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Wafricnews - June 13, 2025

At the just-concluded Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, Apple took a bold leap forward by unveiling iOS 26, skipping several versions ahead and leaving users and techies alike buzzing with questions. Chief among them: Will your iPhone survive the jump, or is it time to let go?

In a surprise twist, Apple announced it would skip iOS 19 entirely and go straight to iOS 26, marking one of the biggest numerical jumps in the iOS naming tradition. The tech giant also teased users with a suite of new features and a major design overhaul dubbed Liquid Glass, drawing comparisons to the nostalgic aesthetics of Windows Vista — only more polished and “Apple-fied.”

But alongside the excitement came a hard truth for some iPhone users: not every device will be eligible for the update.

These iPhones Just Got Kicked Out of the iOS Party

After keeping most older iPhones in the loop last year, Apple is swinging the axe in 2025. Three models, all launched in 2018, are officially being retired from iOS updates:

  • iPhone XR

  • iPhone XS

  • iPhone XS Max

Users of these devices will be unable to access iOS 26 when it rolls out this fall — a clear sign that Apple is closing the door on some of its older silicon.

Full List: iPhones Compatible with iOS 26

If your iPhone debuted in 2019 or later, you’re likely in the clear. Here’s Apple’s official compatibility list for iOS 26:

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation and up)

  • iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 16e / 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max

Apple has yet to confirm details of the iPhone 17 lineup, but those new models will obviously come with iOS 26 baked in.

No Update? Here’s What That Means for You

Still rocking an older iPhone? Don’t panic — your phone won’t stop working overnight. But missing out on iOS 26 means:

  • No security patches – leaving your device vulnerable to threats

  • App incompatibility – some apps may stop working or updating

  • No new features – meaning no Liquid Glass, no Live Translate, and no slick redesigns

Apple subtly nudges users toward newer models every year, and this update makes that nudge a bit more obvious.

iOS 26 Drops in September — Here's What to Expect

If history is any guide, iOS 26 will land in mid-September, just ahead of the iPhone 17 launch. Last year, iOS 18 was released on Sept. 16, and this year’s schedule is expected to follow suit.

Here are some features worth getting hyped about:

  • Liquid Glass Design: A refreshed look with transparent textures, floating buttons, and updated icons — all built to unify the Apple ecosystem visually.

  • Phone App Revamp: Scroll through contacts, call logs, and voicemail all in one place, and get notified when someone actually picks up your call, thanks to the new Hold Assist.

  • Live Translate: Converse seamlessly across languages during calls or chats.

  • Polls in Messages: Group chats just got democratic — create quick polls instead of drowning in 40 messages about dinner plans.

Final Word

Apple may be fast-forwarding to iOS 26, but not all devices are on the ride. While users with newer iPhones can look forward to an ambitious leap in design and function, others may need to consider upgrading to stay in Apple’s evolving ecosystem.

Stay with Wafricnews Tech Desk for more updates as we break down everything Apple is cooking up this year.


By WafricNews Desk.

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