We've been speaking about it for months and now it's lastly right here. You’ll be able to formally obtain iOS 26 in your telephone — iPadOS 26 can be obtainable, in addition to Apple's different working system updates — assuming you will have an eligible machine.
In case your machine is appropriate with the most recent OS, you'll discover substantial adjustments once you set up the brand new replace. You could have already heard about "Liquid Glass," which (intentional or not) is form 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 lots 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.
Undecided when you’ve got an eligible smartphone or pill but in addition don't need to improve? No worries, we'll aid you discover out in case your units will be capable of run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple didn't nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final yr, that's not the case for 2025, as a number 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 yr, iPhones launched in 2018 shall be left behind. In case your machine is ineligible, Apple additionally launched iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to deal with safety points, so you’ll be able to no less than obtain that.
You will discover a full record of iPhones and iPads that help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beneath. To see the whole lot you get with the most recent OS updates, you’ll be able to take a look at 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. (Try Engadget's liveblog of the occasion for full particulars.)
These three iOS 18 iPhones aren't appropriate with iOS 26
Not like final yr, a trio of iPhones gained't be eligible to obtain the latest iOS. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 gained't be coming to the iOS 26 celebration:
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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 website, the units listed beneath shall be appropriate 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 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 beneath 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 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 positive. Nonetheless, you'll ultimately miss out on safety updates which may probably put your telephone 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, in fact, you gained't be capable of entry the most recent options iOS 26 presents.
When will iOS 26 change into obtainable?
As of right this moment, Monday, September 15, you’ll be able to formally obtain and set up iOS 26.
iOS 26 options to check out first
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 all the firm's working programs extra visually cohesive.
Telephone app redesign: You’ll be able to lastly scroll by way of contacts, latest 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 telephone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.
Reside Translate: iOS 26 brings the flexibility to have a dialog through telephone 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 can now create polls. This can assist forestall the undesirable 30+ messages relating 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 (in order for you). You now 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 simply too soiled.
Screenshot revamps: While you take a screenshot, you now have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you're searching 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/ios-26-is-here-find-out-if-your-iphone-is-eligible-for-the-free-update-191854386.html?src=rss