While the iOS brings Apple’s largest UI design change in 26 years, it also packs a group of new features (as you expect). However, not all iOS 26 features are coming on every iPhone, even if they support the new OS.
Which iPhones support iOS 26?
With each iOS release, Apple has dropped support for some iPhone model in iOS 26. Not all iOS 18-compatible iPhones will support iOS 26. Here is the official list of updating this decline on iOS 26:
- iPhone 16 Series: iPhone 16, Plus iPhone 16E/Plus/Pro/Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Series: iPhone 15, Plus iPhone 15 Plus/Pro/Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Series: iPhone 14, Plus iPhone 14 Plus/Pro/Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Series: iPhone 13, Plus iPhone 13 Mini/Pro/Pro Max
- iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, Plus iPhone 12 Mini/Pro/Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Series: iPhone 11, Plus iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max
- iPhone se (Second generation and later)
If you own any of these iPhone models, you will be able to install iOS 26 at the end of this year (around September) when Apple rolls it to the public. In particular, iPhone X, XS, XR, and XS Max are some older models that will not receive updates.
Which features are exclusive to new iphones?
Just because you get a new OS, it does not mean that your phone can support everything going with it. While Apple is bringing new “liquid glass” design language in all iPhones, some iOS 26 features (mainly related to Apple Intelligence) will be exclusive to the new iPhone model.
These are some features that will be available only on the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Of course, we can expect the upcoming iPhone 17 line (or whichever apple names).
Visual intellect with search
Apple has eventually added a circle for facilities like search in iOS 26. Now, when you take a screenshot, visual intelligence can analyze the screen and suggest. For example, if it detects a date, it can motivate you to add it to your calendar.
You can also discover products from screenshots through services such as Etsy and Google, or ask a chatgate question about the image directly from the visual intelligence screen. All reasons to find the circle will also come to play here.
Live translation
Similar to the Samsung Galaxy smartphone, your iPhone will now offer real-time text and voice translations in apps like facetime, messages and even phone calls. However, it will only be available on the new iPhone model.
AI-Ingrated Shortcut Action
The shortcut app is getting a major AI upgrade in iOS 26. Now you can make shortcuts that use Apple’s AI model to perform AI-related tasks, such as summarizing the text, generating images, and much more. These facilities will not be available on iPhones without apple intelligence support.
Advanced messages facilities
Message app iOS 26 is receiving several updates, including typing indicators and automatic filtering of texts from unknown sectors in group chats. In addition, messages are obtained support for custom chat background. You can set your own photo or choose from pre-made options, and Apple also pair the ability to create background using the image playground, which takes advantage of Apple Intelligence.
Messages are also gaining the ability to make elections, making it easier to reach decisions in group chats. Using AI, the app may also suggest when to make the pole. However, both the pole suggestions and the AI-attached background will be limited to the new iPhone models.
Extended reminder
No, the reminder app is not exclusive to new iPhones with iOS 26. However, Apple is adding a new feature that suggests a reminder based on your messages and email content. Since this feature depends on Apple Intelligence, it will only be available on the new iPhone model.
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other features
Many other iOS 26 features will require iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or new. These include the Apple Wallet App and the new Genmoji update include automatic order tracking, which allows you to create a custom emoji by typing the details only.
Why not every iOS 26 feature is available on all iPhone models
The causes of these features are not available on the old iphones, the hardware comes down to the boundaries. Many features of the new iOS 26 and Apple Intellation depend on advanced nerve processing, large language models and machine learning abilities that are supported by only the latest A-Series Chips (A17 Pro, A18 and A18 Pro). These chipsets include a powerful nerve engine capable of handling these functions efficiently, without slowing down the overall performance.
Since old devices are deficient in computational power and essential hardware to run these AI-managed facilities, Apple has limited them to new models. Thankfully, Apple will still bring new design language to all supported iPhones, so older models can also enjoy fresh UI – although their iOS 26 experience will be more limited. If you do not care about Apple Intelligence, it can also be a plus.
