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Apple today unveiled significant updates to its operating system during WWDC 2025, including a visual redesign and a new name: iOS 26. With the new Liquid Glass approach to UI, Apple will offer people a more consistent design and experience across all Apple devices.
Also: The best iOS 26 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhile
Each WWDC features the debut of a new version of iOS, giving people a preview of the latest iteration of its smartphone software for the iPhone, which is then made available for download as a developer beta. Apple removes one or two older iPhone models from its list of supported devices each time it releases a new iOS version, marking the end of those devices' software support cycle.
We've added guidance below on how to trade in your old iPhone, and more details about iOS 18 features. Here's the list of supported iPhone models that can benefit from the newest operating system.
According to Apple, these iPhone models can get iOS 26 once it becomes widely available:
Also: What is Liquid Glass? Here's everything we know about Apple's major UI overhaul at WWDC
Notably, the once-popular iPhone X, XS, XR, and XS Max models are not on the list.
The iOS 26 beta version differs slightly from the general release. Beta testers are given a release that has recently exited its alpha phase, so problems and bugs are expected to arise. The purpose of the beta phase is to gather user feedback to repair these bugs and address any user interface issues before the software is massively distributed.
Beta versions can also be incomplete and are not the final product. This means the iOS 2 beta version is more prone to bugs, glitches, and instability.
Also: Apple may rebrand to iOS 26 with the upcoming version - here's why that's a big deal
The general release will have ironed out most of these bugs and problems using the user feedback gathered during the beta phase, delivering software that isn't as prone to issues. However, they can still happen.
One example of this process in action is when Apple released the iOS 17 beta version in 2023. The early beta version featured the "End" button during a call that had moved from the center to the right, which was a big change for iPhone people. Disapproving feedback from beta testers resulted in Apple moving the "End" button back to the center of the screen, where people had been accustomed to.
Apple typically releases its new operating systems for public beta access a few weeks after WWDC. Last year's iOS 18 was released in public beta in mid-July. The public beta program lets people test developing software to pinpoint bugs and performance issues. This process lets software teams make any necessary fixes and releases before the new system reaches general availability.
Apple released iOS 18 out of beta on September 16, a week after its "Glowtime" event.
A software beta is a version of a program or operating system initially released to a limited group of people to gather feedback and iron out bugs. The beta release lets a developer or company test its software program or system to emulate real-world use before a general release.
Also: Your iPhone is getting these useful features with iOS 26 - including a big AI one
The beta phase follows alpha testing, where software is developed and tested internally within the company.
iOS 26 will not be supported on the iPhone XS, XR, XS Max, or earlier models.
The Apple brand is strong and holds significant resale value, so you can always sell your older iPhone and disclose that it's no longer supported for software updates. There's a lot of demand for older iPhones that are still functional and budget-friendly, but you can also trade them for credit toward a new device.
Also: Best iPhone 2025: I tested the top models and found your perfect fit
Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon are just some retailers that accept iPhone trade-ins. iPhones' resale and trade-in values depend heavily on their condition and storage capacity. Features like an intact screen and a working camera greatly influence resale or trade-in values.
You can check your iPhone's trade-in value at one of these retailers or at a telecommunications company's authorized dealer.
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