Apple's iOS 26 Update Excludes Popular iPhone Models – Is Your Device Affected?

Apple Unveils iOS 26 with Sleek Redesign, Drops Support for Older iPhones

At its 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple debuted iOS 26, featuring the striking “Liquid Glass” redesign, real-time call translation, and a new Games app. However, the update excludes iPhones older than the 2019 iPhone 11, pushing users toward newer models.

Key Features of iOS 26

Liquid Glass Design: A translucent, glass-like aesthetic for icons, lock screens, and home screens.
Live Translation: Real-time translation for calls, messages, and FaceTime.
Custom Chat Backgrounds: Personalize Messages app conversations.
Games App: Central hub for Apple Arcade titles.

The Liquid Glass redesign adds a sleek, translucent look to iOS 26.

Compatibility: Which iPhones Support iOS 26?

The update arrives in September 2025 for:

iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16e budget model).
iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, and 11 (all variants: Pro, Pro Max, mini).
iPhone SE (2020 and 2022 editions).

Excluded models: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018), and older devices like iPhone 8/7, now deemed “vintage.”

iPhone 16 Pro users will enjoy iOS 26’s features this fall.

User Backlash Over Liquid Glass

Despite Apple praising the “elegant” Liquid Glass, critics slammed it as “the ugliest thing Apple has ever done.” Some joked that Apple’s late co-founder Steve Jobs “would’ve fired everyone” for the design.

iPhone 17 Rumors

Launching alongside iOS 26 in September, the iPhone 17 lineup may feature:

A thinner “iPhone 17 Air/Slim” model.
Rectangular camera bars (similar to Google Pixel phones).
A commemorative device for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027.

Tim Cook unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, focusing on incremental software updates.

How to Check Your iPhone Model

Open Settings > General > About.
View “Model Name” under device details.

Older iPhones, like the iPhone 11 and SE (2020), may receive their final major update with iOS 26.

iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and newer, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max (pictured).

Bottom Line: iOS 26’s flashy redesign and tools cater to recent iPhone models, leaving older devices behind. With the iPhone 17 launch nearing, Apple continues balancing innovation with planned obsolescence.