Do you know you’ll be able to formally obtain iOS 26 in your iPhone? The replace turned accessible yesterday, together with iPadOS 26 and Apple's different working system updates. However that's assuming you will have an eligible machine.
In case your telephone is appropriate with the most recent OS, you'll discover substantial adjustments once you set up the brand new replace. You’ll have already heard about "Liquid Glass," which (intentional or not) is type of like Apple's tackle the previous 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 try our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.
Undecided you probably have an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally don't wish to improve? No worries, we'll assist you discover out in case your units 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, as a couple of 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 12 months, iPhones launched in 2018 will probably be left behind.
You’ll find a full checklist of iPhones and iPads that help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see the whole lot you get with the most recent OS updates, you’ll be able to try our huge rundown of what to anticipate from iOS 26. Moreover, right here's the whole lot Apple revealed on the iPhone 17 launch occasion, together with the all-new iPhone Air. (Take a look at Engadget's liveblog of the occasion for full particulars.)
These three iOS 18 iPhones aren't appropriate with iOS 26
In contrast to final 12 months, a trio of iPhones received't be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 received't be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:
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iPhone XR
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iPhone XS
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iPhone XS Max
iPhones appropriate with iOS 26
Per Apple's web site, the units listed under will probably be appropriate with iOS 26. Briefly, you probably have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you're within the clear:
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iPhone SE (second era 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 appropriate 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 era and later)
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iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st era and later)
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iPad Air (third era and later, together with M2 and M3)
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iPad (eighth era and later, together with A16)
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iPad mini (fifth era 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 high quality. Nevertheless, you'll ultimately 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, in fact, you received't be capable of entry the most recent options iOS 26 gives.
Ought to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?
Whenever you first open Software program Replace in Settings, you'll discover two totally different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to handle safety points, so you’ll be able to no less than obtain that one for those who're not sure about all the massive adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally provides you extra time to attend for Apple to care for any bugs on the brand new OS.
Nevertheless, for those who're excited to lastly have the Liquid Glass aesthetic in your telephone and use all the brand new options iOS 26 has to supply, go forward and set up that one. In spite of everything, Apple had all summer season to weed by way of probably the most problematic bugs throughout its beta section and normally releases a brand new replace shortly after the preliminary launch.
iOS 26 options to check out first
Liquid Glass design: Your private 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 all the firm's working programs extra visually cohesive.
Cellphone app redesign: You may lastly scroll by way of contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new function known as Maintain Help that'll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.
Stay Translate: iOS 26 brings 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 can now create polls. This can assist 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 can be found 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 would like). You now have the choice to vary your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.
Fresh Camera app design: You'll discover the Digicam app is easier to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus positioned in handy spots. Which means much less swiping, extra picture taking. Plus, there's a brand new function that tells you in case your lens is just too soiled.
Screenshot revamps: Whenever you take a screenshot, you now have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you're in search of a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you may ask ChatGPT questions in regards to the picture — all from the edit display. It's like a reverse picture search however with out all of the onerous work.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cellular/ios-26-has-arrived-see-if-your-iphone-is-eligible-for-the-free-update-191854431.html?src=rss