iOS compatibility: What iOS version can your iPhone run – and is it still secure?

Which iPhones will get iOS 27?

Apple hasn’t yet confirmed which iPhones will run the upcoming iOS 27, but a leak suggested that phones newer than the iPhone 12 will. So that’s:

• iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max (2025)
• iPhone 17 (2025)
• iPhone Air (2025)
• iPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max (2024)
• iPhone 16 & 16 Plus (2024)
• iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max (2023)
• iPhone 15 & 15 Plus (2023)
• iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (2022)
• iPhone 14 & 14 Plus (2022)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)
• iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone 13 & 13 mini (2021)
• iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 12 & 12 mini (2020)

Is your iPhone still supported by Apple?

• As of June 2026, if your iPhone runs iOS 15 or newer, it is still receiving security updates and is safe to use

The current version of the iPhone operating system is iOS 26, which will continue to receive new features until the next major release, iOS 27, launches in the fall of 2026.

Even if your iPhone can’t run the latest version of iOS, it is safe to use as long as it continues to receive security updates. Apple often releases security updates for older iOS versions to patch flaws that are being exploited.

For example, in March 2026 the “DarkSword” hacking toolkit was identified as targeting iPhones running older versions of iOS 18. The security holes used by the DarkSword malware were addressed in the iOS 18.7.6 update.

If you use an iPhone running a version of iOS that Apple doesn’t support with security updates, you are at risk of exploitation attacks targeting flaws in older software versions.

Some updates may also be necessary to maintain certificates needed for essential services like iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, so if you aren’t running a supported version of iOS you may find these features stop working.

The good news is that all of the iPhone models listed in the table above are currently supported by Apple, although the level of support varies.

Apple continues to provide security updates for the following older versions of iOS:

• iOS 15 and iOS 16 received updates to address security vulnerabilities in May 2026
• iOS 18 received a critical security update in May 2026

Apple doesn’t need to update iOS 17, because every iPhone that runs it can upgrade to a newer version.

This means that, for now at least, the following older iPhones are still receiving security updates:

• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 7
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone 6s – the oldest supported iPhone

We don’t know how much longer Apple will continue to support iOS 15 and iOS 16 — and these iPhones. As we explain in How long Apple supports iPhones for, the company has already classified the iPhone SE (1st generation) as obsolete, while the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max are already on Apple’s vintage list. These classifications mean it may no longer be possible to get these devices repaired through Apple.

Should I upgrade my iPhone?

IDG

If your iPhone can’t run the newest version of iOS, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to upgrade. While you won’t get the latest features, Apple continues to issue software updates to address security vulnerabilities in recent versions of iOS. Even with the arrival of iOS 26 in 2025, Apple continued to support iOS 18, iOS 16 and iOS 15 with security updates – and, with those versions of iOS, 2015’s iPhone 6s through to 2018’s iPhone XR and iPhone XS.

However, if you’re using an older iPhone, security is the key concern. Apple is still providing security patches for older devices via iOS 15 and iOS 16, but this support is unlikely to last much longer.

By contrast, iOS 18 support is expected to continue for several more years, extending the usable life of the iPhone XS and XR.

Once your device can no longer run a supported version of iOS, it’s time to seriously consider upgrading. We explain how long Apple supports the iPhone for in a separate article, and you can see full iOS compatibility in the table above.

As a general rule, any iPhone that can’t run iOS 26 is nearing the end of its practical lifespan.

Even among iPhones that do support iOS 26, some upgrades are worth considering. In particular, newer models support Apple Intelligence features that aren’t available on older devices.

If you own one of the following iPhones, upgrading will give you access to significantly improved performance and newer features — especially if you’re moving to a recent model such as the iPhone 17:

• iPhone 15 & 15 Plus (2023)
• iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (2022)
• iPhone 14 & 14 Plus (2022)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)
• iPhone 13 Pro & 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone 13 mini (2021)
• iPhone 12 Pro & 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 12 & 12 mini (2020)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020)
• iPhone 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone 11 (2019)

How to see which version of iOS you’re running

If you’re not sure which version of iOS you’re currently running, it’s very easy to find out.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap About and look for the iOS Version number.

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How to upgrade iOS

Now that you know the latest version of iOS that your iPhone supports, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re running on that platform.

Updating iOS on an iPhone is simple, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap Software Update and wait for your iPhone to check for updates.
4. When the latest update appears tap Update Now.
5. Enter your passcode if required.
6. Wait while the update is applied (your iPhone may shut down and restart)

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See how to update iOS on your iPhone for more advice.