We're just a few days away from Apple's iPhone 17 occasion, which the corporate has dubbed "awe dropping" and scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. If all goes as anticipated, we should always get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 a couple of week later.
Coming with these OS updates are substantial adjustments to your iPhone and iPad's software program. You’ll have already heard about "Liquid Glass," which (intentional or not) is form of like Apple's tackle the outdated Home windows Vista design language. That's probably the most notable change, however we spent two weeks test-driving most of the different options included within the replace — you’ll be able to take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions, or you’ll be able to attempt the software program out your self by downloading and putting in the most recent public beta. The general public beta is a extra secure iteration of the replace than the developer model, which not too long ago hit the beta 9 waypoint and gives just a few extra flashy options not but accessible within the public model. (Although it's value remembering that there's a level of threat concerned with putting in any type of beta software program.)
Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we'll make it easier to discover out in case your units will have the ability to run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple didn't nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing final yr, that's not the case for 2025, as just a few fashions are getting the axe this time round. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this yr iPhones launched in 2018 will probably be left behind. In case your system is ineligible, you received't have the ability to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible this fall.
You will discover a full listing of which iPhones and iPads will assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see all the pieces that's coming with the most recent OS updates, you’ll be able to take a look at our large rundown of what to anticipate.
These three iOS 18 iPhones received't be suitable with iOS 26
Not like final yr, a number of iPhone fashions received't be eligible to obtain the latest iOS when it makes its debut in September. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 received't be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:
-
iPhone XR
-
iPhone XS
-
iPhone XS Max
iPhones suitable with iOS 26
Whereas we don't but know the brand new iPhones Apple will probably be dropping subsequent week — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple's website, that the telephones listed under will probably be suitable with iOS 26. Principally, when you’ve got an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you're within the clear:
-
iPhone SE (second era or later)
-
iPhone 11
-
iPhone 11 Professional
-
iPhone 11 Professional Max
-
iPhone 12
-
iPhone 12 mini
-
iPhone 12 Professional
-
iPhone 12 Professional Max
-
iPhone 13
-
iPhone 13 mini
-
iPhone 13 Professional
-
iPhone 13 Professional Max
-
iPhone 14
-
iPhone 14 Plus
-
iPhone 14 Professional
-
iPhone 14 Professional Max
-
iPhone 15
-
iPhone 15 Plus
-
iPhone 15 Professional
-
iPhone 15 Professional Max
-
iPhone 16
-
iPhone 16 Plus
-
iPhone 16 Professional
-
iPhone 16 Professional Max
-
iPhone 16e
iPads suitable with iPadOS 26
The iPads listed under are eligible to obtain iPadOS 26:
-
iPad Professional (M4)
-
iPad Professional 12.9‑inch (third era and later)
-
iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st era and later)
-
iPad Air (third era and later, together with M2 and M3)
-
iPad (eighth era and later, together with A16)
-
iPad mini (fifth era and later, together with A17 Professional)
What if I don't need to purchase a brand new iPhone?
If you wish to proceed utilizing your older iPhone that isn't supported by iOS 26, that's high-quality. Nonetheless, you'll miss out on safety updates which may probably put your cellphone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps could cease working in the event that they require a sure model of iOS or later. And naturally, you received't have the ability to entry the most recent options iOS 26 gives.
When will iOS 26 turn out to be accessible?
Apple often rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, only a few days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final yr, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows go well with this yr, we should always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.
Anticipate a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion on September 9.
iOS 26 options we're enthusiastic about
Liquid Glass design: Your house display is getting revamped with new app icons, together with darkish mode and all-clear choices. You'll additionally discover buttons with a brand new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple's phrases, was designed to make the entire firm's working methods extra visually cohesive.
Cellphone app redesign: You'll lastly have the ability to scroll by means of contacts, latest calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new characteristic known as Maintain Help that'll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.
Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog through cellphone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Dwell Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls characteristic: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will have the ability to create polls. This might help stop the undesirable 30+ messages with regards to deciding which restaurant you're assembly at this weekend.
New lock screen options: Extra customizable iPhone lock display choices are coming with iOS 26, together with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper results, extra widgets and higher focus mode choices.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms (if you need). You'll quickly have the choice to alter your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.
Fresh Camera app design: You'll discover the Digicam app is less complicated to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus situated in handy spots. Which means much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there's a brand new characteristic that tells you in case your lens is just too soiled.
Screenshot revamps: Once you take a screenshot, you'll have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you're on the lookout for a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you may ask ChatGPT questions in regards to the photograph — all from the edit display. It's like a reverse picture search however with out all of the laborious work.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cell/apples-ios-26-release-date-is-coming-up-check-to-see-if-your-iphone-is-compatible-for-the-update-191854907.html?src=rss