Apple has officially begun rolling out iOS 26, and it’s already sparking conversation among iPhone users worldwide. This isn’t just another incremental update – it’s being described as one of the most visually ambitious changes to iOS in years, thanks largely to the brand-new Liquid Glass design language. 
Apple first showcased this aesthetic shift during WWDC 2025, and now, millions of users are seeing it firsthand as the update hits their devices simultaneously across global time zones.
The update went live today at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET/5 PM UTC. As is typical with Apple’s seeding process, the rollout is staggered, meaning not every iPhone will see the update immediately. But once it arrives, you can simply head to Settings → General → Software Update to install iOS 26.
Which iPhones are supported? Apple is drawing a new line in the sand: support begins with the iPhone 11 series, released in 2019. This effectively ends update support for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, which will remain on iOS 18.7 moving forward. That’s a blow to users of those once-flagship devices, many of whom argue that the XS could have handled the upgrade without issue. Apple, however, seems determined to focus development resources on more recent hardware.
Here’s the official list of iPhones getting iOS 26:
- iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2022), iPhone SE (2020)
Interestingly, some readers noticed that the iPhone 16e was absent from the eligibility list, leading to speculation. Apple has not clarified this omission, but sources suggest the device will still receive iOS 26 in a slightly delayed wave.
Another hot topic is performance – particularly on the iPhone SE (2020), which ships with just 3GB of RAM. Many users are questioning whether such modest hardware can handle the demands of iOS 26 and its visually heavy Liquid Glass effects. Critics argue that Apple risks pushing the SE beyond its natural lifespan, but defenders point out that iOS historically performs well on older iPhones compared to Android’s fragmentation. As one long-time SE owner noted, “It’s not Android. Even with 3GB RAM, my phone runs smooth as ever.”
Comparisons with Android are inevitable. With Android Go now becoming the norm for devices with 4GB RAM or less, Apple’s choice to keep supporting the SE 2020 looks bold. Still, some users think the aesthetic clash between Liquid Glass and the SE’s dated design feels jarring – like putting futuristic paint on an old car. Others counter that once you’re using the phone daily, bezels and design quirks quickly fade from notice, and what matters is the functionality.
For those upgrading to iOS 26 on higher-end hardware, the experience promises to be polished, fluid, and visually striking. With the iPhone 17 series at the top of the range, Apple is also pairing the update with new pricing and memory configurations through its retail and affiliate partners. Whether you’re running a powerhouse Pro Max or holding onto the trusty SE, iOS 26 represents Apple’s continuing balancing act between innovation and inclusivity.