iPhone 17 Series with iOS 26: Apple has finally officially introduced iOS 26 at its annual event WWDC 2025. And brother, this time the update is not just new, but has brought the biggest change in the world of iPhone. The “Liquid Glass” theme given in this new update is being considered as one of the most beautiful and fresh design upgrades ever – such a big change was last seen in iOS 7.
This time Apple has also added a new design and some smart features to all its inbuilt apps, which are going to completely level up the user experience. But the most talked about is “Apple Intelligence”, which is the biggest highlight of iOS 26. AI i.e. Apple Intelligence will now make your iPhone even smarter – whether it is messaging, photo editing or talking to Siri, everything will become even easier and intelligent.
Now the question arises – is your iPhone worth this tremendous update? Because like every time, Apple has excluded some old iPhones from the list this time too.
These old iPhones will no longer get iOS 26 update
Models like iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone XR will no longer be able to enjoy iOS 26. These devices are currently running on iOS 18, but with the new update their journey has ended here.
Only these iPhones will get iOS 26
All models from iPhone 11 series to the latest iPhone 16 series will get the update of iOS 26. That is, if you have any phone of iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 series, then rest assured – the new update is coming for you. Along with this, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and the new iPhone 16e will also come under the purview of this update.
This time Apple has left the old models a little behind, so that the new features and design can run with full force. Those who are using old iPhones should now think about upgrading if they want to be a part of the new world of iOS 26.
Apple Intelligence
Now let’s come to Apple Intelligence i.e. AI features, which make iOS 26 special. These features will not be available to every iPhone. At present, the full benefit of AI will be available only to iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and all models of iPhone 16 series (iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max and 16e).
That is, if you want Siri to understand your words better than before, photos get edited automatically or any smart feature gets activated immediately, then you must have the latest device for that. Apple has clearly stated that strong hardware is required for AI features, which is only present in these new models.
iPhone 17 series will have a big rollout
Now that the launch date of the iPhone 17 series is approaching, the rollout of iOS 26 will also start with it. That is, along with the new iPhones, the old eligible devices will also start getting iOS 26 one by one.
So if you want to keep your iPhone ready for this great update, then just understand this – iOS 26 is not just an update, it is Apple’s new thinking, new look and a new experience, seeing which you may start liking your phone more than before.