iOS 26: Release Date, Supported iPhones, Features, and the iOS 19 Mystery Explained

June 11, 2025

Apple has officially introduced iOS 26, its next major software update for the iPhone. With a completely reimagined interface, powerful AI capabilities, and changes in naming strategy, iOS 26 marks one of the most significant leaps in iOS history. Here’s everything you need to know.

Release Date

Apple showed off iOS 26 at its yearly Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. The developer test became available right away after the news came out. The open test version will go live in July 2025, and the full version will be available to everyone in September 2025. The full release is likely to happen at the same time as the iPhone 17 series launch.

Supported iPhones

As of iOS 26, Apple has raised the device’s needs. The update will only work on smartphones that have at least the A13 Bionic chip. This means that older iPhones like the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max are no longer approved.

Here’s the full list of supported iPhones:

iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16 and all models in the iPhone 16 lineup

But smartphones with the A17 Pro chip or later are the only ones that can get some advanced features, like AI-powered tools. This means that only the iPhone 15 Pro line and all iPhone 16 models can do everything they can.

Key New Features in iOS 26

1. Liquid Glass Design – All-new translucent, layered interface inspired by visionOS.

2. Apple Intelligence (AI) – On-device AI features like Genmoji, smart writing, call screening, and ChatGPT integration (A17 Pro and newer only).

3. Smart Messages – Polls in group chats, improved spam detection, and Apple Cash bill splitting.

4. Upgraded Camera – AirPods can act as remote shutter controls.

5. Photos & Memories – Smarter curation and enhanced memory creation.

6. Apple Maps – “Visited Places” history and improved route suggestions.

7. Apple Music – AI-powered AutoMix, real-time lyric translation.

8. Preview App – Native PDF and image viewer/editor.

9. Games App – Unified hub for game progress, events, and achievements.

10. Privacy-Focused AI – All intelligence features run securely on-device.

Why Did Apple Skip iOS 19?

Apple’s operating systems are now named after the years they were released. In other words, iOS 26 is the most important program for the year 2026. When you use this method, iOS will now follow the same versioning style as macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. So, iOS 19 through 25 were left out of the names, but not the progress.

Conclusion

iOS 26 is a big step forward for Apple’s mobile software because it combines a bold redesign with smart AI features that protect your privacy. People with newer iPhones will have a better, smoother, and more visually exciting experience, while people with older models will be left behind. Apple’s choice not to release iOS 19 is also part of a long-term plan to make it easy to keep track of product versions by year. In general, iOS 26 isn’t just another update; it’s the start of an iPhone experience that is more specialized and engaging.

Disclaimer

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