- EXPLORE FURTHER: The upcoming Apple iOS 26 release anticipates significant modifications not seen for many years.
After much anticipation, Apple has lifted the veil on a new operating system , called iOS 26.
At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday, iOS 26 was unveiled with a fresh look known as 'Liquid Glass'.
The newly designed software, described as 'charming and sophisticated', is a standout feature. delivers a see-through, glass-like appearance to application icons, the lock screen, and the home screen .
iOS 26 also brings personalized chat background options within the Messages app, a fresh Games application, along with a feature named Live Translation that enables real-time translation of phone calls.
Sadly, not every iPhone will receive the thrilling new update.
iOS 26 will not support many older devices – as the company aims to push customers towards purchasing a newer model.
Is your iPhone included in the list of supported devices?
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iOS 26 is set to release this fall as a complimentary software upgrade for iPhone 11 models and newer, probably around September.
If you own an iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, or iPhone 11, you will be able to install iOS 26 when it becomes available in the fall. This applies regardless of whether your device is a standard model, Pro, or Pro Max version.
Similarly, all three iPhones in Apple's 'affordable' lineup – the iPhone SE, iPhone SE 2, and The iPhone 16e was launched in February. – are compatible too.
Certainly, the iPhone 17 along with its different variants, which are scheduled to come out this fall , will also be compatible with iOS 26.
However, iPhones older than the iPhone 11 — specifically the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR — will not support the installation of iOS 26.
The three aforementioned iPhones were launched in 2018; however, after only seven years, they can no longer support the most recent operating system.
A lot of older iPhones still exist out there. has already been added to Apple’s ‘vintage’ and ‘obsolete’ categories , which means they also won't support iOS 26 – including models like the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7.
When an iPhone becomes outdated, Apple isn’t obligated to repair it once it ceases functioning, making it little more than a museum piece from the past.
If your iPhone has been with you for some time and you're uncertain about its specific model, discovering this information isn’t too complicated.
Simply open the Settings application, scroll down until you find 'General', and then tap on 'About'.
In the section titled 'Model Name,' you should find the specific model of the iPhone mentioned, alongside its model number and the current software version it’s operating on.
As reported by TechRadar The iPhone 11, launched in 2019, along with the initial model of the iPhone SE released in 2020, are expected to receive their last significant update with iOS 26, as these represent the oldest devices eligible for this version.
The recently announced iOS update, disclosed on Monday, was anticipated to be named iOS 19, serving as the successor to the current iOS 18.
However, Apple has modified the iOS naming system such that the figures at the end indicate the Gregorian calendar year when they are mainly utilized.
One of the most significant updates in iOS 16 is a new look known as Liquid Glass. This overhaul lends an ethereal, almost glass-like transparency to applications and various elements within the user interface.
The technology company stated that this change will "enhance the emphasis on content and introduce a fresh degree of dynamism to elements such as controls, navigation, application icons, widgets, and more."
However, Liquid Glass has has not garnered excitement among Apple's loyal followers , with someone describing it as "Apple's least attractive creation ever."
Someone else posted on social media that Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Apple, would have dismissed everybody at Apple for proposing Liquid Glass.
iOS 26 is presently accessible as a developer beta (a non-public, incomplete version of the software) however, the official launch will only happen in September alongside the debut of the new iPhone 17.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 models might feature rectangular camera strips along the rear — which has been observed by many fans as being highly reminiscent of Google's Pixel phones .
The anticipated model known as either 'iPhone 17 Air' or 'iPhone 17 Slim' is projected to offer a more lightweight and slim design but will feature slightly reduced processing power compared to others in its lineup.
Apple is also suspected of developing a gadget That will be available for purchase to commemorate 20 years since the debut of the original iPhone – June 29, 2007.
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