Apple officially unveiled iOS 26 during WWDC 2025, bringing an exciting lineup of new features powered by Apple Intelligence (AI), deeper customization, enhanced privacy controls, and smarter Siri capabilities. If you're wondering which iPhones are eligible for iOS 26, this article covers the full compatibility list, key system requirements, and whether your device can run the latest update smoothly.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about iOS 26 supported iPhones and whether you should upgrade.
Photo credite: APPLE
✅ Quick Summary: What Is iOS 26?
iOS 26 is the latest iPhone operating system announced at WWDC 2025. It introduces Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI system that makes Siri smarter, helps rewrite or summarize text, and shows important notifications based on what matters to you.
Read more about iOS 26 here: WWDC 2025 Summary: Everything Apple Announced, from iOS 26 to macOS Tahoe
Full List of iPhones Eligible for iOS 26 (2025)
Based on Apple’s official information, here is the complete list of iPhones that support iOS 26:
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020), and iPhone SE (2022)
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Shop NowWhich iPhones Support Apple Intelligence in iOS 26?
Currently, Apple Intelligence requires an A17 Pro chip or newer. As a result, only these models support AI-powered features:
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iPhone 15 Pro
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iPhone 15 Pro Max
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iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 17 series
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Shop NowiOS 26 Beta: How to Download and Install
✅ Step‑by‑Step Installation (Developer Beta)
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Enroll in Beta Program
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Sign in or register your Apple ID at Apple Beta Software Program or via Apple Developer site/app (free tier sufficient)
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Download Profile
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Visit developer.apple.com on your device, log in, and install the iOS 26 Developer Beta profile
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Backup Your iPhone
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Use Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows to backup. Recommend "Archive" option to preserve current state
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Enable Beta Updates
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Navigate to Settings → General → Software Update → Beta Updates, then select iOS 26 Developer Beta
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Install the Beta
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After selecting it, the update appears in Software Update. Tap Download & Install and follow on-screen prompts. Device will reboot during installation .
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Future Updates
Tips: Essential before installing. Keep them archived to enable easy rollback
When Will iOS 26 Be Released to the Public?
Apple plans to officially roll out iOS 26 in September 2025.
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Shop NowFinal Thoughts: Is Your iPhone Ready for iOS 26?
With iOS 26, Apple is taking another step toward integrating AI with your daily iPhone experience. From smarter Siri to deeper personalization, it’s a major update — but only newer models can fully benefit.
Be sure to check if your iPhone is eligible, and if you're using an older model, now might be a good time to consider upgrading before the public release.
