Full list of 29 iPhone models affected as Apple issues warning

There are 29 iPhones that are able to upgrade with people being urged to act sooner rather than later or risk running into issues

Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer

08:12, 04 Jan 2026

The iPhone 17 Pro(Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Apple has issued an urgent warning to iPhone users. The technology giant announced on its official website that device owners may need to implement certain modifications to their handsets or risk running into tech issues.

The company highlighted that people encountering technical difficulties might require an upgrade to their existing iOS software to resolve any glitches. The update in question is specifically iOS 26. Encouraging people to take immediate action, emphasising that this upgrade will provide access to the “latest features and security enhancements”, the firm’s support page advises: “Before downloading new software, back up your device to make sure that you have a copy of your important information.”

However, not all users will have access to this update. Apple clarifies: “You will only see updates that are compatible with your current software version.

Apple have urged people to upgrade their iOS(Image: Apple)

“If you have not downloaded the most current release, you will not see the option to install the latest release.”

All 29 iPhone models compatible with iOS 26 – full list

1. iPhone 17
2. iPhone 17 Pro
3. iPhone 17 Pro Max
4. iPhone Air
5. iPhone 16e
6. iPhone 16
7. iPhone 16 Plus
8. iPhone 16 Pro
9. iPhone 16 Pro Max
10. iPhone 15
11. iPhone 15 Plus
12. iPhone 15 Pro
13. iPhone 15 Pro Max
14. iPhone 14
15. iPhone 14 Plus
16. iPhone 14 Pro
17. iPhone 14 Pro Max
18. iPhone 13
19. iPhone 13 mini
20. iPhone 13 Pro
21. iPhone 13 Pro Max
22. iPhone 12
23. iPhone 12 mini
24. iPhone 12 Pro
25. iPhone 12 Pro Max
26. iPhone 11
27. iPhone 11 Pro
28. iPhone 11 Pro Max
29. iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

In order to download the latest version, you can make sure you have updates automatically switched on meaning you don’t need to do anything. Alternatively, you can check for updates manually in the Software Update settings.

To turn on automatic updates you can:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. Tap Automatic Updates.
5. Choose one of the following options: Automatically Install: When an update is available, iPhone downloads and installs the update overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. You’re notified before an update is installed. Automatically Download: Downloads updates automatically when your iPhone connects to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked so you can install them later. To see this option, first turn off Automatically Install.

To manually install software updates:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update. The screen shows the installed version of iOS and whether an update is available.
4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Apple have shared the simple method – and it’s easy to follow(Image: neirfy via Getty Images)

One of the most eagerly awaited features of the latest iOS is Liquid Glass. Described as its “broadest design update ever”, the “new design across Apple platforms elevates the content people care about most and it creates a unified design language between platforms – all while maintaining the distinct qualities that make each unique.”

Other features include Live Translation, an improved gaming experience, privacy updates and more.