A new rumor suggests Apple may drop support for its A12 Bionic-powered iPhones—the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR—with the release of iOS 26 later this year. The information comes from a private account on X, that's had a reliable track record with previous iOS compatibility leaks.
If true, iOS 18, released in fall 2024, could be the final major update for these 2018 devices. That said, Apple usually supports older iPhones with security patches for several years after ending feature updates.
According to the report, iOS 26 would still be compatible with a wide range of iPhones, including:
● 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 or later)
This compatibility would naturally extend to all upcoming iPhone 17 models. It's also important to remember that even on supported older hardware, some new OS features might be limited. For instance, many current Apple Intelligence features require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
The source of this compatibility rumor reportedly leaked correct information regarding iOS 18 support last year. Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26, potentially as part of a shift to a year-based naming convention for all its operating systems, at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on June 9. The first developer beta of iOS 26 would likely follow the keynote, with a public release anticipated in September.
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If true, iOS 18, released in fall 2024, could be the final major update for these 2018 devices. That said, Apple usually supports older iPhones with security patches for several years after ending feature updates.
According to the report, iOS 26 would still be compatible with a wide range of iPhones, including:
● 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 or later)
This compatibility would naturally extend to all upcoming iPhone 17 models. It's also important to remember that even on supported older hardware, some new OS features might be limited. For instance, many current Apple Intelligence features require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
The source of this compatibility rumor reportedly leaked correct information regarding iOS 18 support last year. Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26, potentially as part of a shift to a year-based naming convention for all its operating systems, at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on June 9. The first developer beta of iOS 26 would likely follow the keynote, with a public release anticipated in September.
Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for full coverage of WWDC 2025!