Apple's tech parade continues with the imminent arrival of iOS 26, slated for a grand unveiling at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this June. However, a seismic shift is on the horizon that could render a significant number of iPhones obsolete.
The upcoming operating system is rumoured to be one of the most exclusive yet, potentially cutting off support for millions of devices currently running iOS 17. This move signals Apple's relentless push towards innovation, leaving older hardware in the digital dust.
The iPhones on the Chopping Block
Industry insiders and code diggers suggest the axe is likely to fall on the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. These models, all powered by the older A11 Bionic chip, are expected to be left out of the iOS 26 party. This follows Apple's established pattern of phasing out devices with legacy chipsets to make way for more advanced, processor-intensive features.
The Lucky Ones: Models Expected to Get iOS 26
For users with newer devices, the future looks bright. The list of iPhones expected to be compatible with iOS 26 includes:
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
This strategic move ensures the new OS can leverage the full power of modern chips, from the A12 Bionic onwards, promising enhanced performance, superior security, and groundbreaking new functionalities.
What to Expect from iOS 26
While Apple remains tight-lipped, the tech world is buzzing with predictions. iOS 26 is anticipated to be a powerhouse update, heavily integrated with groundbreaking AI and machine learning capabilities. We're likely to see a supercharged Siri, predictive text that reads your mind, and even more personalised user experiences across the board.
The public beta is expected to launch in July following the WWDC announcement, giving eager users a chance to test-drive the new features before the official full release in September, perfectly timed to coincide with the launch of the new iPhone 16 series.
If you're holding onto an older iPhone, now might be the time to consider an upgrade to ensure you stay on the cutting edge of Apple's ecosystem.
