Rumor suggests iOS 26 will drop support for three iPhone models

With WWDC25 just around the corner, anticipation is building as Apple prepares to unveil iOS 25—reportedly the rebranded name for what would have been iOS 19. However, a new report from a trusted insider suggests that three popular iPhone models may be left behind when iOS 26 arrives.

According to a private X (formerly Twitter) account with a strong track record for accurate iOS leaks—cited by MacRumors—the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will not support iOS 26. Instead, these devices will continue to receive only occasional security updates starting in September, effectively marking the end of their eligibility for major software upgrades.

If the report proves accurate, iOS 26 will be compatible with a wide range of newer iPhones. These include the iPhone 16 series (iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max), the iPhone 15 series (iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max), and the iPhone 14 lineup (iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max). Support will also extend to the iPhone 13 family (iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max), the iPhone 12 series (iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max), and the iPhone 11 models (iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max). The iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) will also remain eligible for the update.

iOS 26 is rumored to introduce a major design overhaul inspired by visionOS, the software behind Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The update is expected to bring translucent interface elements and a sleeker, glass-like aesthetic across the system. Adding fuel to this speculation, the WWDC25 logo subtly hints at this design direction with a stylized “25” that mimics the layered transparency seen in visionOS.

As always, these details remain unconfirmed until Apple makes its official announcements at WWDC25.