With iOS 26’s release, Apple has introduced a range of exciting new features—but not all iPhones will be able to access them. If you’re holding onto an older model, you may find yourself locked out of some of the biggest updates. Here’s a look at what’s new, what’s missing, and why your iPhone might not be fully compatible.
Not All iPhones Are Created Equal: The Hardware Limitations
As Apple rolls out iOS 26, there’s a clear distinction between what newer and older devices can handle. While the software update is available for iPhones as far back as the iPhone 11, some of the most advanced features are reserved for those with the A17 Pro chip, found in the iPhone 15 Pro models and beyond. That means if you’re using anything older than an iPhone 15 Pro, you may not be able to access the full range of exciting new functionalities Apple has introduced.
For example, Apple’s new Liquid Glass design looks stunning, bringing a fluid and sleek aesthetic to compatible devices. However, this visual upgrade has its downsides in terms of readability and battery life, which we won’t dive into today. What really stands out is how certain powerful AI features and functionalities will only work on the more advanced models due to their hardware limitations.
Apple Intelligence: A Powerful New AI Feature, but Only for Some
Apple has embraced AI under its new term, Apple Intelligence (AI), which is distinct from generic “artificial intelligence.” With iOS 26, Apple is rolling out features powered by this new AI, but again, it’s limited to the latest iPhones. Features such as real-time translation in apps like Messages, FaceTime, and even Phone calls, sound amazing but are available only to those with an iPhone 15 Pro or higher. Those still holding on to an older iPhone model will miss out on this game-changing feature.
Furthermore, updates to Genmojis (Apple’s take on emojis with enhanced functionality) and the new Image Playground feature, which allows for fun and creative image creation through text prompts and customizable emojis, are similarly locked behind newer devices. These updates, which have huge appeal to younger, creative users, will be inaccessible for many.
AI Now Embedded in Core Apps—But Only for Newer Devices
Another notable shift in iOS 26 is the integration of AI into core apps like Shortcuts and Reminders, aiming to streamline daily tasks with smarter automation. For instance, your phone could automatically suggest reminders based on recent emails or messages—helping you stay on top of your to-do list without lifting a finger. But again, this is only available to iPhone 15 Pro models. Older devices will still have to rely on manual input for tasks like creating shopping lists or setting reminders.
Even Apple Wallet now benefits from AI, with new automatic order tracking directly linked to your emails, providing seamless updates on your purchases. However, this feature, too, is reserved for those with the latest devices, leaving users of older models without this handy functionality.
The New Dynamic Lock Screen: A Visual Treat… But Not for Everyone
One feature that was expected to be available across the board is the dynamic lock screen, which Apple has promised will be available to all iPhones using the Liquid Glass interface. While it’s true that many older models will enjoy the redesign, 3D dynamic effects—a standout visual update—will only be available on iPhones from the iPhone 12 onward. That means if you have an iPhone 11, you won’t be able to experience this feature, despite your device supporting many other aspects of the update.
Why Such Limitations?
You might be wondering: why this divide between newer and older devices? The answer lies in the hardware requirements needed to run these advanced AI features. Apple has made it clear that the processing power of older chips just isn’t enough to handle the complex tasks involved in features like real-time translation, smart reminders, or even the immersive Genmoji functions. These features rely on local processing, which is faster and more privacy-friendly but requires the cutting-edge performance of the A17 Pro chip.
It’s important to note that Apple isn’t just holding these features back to encourage you to upgrade. The limitations are purely technical, based on what the hardware can handle efficiently without compromising the user experience.
A Two-Tiered Future for iPhones
With iOS 26, Apple appears to be steering toward a two-tiered ecosystem, where newer iPhones enjoy full access to all the shiny new features, while older models are relegated to more basic, cosmetic upgrades. While the gap may seem frustrating now, it’s a trend that could grow as Apple continues to push the boundaries of what iPhones can do.
In the future, we may see this divide gradually close as older models get new hardware updates, but for now, those with an iPhone 15 Pro or higher can look forward to a more powerful and feature-rich experience with iOS 26. For those with older models, it might be time to consider whether these new features are worth the upgrade, or if they’re content with their current setup.
In the end, Apple’s decision to limit certain features to newer devices isn’t just about marketing—it’s about giving users the best experience possible with the right technology. As iPhone models evolve, so too will the capabilities, and the line between what’s possible for all users and what’s exclusive to newer devices will continue to blur.
