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The 2019 iMac is one of the Mac devices that won't get MacOS 26 Tahoe.
Apple recently unveiled the new operating system updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro during WWDC 2025. Accompanying the OS reveal came news regarding which Apple devices will be forward-compatible and which devices will no longer be supported for software updates.
Also: 10 exciting iOS 26 features Apple just announced at WWDC 2025
Apple devices typically receive five to seven years of major OS updates, but this varies from device to device. With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, MacOS 26, and WatchOS 26 coming out in a few months, we've gathered lists of which devices won't be compatible with the latest software update and will not receive future updates.
The Apple Vision Pro only has one generation, so it's still compatible with VisionOS 26.
iPhone models that won't receive more software updates
This is the first year that the iPhone XS Max (left) won't receive an update.
The iPhone typically gets six to eight years of iOS updates. For example, the iPhone 6s got six years of updates up to iOS 15, and the iPhone XR and XS got seven years, up to iOS 18.
Here are the iPhone models that are incompatible with iOS 26 and won't receive more software updates:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before installing iOS 26)
Mac models that won't receive more software updates
While Mac models typically get seven to nine years of updates, this largely depends on the processor inside. Unfortunately, most Intel processors aren't compatible with MacOS 26, also known as Tahoe. That includes my 2019 iMac.
For remaining Intel Macs, MacOS 26 will be the final software update they receive. If you have one of the Intel Mac models that will receive MacOS Tahoe, it may be worth considering replacing it next year.
Here are the Mac models that are not compatible with MacOS 26:
- MacBook Air 2020
- MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt ports 2020 (The MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt ports will support MacOS Tahoe.)
- MacBook Pro 13- and 15-inch 2019
- MacBook Pro 2018
- Mac mini 2018
- iMac 2019
- iMac Pro 2017
Also: Just 11% of People upgrade their phone for AI features. Here's what they want instead
iPad models that won't receive more software updates
iPads tend to get five to seven years of OS updates, but those with an M1 or greater processor could have a longer lifespan.
Aside from older discontinued iPads, there's only one iPad model that isn't getting iPadOS 26 and will no longer receive software updates:
- iPad 7th generation (2019)
Also: iPadOS 26 turns the Apple iPad into the ultraportable computer it was always meant to be
Apple Watch models that won't receive more software updates
While Apple isn't dropping software updates for any Apple Watch models with WatchOS 26, you'll need a compatible model paired with an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26 to use the latest update. The Apple Watch 6 or newer, Apple Watch SE, and both Apple Watch Ultra models will support WatchOS 26.
You can trade in or sell old Apple devices, even if they're no longer supported for major software updates. Many consumers repurpose older devices as kids' tablets, digital photo frames, security monitors, e-readers, and even smart home controllers.
While trading in an older Apple device may not yield a lot of money, it's still worthwhile, especially if you use the money to purchase a newer one.
Based on past years, it looks like iOS 26 will be the last major software update that the iPhone 11 receives. If you don't mind having an iPhone with an older software version, you can keep it past the future release of iOS 27.
Apple devices tend to continue getting security patches and minor updates for a year or two, even if they're excluded from the newest major software versions. Either way, you can still repurpose your device, trade it in, or sell it.
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