iOS26: which iPhones will be compatible and which will become obsolete?

by Vanessa Ricca & Pádraig Power, on Jun 19, 2025

It's official: the long-awaited iOS19 won't take the name everyone expected, but will be called iOS26. During the June 2025 announcement, Apple unveiled the new features of their new operating system, but most importantly clarified which iPhones will be compatible and which will be excluded from the update, effectively becoming obsolete. Here's the complete list of supported models and those that will be left behind.

And your iPhone, will it be compatible with iOS26?

When will iOS26 officially arrive?

With the presentation at WWDC in June 2025, the iOS26 update is now available in its beta version. The official version of iOS26 will arrive to devices around mid-September 2025, coinciding with the launch of the new iPhone series 17. This timing is now well established, but we'll have to see if Apple has any surprises in store for us this year.

How to download the iOS26 beta

To try iOS26 in developer beta version now, simply register for the "Apple Beta Software" programme (which is free) with your Apple ID. Once registered, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select iOS 26 developer beta.

Before proceeding, it's always good to:

Make a complete backup (via iCloud or Finder/iTunes).
Ensure at least 15 GB of free space, charged devices and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Remember that this is an unstable version, designed for developers, so it's not recommended for primary devices.

In just a few steps, you'll have preview access to all the new features of iOS26, but use it with caution and, first of all, make sure to download it on one of the compatible models that we'll list below!

iOS26: the complete list of compatible iPhone models

Here's the complete list of iPhone models compatible with the new iOS26, starting with the most recent:

Of course, new models from the iPhone 17 series launching in September will be added to this list.

Which devices won't receive the iOS26 update?

Contrary to previous web rumours, Apple has decided that these three iPhone models won't receive support for new updates from iOS26 onwards, officially becoming "obsolete" for new iOS upgrades. These are:

Obsolete iPhones: what does this mean for these devices?

When an iPhone is defined as "obsolete", it means it will no longer receive operating system updates. This doesn't mean it will stop working, but it does have some important consequences. Firstly, non-updated devices are more vulnerable to security issues, as they don't receive the latest patches against new cyber threats. Additionally, over time, many apps will gradually stop being compatible or working smoothly, reducing the quality of the user experience.

From an environmental perspective, this news isn't positive at all. Every time a device becomes obsolete for software reasons - despite often still being fully functional from a hardware perspective - there's an increased risk it will be discarded and replaced with a newer model. This accelerates the consumption cycle and contributes to electronic waste accumulation, one of the most urgent and underestimated environmental problems. Although Apple has made progress in recent years in promoting recycling and the use of sustainable materials, software obsolescence remains one of the main challenges for a true transition towards more circular electronics.

A more sustainable and cost-effective choice with refurbished devices

Faced with the obsolescence of some iPhone models, refurbished devices prove to be a smart and eco-responsible alternative. It's a choice that allows you not only to save money but also to reduce your ecological footprint by extending the life of perfectly functioning devices. A small gesture that benefits both your wallet and the planet.

Looking for an iOS26-compatible iPhone without spending a fortune? 💡

Take a look at our latest refurbished models, such as iPhone 13, iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, our undisputed best-sellers even in 2025: they support the new update and are a more cost-effective and sustainable choice, without compromising on quality.