Apple has officially previewed iOS 26, its next major software update, introducing a bold new design, powerful AI capabilities, and upgrades to core apps.
But not all devices will benefit equally—Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI-driven features, will be exclusive to select newer iPhones.
Apple Intelligence will only be available on:
iPhone 16 models
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
This means that while iPhone 11 and newer will support iOS 26 in general, only the above devices will get access to the full AI-powered experience.
The standout visual update in iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass design. This new translucent UI effect adds depth and movement to app icons, widgets, and system controls. The Lock Screen and Home Screen get more personal and interactive with 3D spatial effects and dynamic layouts, while apps like Camera, Photos, and Apple Music receive cleaner, floating interfaces.
Apple Intelligence powers several headline features:
Live Translation in Messages, Phone, and FaceTime
Visual Intelligence to analyze and interact with on-screen content
Creative tools like Genmoji and Image Playground
AI-driven enhancements for calls, messaging, and personalization
The Phone and Messages apps are redesigned with smarter features like Call Screening for unknown numbers and Hold Assist, which alerts users when a live agent answers. Messages also includes polls, chat backgrounds, and smarter message filtering.
CarPlay gains pinned conversations, floating widgets, and a refined interface. Meanwhile, Apple Music adds Lyrics Translation and DJ-style transitions, and Apple Maps introduces Visited Places with end-to-end encryption. The Wallet app now supports Apple Pay installments, live flight tracking, and enhanced airport navigation.
The iOS 26 developer beta is available now, with a public beta arriving next month. The official release rolls out this fall, but Apple Intelligence will remain limited to the most recent hardware. Older devices—including the iPhone X and earlier—will not support iOS 26 at all, marking a clear hardware shift in Apple’s AI strategy.