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Apple's blockbuster iOS 26 update is right around the corner, but if you’re not using one of the newest iPhone models, you'll miss out on some of the exciting new features included in the free software upgrade.
The feature-packed iOS 26 update was announced last month at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, and is currently being beta-tested ahead of its release later in the year. Apple usually rolls-out its new version of iOS around the same time as its latest iPhone model, which will be the iPhone 17 this time around.
iOS 26 is the successor to iOS 18. Apple has already confirmed that 3 iPhone models will miss out entirely on the free upgrade to iOS 26, but even if you're able to download the new software, you might not be able to access all of the features.
The following iPhone models will be able to upgrade to iOS 26 when it's released:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
However, in order to access everything announced at Apple's WWDC keynote for its iOS 26 update, you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or 16 Pro Max. These are the only models with enough oomph to run the latest Apple Intelligence features, which debuted in the UK at the end of last year.
With the upgrade to iOS 26, this on-device Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be able to analyse the contents of your screenshots and will provide relevant information to you based on what it finds. For example, if the feature – dubbed Visual Intelligence — spots the date and time for an event, it'll suggest adding it to your calendar.
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|Visual Intelligence can be used to scan a portion of the screenshot. iOS apps installed on your iPhone can tap into this new feature, searching their own catalogues for items highlighted in the screenshot
If you have a compatible iPhone model, Visual Intelligence will be accessible with a tap whenever you take a screenshot on iOS 26. Visual Intelligence can be used to scan the entire content of the screenshot, or you can outline a specific object, line of text, or area for the AI to analyse.
Third-party apps will be able to tap into this feature. For example, you could highlight a lamp that you liked in a photo online, and the etsy app on your iPhone could search its catalogue based on the screenshot.
Save £50 when you upgrade to the iPhone 16e from Currys
iPhone 16e is designed for those who want the core iPhone experience at a more affordable price. Launched earlier this year, this successor to the popular iPhone SE boasts all-day battery life, a Super Retina XDR display, Apple Intelligence features with the option to update to iOS 26 in the coming months
Save £100 when you upgrade to the Apple iPhone 16 Plus from EE
Switch to the iPhone 16 Plus, the most recent model with a 6.7" display, powerhouse performance from the A18 system-on-a-chip, and some of the longest battery life of any iPhone. It's built for those who prefer a larger screen, but don't need the extra camera found on the pricier Pro models. EE is currently offering £100 off the cost compared with your local Apple Store and you can pair this handset with your existing SIM
Save £50 on the iPhone 16 Pro Max at Currys
With a durable and stunning titanium case that's exclusive to the Pro models, a 5x lossless telephoto lens, and speedier performance, iPhone 16 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone experience to date. Currys has cut £50 from the price, with same-day pick-up in some stores
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|If you're travelling to another country, confidently communicate with the locals in their preferred language using Apple iOS 26 live translation feature
Next up, if you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max or newer, you'll unlock real-time translation across Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app. Developers can tap into this feature too, so we'd expect some of the biggest messaging services to update their apps after the launch of iOS 26 with this feature enabled.
It's all designed to minimise language barriers when communicating with friends and family.
For example, if you're travelling abroad and communicating with an Airbnb host over text, everything will be translated as you type and delivered to the recipient in their preferred language. Both sides will be able to see the original language, as well as the Apple Intelligence-powered translation, so the original message is never hidden.
During calls, Apple Intelligence will provide on-screen and spoken translations in real-time.
The Reminders app also enjoys an AI boost with two new features:
- Reminders will suggest creating new tasks or grocery items based on text found anywhere on your iPhone, like Messages, emails, or even entire webpages
- The app will automatically organise tasks into categories using Apple Intelligence
You might not realise it, but Apple Wallet has long offered the ability to track online orders directly within the app. To help you track more of your online orders within its digital wallet, Apple's AI will pull online order details from your email inbox without the need for merchants to specifically sign-up and support this Apple Wallet feature.
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|You can integrate ChatGPT into the creation of new images tailored to your style
Genmoji and Image Playground launched as new ways to generate images using Apple Intelligence last year.
First up, Genmoji is a feature that allows you to create custom emojis with the help of AI. With iOS 26, you can now create new emojis by taking inspiration from one that already exists. Using an existing emoji as a starting point, you can also type out a description to be more specific about what you want to create.
Separately, Image Playground allows you to generate custom images from text descriptions, concepts, or photos from its library. The update will integrate with ChatGPT's capabilitiesadding new styles such as:
- Anime
- Oil painting
- Watercolour
- Vector
If these don't meet your preferences, there's also an 'Any Style' option to describe the type of image you'd like to create.
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|While anyone can create a poll within Messages, only those with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone can let the AI suggest entries based on context
iOS 26 brings plenty of new features to Messages no matter what iPhone model you own. It'll now show typing indicators for every person in a group chat.
You'll also be able to send polls and set custom backgrounds to your conversations and group chats, picking between a slew of preinstalled options or photos from your library
However, if you have an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max or newer, there's a couple of extra Apple Intelligence perks coming your way. First up, the on-device AI will suggest options for a polls in Messages based on the conversation that's taken place — if you're trying to find a date that works for everyone or a genre of movie to see, for example. You'll also be able to create custom backgrounds for Message with Image Playground feature.
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