Liquid Glass Design – A modernized interface with transparent and floating elements, cohesive across all Apple OS platforms. Includes customizable dark and clear modes for app icons.
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Revamped Phone App – Streamlined view for contacts, recent calls, and voicemail, plus Hold Assist to notify users when a call is picked up.
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Live Translate – Real-time voice or text translation during phone calls and messages, enabling seamless communication across languages.
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Polls in Messages – A built-in poll feature for group chats to simplify decision-making without message clutter.
Risks of Staying on an Unsupported Device
While an older iPhone can still function without the update, it will no longer receive Apple’s security patches. This increases the risk of malware, data breaches, and app incompatibility over time. Users relying on banking, messaging, or productivity apps may see limited functionality as developers optimize for newer versions of iOS.
Release Timeline
Apple typically launches its new iOS versions in mid-September, shortly before new iPhones hit the market. Based on past patterns iOS 18 debuted on September 16, 2024 iOS 26 is expected to follow a similar schedule. The exact date will likely be confirmed during Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 event in early September.
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 continue Apple’s push for refined design and smarter communication tools, but this year’s update comes with a shorter compatibility list. Users with 2018 iPhones will need to weigh the cost of upgrading against the growing risks of using unsupported devices.
