iPhone X Series Left Behind: AI Features and Security Upgrades Reserved for Newer Models

Apple's upcoming iOS 26 release will leave iPhone X users out in the cold, denying them access to cutting-edge AI features and critical security upgrades. As someone who's still clutching my iPhone XS Max (which I paid a fortune for just a few years ago), I'm frankly pissed at this transparent attempt to force hardware upgrades.

The free update drops Monday, bringing what Apple's VP of software engineering Craig Federighi calls "more expressive and personal" experiences. But let's be real - this is just another ploy in Apple's planned obsolescence strategy. Those of us with iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR models are suddenly deemed unworthy of the latest software despite our devices functioning perfectly well.

What bothers me most is the security angle. The new Memory Integrity Enforcement feature, designed to protect against sophisticated spyware attacks from state-linked hackers and mercenary groups, won't be available to X-series owners. So Apple's basically saying "pay up or remain vulnerable" - a particularly disgusting approach to customer security.

I watched the iPhone 17 unveiling where they showcased real-time language translation across messages, calls, and FaceTime. There's also this Hold Assist tool that handles customer service calls until a human agent is available. All cool features I'll never experience unless I shell out for a new device.

The update requires substantial space - about 3GB for the installation file with considerably more needed during installation. Apple recommends backing up data and ensuring devices are adequately charged before proceeding.

This jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26 is apparently part of Apple's new "year-of-release" naming system. Only macOS keeps its California theme with "macOS 26 Tahoe."

What's particularly frustrating is that these X-series phones have more than enough processing power to handle basic AI features. The hardware limitations excuse doesn't hold water - this is purely a business decision to drive new iPhone sales at the expense of loyal customers who've already invested in their ecosystem.

So once again, Apple proves that "innovation" means leaving perfectly functional devices behind while demanding consumers keep paying premium prices for incremental upgrades.