Apple has finally released iOS 26 to the public for all supported devices. All the new software versions, including iOS 26, come with a new design implemented across the system called “Liquid Glass”. Everything from icons to the System UI on iOS 26 will now adapt to the surrounding elements with the translucent material.
According to Apple,” The new material, Liquid Glass, is translucent and behaves like glass in the real world. Its color is informed by surrounding content and intelligently adapts between light and dark environments. Born out of a close collaboration between the design and engineering teams, Liquid Glass uses real-time rendering and dynamically reacts to movement with specular highlights. This creates a lively experience that makes using iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV even more delightful.”
iOS 26? Shouldn’t this be iOS 19?
This year, Apple has re-numbered all software versions to version 26, corresponding to the software being available for most of 2026. This system is similar to the way vehicle manufacturers launch their new cars. The next major iOS version will be called “iOS 27” which will be released in September of 2026 and will remain available through most of 2027, hence the naming.
That being said, with all the new visual and functional changes to iOS 26, it’s time to address the question we all have been waiting for — supported devices.
The following iPhones support iOS 26:
- iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
- 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)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Unfortunately, iOS 26 has dropped support for the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR, all of which were launched in 2018 with the A12 Bionic chip. They were launched with iOS 12 and went on to support six major iOS releases, which is still commendable.
Interestingly, the iPad Air (3rd generation), featuring an A12 Bionic chipset and said to have 3GB of RAM, still supports iPadOS 26, while the iPhone Xs with 4GB of RAM and the iPhone XR with 3GB of RAM does not support iOS 26. The only plausible reason explaining this could be the smaller batteries on these iPhone models compared to the iPad. With all these advancements with Liquid Glass, iOS 26 does consume more battery power, and the 2018 iPhone models might not be able to keep up.
Do you have a supported iPhone? Let us know down in the comments or write to us on @appleosophy! Be sure to download the Appleosophy App from the App Store or visit our website to stay updated with the latest Apple news!
