Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26, a big update that brings a sleek new design, smarter features, and a host of app improvements. But even as the update rolls out to iPhones dating back to the iPhone 11, not every user will get to experience the most exciting part: Apple Intelligence.
Yes, that’s right. Despite being eligible for the iOS 26 update, some iPhones including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, and even the standard iPhone 15 won’t be getting the full suite of Apple Intelligence features.
So, what’s the catch? It’s all about the hardware.
Apple Intelligence, which includes advanced AI-powered tools like Live Translation, Genmoji, Image Playground, Writing Tools, and even ChatGPT-style visual assistance, demands serious processing power. According to Apple, only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup will support these features — thanks to their powerful A17 Pro chip (or newer). On the iPad and Mac side, you’ll need a device with an M1 chip or later to unlock these capabilities.
That means if you’re using an iPhone 15 (non-Pro), you’ll get the new design and all the refreshed apps, but no AI smarts like summarizing your emails, translating FaceTime calls in real time, or generating custom emoji. It’s a hardware cutoff that might sting for many users, especially those who bought high-end iPhones just a year ago.
Apple has positioned Apple Intelligence as deeply integrated into the iOS experience. The tools run on-device for privacy reasons, which is part of the reason why older chips just don’t make the cut.
Still, even without the AI features, iOS 26 is a visual treat. It introduces a new design element called Liquid Glass, a slick, translucent aesthetic that makes the system feel more alive. App icons and widgets are more customizable than ever, the Lock Screen adapts dynamically to photos, and apps like Phone, Messages, Safari, and Apple Music all get refreshed looks and smarter layouts.
Apple is also adding handy tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist to help users manage interruptions better, plus new enhancements in CarPlay, Maps, and Wallet.
The update will be available to iPhone 11 and newer devices soon, but if you were hoping to jump into Apple’s new AI era, you might need to consider upgrading to a Pro model.
In short, iOS 26 makes your iPhone look brand new but only the latest iPhones will feel truly futuristic.
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