Millions of phones now worthless as Apple launches iOS 26 update
Millions of iPhones will now be almost worthless following the release of Apple's iOS 26 software update.
The update, which is said to be the biggest in a decade, officially launched on September 15 and has so far been met with mixed reviews from iPhone users.
But, while the software update offers a host of impressive new features, it is only compatible with iPhone models from the 2019 iPhone 11 and newer. This means anyone still using the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR will not be able to install it.
Although these phones will still be useable, the incompatibility does mean a significant reduction in the value of the devices and also a reduction in support from Apple.
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For example, although Apple may provide a few critical security updates for older iOS versions, these models will no longer receive comprehensive security patches, which can leave devices susceptible to new threats.
Eventually, as developers create new apps that are dependent on the new iOS version, these older devices will lose the ability to use newer apps too. However, as many iPhone users will know from personal experience, it's likely that these older devices' usage capabilities will already have started to decline by this time.
What is the new iOS update?
The latest iPhone software update is the biggest update in the last 10 years and hosts a number of new features.
Liquid glass design: One of the biggest features of the update is a complete visual overhaul, with more translucency, smoother UI transitions and a glass-like effect on menus, icons and control panels. It also includes the ability adapt elements of your wallpaper.
Apple Intelligence and Live Translation: It now includes real-time translations in Messages, FaceTime and phone calls, as well as expanded visual intelligence features.
Lock Screen Enhancements: The update offers more customisation options for Lock Screen, as well as Wallpaper effects and dynamic positioning of the time.
New / Improved Apps and Tools: The update includes the Preview app, which can view, edit and share PDFs and images, as well as scanning documents and exporting them into different formats. There are improved accessibility options, like Vehicle Motion Cues to reduce motion sickness. You can also custom snooze times for alarms in the Clock app.
Other upgrades include updates to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 and several big bug fixes.
The update has been met with mixed reviews, with some iPhone users complaining the update had ruined their device's battery.
Topics: Apple, Technology, iPhone
Emma Rosemurgey