Apple unveiled iOS 26 and iPadOS at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, marking another year of operating system updates with a significant change in version numbering and discontinuation of support for older devices.
In a notable shift, Apple is skipping several version numbers, jumping directly from iOS 18 to iOS 26 to align the OS version with the current calendar year. While the naming convention evolves, Apple’s approach to phasing out older hardware remains consistent. With the introduction of iOS 26, support will be dropped for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. Similarly, the 7th-generation iPad will not receive the iPadOS 26 update.
Despite being excluded from the latest major updates, these devices will continue to receive security updates for a couple of years, ensuring continued protection against potential vulnerabilities.
Specifically, iPhones equipped with the A12 Bionic chip will not be able to upgrade to iOS 26. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, launched in 2018, represented a new generation of iPhones featuring edge-to-edge Retina displays. However, after receiving iOS 18, these models have reached the end of their major update cycle.
This decision aligns with Apple’s typical support timeframe of six to seven years for major iOS updates. The company generally cites aging hardware as the primary reason for discontinuing support. As iOS 26 is slated for release this fall, these devices are reaching the end of their expected lifespan.
Users with iPhone 11 series or newer devices, as well as the 2nd and 3rd generation iPhone SE, will be eligible for the iOS 26 upgrade. This update promises access to new features, including the Apple Liquid Glass interface, live translation capabilities, and expanded Wallet functionality.
On the iPad front, the 7th-generation iPad is the only model excluded from the iPadOS 26 update. Released in 2019 and powered by the A10 Fusion chip, the 7th-generation iPad received iPadOS 18, marking its final major update.
All other iPad models released in 2019 and later will receive the iPadOS 26 update. This includes the 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation iPads (A12 chip and newer), the iPad Air starting with the 3rd generation, the iPad Mini 5th-gen and newer, and all iPad Pro models currently in use.
iPadOS 26 introduces a redesigned user experience, drawing inspiration from macOS with a new windowing and tiling system. This aims to provide a more desktop-like environment on the iPad.
However, access to certain advanced features within iPadOS 26 will be limited to specific models. Apple Intelligence features, such as system-wide writing tools, Genmoji, and enhanced multitasking, will only be available on iPads equipped with M-series chips or the A17 Pro. This limitation is due to the intensive on-device AI processing requirements that older hardware cannot adequately support.
iOS 26 is scheduled to be released to the public this fall.
