Which iPhones can run Apple’s iOS 26, and what does that mean for your security?
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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)
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.