The Apple iPhone 17 occasion final week delivered on the entire rumors we learn forward of the present. The corporate introduced the iPhone 17 lineup, the all-new iPhone Air and several other different units. (Take a look at Engadget's liveblog of the occasion for full particulars.) Along with lastly seeing the brand new {hardware}, Apple confirmed after the occasion that we'll have the ability to obtain the ultimate variations of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 on Monday, September 15. (That's when all of Apple's different working system updates hit, too.)
Coming with these OS updates are substantial modifications to your iPhone and iPad's software program. You’ll have already heard about "Liquid Glass," which (intentional or not) is kind of like Apple's tackle the outdated Home windows Vista design language. That's essentially the most notable change, however we spent two weeks test-driving most of the different options included within the replace — you possibly can try our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.
Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill? No worries, we'll assist you discover out in case your units will have the ability to run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple didn't nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final 12 months, that's not the case for 2025, as a couple of fashions are getting the axe this time round. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X have been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this 12 months 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 out there subsequent week. Nonetheless, Apple can be anticipated to launch iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to deal with safety points, according to MacRumors.
You’ll find a full record of iPhones and iPads that may help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see every little thing that's coming with the most recent OS updates, you possibly can try our large rundown of what to anticipate from iOS 26. Moreover, right here's every little thing Apple revealed on the iPhone 17 launch occasion.
These three iOS 18 iPhones received't be suitable with iOS 26
In contrast to final 12 months, a trio of iPhones received't be eligible to obtain the latest iOS when it makes its debut. These three fashions that have been first launched in 2018 received't be coming to the iOS 26 social gathering:
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iPhone XR
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iPhone XS
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iPhone XS Max
iPhones suitable with iOS 26
Per Apple's web site, the units listed under will probably be suitable with iOS 26. Briefly, when you’ve got 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
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iPhone 17
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iPhone 17 Professional
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iPhone 17 Professional Max
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iPhone Air
iPads suitable with iPadOS 26
In the meantime, the iPads listed under 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 wish to purchase a brand new iPhone?
If you wish to proceed utilizing your older iPhone that isn't supported by iOS 26, that's tremendous. Nonetheless, you'll ultimately miss out on safety updates which might doubtlessly 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, after all, you received't have the ability to entry the most recent options iOS 26 provides.
When will iOS 26 turn out to be out there?
Apple introduced it can launch iOS 26 to eligible iPhones on Monday, September 15.
Can I nonetheless obtain the general public beta?
Sure, you possibly can strive the software program out your self by downloading and putting in the most recent public beta, now within the launch candidate model. (Although it's price remembering that there's a level of danger concerned with putting in any type of beta software program.)
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, in Apple's phrases, was designed to make the entire firm's working techniques extra visually cohesive.
Cellphone app redesign: You'll lastly have the ability to scroll by contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new characteristic referred to as Maintain Help that'll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you possibly can keep away from the elevator music.
Reside Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the flexibility to have a dialog through cellphone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Reside 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 forestall the undesirable 30+ messages in relation 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’d like). 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 positioned in handy spots. Meaning 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: While you take a screenshot, you'll have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (perhaps you're in search of a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you’ll ask ChatGPT questions concerning 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/cellular/ios-26-arrives-on-monday-find-out-if-your-iphone-is-eligible-for-the-free-update-191854034.html?src=rss