Apple fans are bracing for change as the upcoming iOS 26 update will not be available on several older models — including the iPhone XR, the world’s bestselling phone of 2019.
The update is expected to roll out later this month following Apple’s annual September Event. While the affected devices will continue to receive critical security patches, they will miss out on new features, and app developers will gradually stop supporting them.
Which iPhones won’t support iOS 26?
Apple has confirmed that an A13 chip or newer is required to run iOS 26. That means some once-flagship devices are now being phased out.
Not compatible with iOS 26:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- Any iPhone released before 2018
Still compatible:
- iPhone 11 series and newer
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
E-waste concerns
The iPhone XR sold more than 150 million units worldwide, with estimates suggesting around 75 million are still active. That raises concerns about the amount of electronic waste generated if users upgrade en masse.
According to Business Waste, the metals inside those devices — including copper, gold, silver, and palladium — could be worth £271 million if recycled, weighing as much as 103 double-decker buses.
What this means for users
Owners of the iPhone XR and other unsupported devices can continue using them, but performance will gradually degrade as apps require newer operating systems. Apple is encouraging trade-ins and proper recycling to limit environmental damage.
