In only a few days, the Apple iPhone 17 occasion shall be right here — the "awe dropping" occasion is formally confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows its previous schedule, that would imply we'll get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 precisely one week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are big upgrades to your iPhone and iPad's working techniques. You've heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It's just like the better-executed model of Home windows Vista and positively one of many cooler options coming this fall. We spent two weeks test-driving it — you may try our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you may attempt it out your self by downloading and putting in the general public beta 5. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which not too long ago hit the beta 8 waypoint, and presents a couple of extra flashy options not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, at all times bear in mind there's a level of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible stories that iOS 26 might carry a brand new dwell translation function to AirPods, too. Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this 12 months? No worries, we'll assist you discover out in case your gadgets will be capable of run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple didn't nix any iPhones from its eligibility checklist final 12 months, that's not the case for 2025 — a couple of fashions are getting minimize this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this 12 months the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. You probably have an ineligible system, you gained't be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable this fall.
We'll unravel which iPhones and iPads will help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this 12 months. To see what's coming with the most recent OSes, try every part introduced at Apple's WWDC June 9 occasion. One factor you shouldn't instantly count on is Apple's up to date model of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a 'stripped-down' AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.
These three iPhones gained't be suitable with iOS 26
In contrast to final 12 months, a number of iPhone fashions gained't be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut in September. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 gained't be coming to the iOS 26 get together:
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iPhone XR
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iPhone XS
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iPhone XS Max
iPhones suitable with iOS 26
Whereas we don't but know the brand new iPhones Apple shall be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple's web site, that the telephones listed beneath shall be suitable with iOS 26. Principally, if in case you have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you're within the clear:
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iPhone SE (second technology or later)
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iPhone 11
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iPhone 11 Professional
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iPhone 11 Professional Max
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iPhone 12
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iPhone 12 mini
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iPhone 12 Professional
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iPhone 12 Professional Max
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iPhone 13
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iPhone 13 mini
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iPhone 13 Professional
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iPhone 13 Professional Max
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iPhone 14
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iPhone 14 Plus
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iPhone 14 Professional
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iPhone 14 Professional Max
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iPhone 15
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iPhone 15 Plus
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iPhone 15 Professional
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iPhone 15 Professional Max
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iPhone 16
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iPhone 16 Plus
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iPhone 16 Professional
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iPhone 16 Professional Max
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iPhone 16e
iPads suitable with iPadOS 26
The iPads listed beneath, and any iPads launched later this 12 months, are eligible to obtain iPadOS 26.
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iPad Professional (M4)
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iPad Professional 12.9‑inch (third technology and later)
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iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st technology and later)
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iPad Air (third technology and later, together with M2 and M3)
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iPad (eighth technology and later, together with A16)
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iPad mini (fifth technology 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 advantageous. Nonetheless, you'll miss out on safety updates which might doubtlessly put your telephone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps might cease working in the event that they require a sure model of iOS or later. And naturally, you gained't be capable of entry the most recent options iOS 26 presents.
When will iOS 26 grow to be obtainable?
Apple often rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, only a few days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final 12 months, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows go well with this 12 months, we must always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.
Count on 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 own home 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 was designed to make all of Apple's OSes extra cohesive.
Cellphone app redesign: You'll lastly be capable of scroll via contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new function referred to as Maintain Help that'll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you may keep away from the elevator music.
Stay Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog through telephone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Stay Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable of create polls. This may also help stop the undesirable 30+ messages in relation to deciding which restaurant you're assembly at this weekend.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cellular/apples-new-ios-26-public-beta-5-is-here-but-is-your-iphone-eligible-for-the-update-check-this-list-191854133.html?src=rss