Apple has just confirmed its biggest upgrade of 2025, but three iPhones will miss out.
There’s a massive iPhone upgrade coming later this year, which will add a swathe of features to these popular call makers. iOS 26 has just been confirmed with Apple announcing its release during its WWDC Developers Conference. Upgrades in this release include a refreshed look, improved messaging and changes to apps such as Apple Music, Apple Maps and Wallet. Once installed users will also be able to change the backgrounds in the chats and get annoying cold calls blocked automatically.
iOS 26 can translate conversations in real time and a new Games app is being added to offer some improved entertainment on the phone.
It’s a major release that should be available in September. Sadly, not everyone will be able to install it.
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Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 will only be compatible with the iPhone 11 and later. That means some devices that are running the current iOS 18 won’t be able to switch.
“New software features will be available this autumn as a free software update for iPhone 11 and later,” Apple confirmed.
So what phones are dropping off the list?
Those owning an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR will need ti buy something new if they want all the latest features from Apple.
If your device features on that list above you’ll need to get yourself an iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or the latest iPhone 16 to access iOS 26 when it finally arrives.
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“iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.
“Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most. And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever.”