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Which iPhones can run Apple’s iOS 26, and what does that mean for your security?
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Update July 14: This article, originally published July 11, has been updated to include the devices that can’t run iOS 26, as well as news about iOS 26 Beta 3.
Apple’s iOS 26 is coming this fall, along with some amazing new features for your iPhone, many of which are powered by Apple Intelligence AI — alongside a new design language dubbed Liquid Glass.
But as with previous software updates, not all iPhones can be upgraded to Apple’s iOS 26. So, which iPhones can run Apple’s new software, and what does that mean for your security?
iOS 26 Security
The iOS 26 update will include security upgrades for holes that can be exploited by attackers. Apple will still update iOS 26’s predecessor, iOS 18 for a short while after the new operating system lands in September.
It does this to ensure any hesitant upgraders who want to wait to update to iOS 26 can do so while early bugs are ironed out.
But Apple will only update iOS 18 for up to six months after launching iOS 26, unless it changes from its current strategy. After that period, the iPhone maker may issue updates for major holes such as already-exploited flaws.
In short, it means if you stay on iOS 18 for too long, you will reduce your iPhone’s security. This could leave you open to attack by adversaries looking to steal data, or deploy spyware.
iOS 26 Security Features
Apple’s iOS 26 will also include a number of cool security and privacy features that you can’t get on earlier iOS versions. For example, it will introduce call screening, building on the very useful iOS 18 feature Live Voicemail. According to Apple, Call Screening automatically answers unknown callers without interrupting you. Once the caller shares their name and the reason for their call, your phone rings and you can decide if you want to pick up.
Another cool feature in iOS 26 is the ability to create a digital ID in Wallet using your U.S. passport that can be used at TSA checkpoints, in apps and in person.
Meanwhile, browsing in Safari gets more private with advanced fingerprinting protection extending to all browsing by default.
A List Of iPhones That Can Run iOS 26
Below are a list of iPhones that run iOS 26. If you are a target for attackers — think business exec, dissident, journalist or political figure — you should consider getting a newer device within the next year.
Others don’t need to worry as much. Just pay attention to apple list of vintage and obsolete devices, which includes the iPhones that can’t be updated at all.
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Which iPhones Can’t Run iOS 26?
Granted, lots of iPhones can run iOS 26, but there are also so notable devices missing from the list. These include the iPhone X, XS, XR and XS Max.
All other iPhones released before this date also can’t run iOS 26.
If you care about your security, it’s a good idea to consider replacing your device in the near future — even if you look for a second hand iPhone. But it’s also worth noting that iPhones are cheaper once the next models are released. If you wait until the new year to buy an iPhone 16, for example, you could save much-needed cash.
iOS 26 Beta 3 and iOS 18.6 Beta 2
Apple has issued the third iOS 26 beta, including a range of feature and performance enhancements. The feedback for iOS 26 so far has been mixed, with some iPhone users not liking the Liquid Glass look.
Meanwhile, a thread on Reddit includes multiple reports of bugs in the third iOS 26 beta, including issues with signal, battery drain, Apple Pay and Wi-Fi.
“This is by far one of the most buggiest betas I have seen for some time,” says one user.
Meanwhile, Apple has also released the second beta of iOS 18.6, the update to its current software that you can expect to see very soon, probably this month.
iOS 26 Release Date
Apple’s iOS 26 is coming in September, the exact date is unknown at the moment.
For now, the iOS 26 public beta is available through the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
If your iPhone can’t run iOS 26, there is no need to panic, just make sure you are updating your iPhone when Apple does issue security fixes, and consider replacing your device in the near future.
