The iPhone XS and iPhone XR can't upgrade to iOS 26

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 16 September 2025

Apple has some bad news for you if you're still using an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR. The trio of devices can't upgrade to iOS 26, the newly released version of the iPhone operating system.

In addition to missing out on new features, the move means the phones are unlikely to get any future security and stability updates after iOS 26 launches.

The iPhone XS and iPhone XR were released in 2018 with iOS 12, and have seen six major operating system updates.

If you've got an iPhone 11 or the second-generation iPhone SE, you're still okay for now - your phone can upgrade to iOS 26. All newer devices naturally still get the upgrade.

If you're still using an iPhone XS or iPhone XR, you may want to consider upgrading. While your phone will keep working (Apple only just cut off the iPhone 5 from iCloud this week), the reality is the longer you are without mainline update support, the greater the chance an unresolved security flaw will turn up in your device. And hey, new features and new gadgets are always fun.

Compare 36-month mobile plans and deals for the iPhone 17 family and iPhone Air:

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $77.86/mth Min. cost $1,437.96 Go to Site	$77.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,437.96	Go to Site
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $88.02/mth Min. cost $1,593.72 Go to Site	$88.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,593.72	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $93.02/mth Min. cost $1,598.72 Go to Site	$93.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,598.72	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $98.02/mth Min. cost $1,603.72 Go to Site	$98.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,603.72	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $107.86/mth Min. cost $1,467.96 Go to Site	$107.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,467.96	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $108.86/mth Min. cost $1,468.96 Go to Site	$108.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,468.96	Go to Site
#7	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $117.02/mth Min. cost $1,622.72 Link not supplied	$117.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,622.72	Link not supplied
#8	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $117.02/mth Min. cost $1,622.72 Link not supplied	$117.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,622.72	Link not supplied
#9	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $127.02/mth Min. cost $1,632.72 Link not supplied	$127.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,632.72	Link not supplied
#10	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $128.86/mth Min. cost $1,488.96 Go to Site	$128.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,488.96	Go to Site

#1	Vodafone Editor's Pick	Vodafone Editor's Pick $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Save $300 on this device when you stay connected to a Small plan + Incl. $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months. T&Cs apply $92.18/mth Min. cost $2,043.72 Go to Site	$92.18/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,043.72	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $94.52/mth Min. cost $2,037.72 Go to Site	$94.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,037.72	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Save $300 on this device when you stay connected for 36 months + Incl. $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months. T&Cs apply $97.18/mth Min. cost $2,048.72 Go to Site	$97.18/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,048.72	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Save $300 on this device when you stay connected for 36 months + Incl. $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months. T&Cs apply $102.18/mth Min. cost $2,053.72 Go to Site	$102.18/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,053.72	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $124.52/mth Min. cost $2,067.72 Go to Site	$124.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,067.72	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $125.52/mth Min. cost $2,068.72 Go to Site	$125.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,068.72	Go to Site
#7	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $129.52/mth Min. cost $2,072.72 Link not supplied	$129.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,072.72	Link not supplied
#8	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $129.52/mth Min. cost $2,072.72 Link not supplied	$129.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,072.72	Link not supplied
#9	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $139.52/mth Min. cost $2,082.72 Link not supplied	$139.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,082.72	Link not supplied
#10	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $145.52/mth Min. cost $2,088.72 Go to Site	$145.52/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,088.72	Go to Site

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Save $300 on this device when you stay connected to a Small plan + Incl. $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months. T&Cs apply $97.74/mth Min. cost $2,243.88 Go to Site	$97.74/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,243.88	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $100.08/mth Min. cost $2,237.88 Go to Site	$100.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,237.88	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Save $300 on this device when you stay connected for 36 months + Incl. $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months. T&Cs apply $102.74/mth Min. cost $2,248.88 Go to Site	$102.74/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,248.88	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Save $300 on this device when you stay connected for 36 months + Incl. $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months. T&Cs apply $107.74/mth Min. cost $2,253.88 Go to Site	$107.74/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,253.88	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $130.08/mth Min. cost $2,267.88 Go to Site	$130.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,267.88	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $131.08/mth Min. cost $2,268.88 Go to Site	$131.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,268.88	Go to Site
#7	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $135.08/mth Min. cost $2,272.88 Link not supplied	$135.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,272.88	Link not supplied
#8	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $135.08/mth Min. cost $2,272.88 Link not supplied	$135.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,272.88	Link not supplied
#9	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $145.08/mth Min. cost $2,282.88 Link not supplied	$145.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,282.88	Link not supplied
#10	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $151.08/mth Min. cost $2,288.88 Go to Site	$151.08/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,288.88	Go to Site

#1	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $75.06/mth Min. cost $1,337.16 Out of stock	$75.06/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,337.16	Out of stock
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $97.75/mth Min. cost $1,944 Go to Site	$97.75/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,944	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $102.75/mth Min. cost $1,949 Go to Site	$102.75/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,949	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $105.06/mth Min. cost $1,367.16 Out of stock	$105.06/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,367.16	Out of stock
#5	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $106.06/mth Min. cost $1,368.16 Out of stock	$106.06/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,368.16	Out of stock
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $107.75/mth Min. cost $1,954 Go to Site	$107.75/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,954	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $126.06/mth Min. cost $1,388.16 Out of stock	$126.06/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,388.16	Out of stock
#8	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $126.75/mth Min. cost $1,973 Link not supplied	$126.75/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,973	Link not supplied
#9	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $126.75/mth Min. cost $1,973 Link not supplied	$126.75/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,973	Link not supplied
#10	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $136.75/mth Min. cost $1,983 Link not supplied	$136.75/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,983	Link not supplied

Alternatively, compare all iPhone plans here.

What devices support iOS 26?

The following phones can run iOS 26:

iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, Phone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 12, Phone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2020)

Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® Editor's Pick nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Go to Site*	$57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99	Go to Site
#2	amaysim	amaysim All Fixed Line nbn® NBN50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro offer), then $85/mth. Ends 04.10.26 $45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45/mth for first 6 months, then $85/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month. $64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Go to Site	$64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90	Go to Site
#4	TPG	TPG All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Link not supplied
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Value nbn - Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 47/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING25. $95/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth for first 6 months, then $95/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#6	Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#7	iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#8	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#9	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Silver Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
#10	Flip	Flip All Fixed Line nbn® Unlimited Family nbn50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68 Go to Site	$68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68	Go to Site

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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