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Apple this week unveiled significant updates to its operating system during WWDC 2025, including a visual redesign and a new name: iOS 26. With the new Liquid Glass approach to UI, Apple will offer users a more consistent design and experience across all Apple devices.
AAlso: Your iPhone is getting a big iOS 26 upgrade, and the best features go beyond Liquid Glass
Each WWDC features the debut of a new version of iOS, giving users a preview of the latest iteration of its smartphone software for the iPhone, which is then made available for download as a developer beta. Apple removes one or two older iPhone models from its list of supported devices each time it releases a new iOS version, marking the end of those devices' software support cycle.
CNET survey: Just 11% of people upgrade their phone for AI features. Here's what they want instead
We've added guidance below on how to trade in your old iPhone, and more details about iOS 18 features. Here's the list of supported iPhone models that can benefit from the newest operating system.
According to Apple, these iPhone models can get iOS 26 once it becomes widely available:
- 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)
Also: What is Liquid Glass? Here's everything we know about Apple's major UI overhaul at WWDC
Notably, the once-popular iPhone X, XS, XR, and XS Max models are not on the list.
The iOS 26 beta version differs slightly from the general release. Beta testers are given a release that has recently exited its alpha phase, so problems and bugs are expected to arise. The purpose of the beta phase is to gather user feedback to repair these bugs and address any user interface issues before the software is massively distributed.
Beta versions can also be incomplete and are not the final product. This means the iOS 2 beta version is more prone to bugs, glitches, and instability.
Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before installing iOS 26)
The general release will have ironed out most of these bugs and problems using the user feedback gathered during the beta phase, delivering software that isn't as prone to issues. However, they can still happen.
One example of this process in action is when Apple released the iOS 17 beta version in 2023. The early beta version featured the "End" button during a call that had moved from the center to the right, which was a big change for iPhone users. Disapproving feedback from beta testers resulted in Apple moving the "End" button back to the center of the screen, where users had been accustomed to.
Apple typically releases its new operating systems for public beta access a few weeks after WWDC. Last year's iOS 18 was released in public beta in mid-July. The public beta program lets users test developing software to pinpoint bugs and performance issues. This process lets software teams make any necessary fixes and releases before the new system reaches general availability.
Apple released iOS 18 out of beta on September 16, a week after its "Glowtime" event.
iOS 26 will not be supported on the iPhone XS, XR, XS Max, or earlier models.
The Apple brand is strong and holds significant resale value, so you can always sell your older iPhone and disclose that it's no longer supported for software updates. There's a lot of demand for older iPhones that are still functional and budget-friendly, but you can also trade them for credit toward a new device.
Also: Best iPhone 2025: I tested the top models and found your perfect fit
Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon are just some retailers that accept iPhone trade-ins. iPhones' resale and trade-in values depend heavily on their condition and storage capacity. Features like an intact screen and a working camera greatly influence resale or trade-in values.
You can check your iPhone's trade-in value at one of these retailers or at a telecommunications company's authorized dealer.
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