Now that iOS 26 is obtainable to obtain for a lot of iPhone customers — right here's how one can set up it — it's time to test your cellphone to see in case you're eligible for the replace. The brand new OS grew to become out there on Monday this week, together with iPadOS 26 and Apple's different working system updates.
In case your cellphone is suitable with the newest OS, you'll discover substantial adjustments once you set up the brand new replace. You might 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 may try our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.
Undecided when you’ve got an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally don't need to improve? No worries, we'll enable you to discover out in case your units will be capable to run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple didn't nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing final 12 months, 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 12 months, iPhones launched in 2018 will probably be left behind.
You will discover a full listing of iPhones and iPads that assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see the whole lot you get with the newest OS updates, you may try our massive 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 suitable with iOS 26
Not like final 12 months, a trio of iPhones received't be eligible to obtain the latest iOS. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 received'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 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 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 nice. Nonetheless, you'll finally miss out on safety updates which might probably put your cellphone 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 to entry the newest options iOS 26 provides.
Ought to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?
While you first open Software program Replace in Settings, you'll discover two completely different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to deal with safety points, so you may at the least obtain that one in case you're not sure about all the large adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally offers you extra time to attend for Apple to care for any bugs on the brand new OS.
Nonetheless, in case you're excited to lastly have the Liquid Glass aesthetic in your cellphone 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 means of probably the most problematic bugs throughout its beta section and often releases a brand new replace shortly after the preliminary launch.
iOS 26 options to check out first
Liquid Glass design: Your private home display screen 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 may lastly scroll by means of contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. It additionally comes with a brand new function referred to as Maintain Help that'll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you may keep away from the elevator music.
Dwell Translate: iOS 26 brings the flexibility 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 function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members can now 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 screen 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 alter 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 situated in handy spots. Meaning much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there's a brand new function that tells you in case your lens is just too soiled.
Screenshot revamps: While you take a screenshot, you now 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 in regards to the photograph — all from the edit display screen. It's like a reverse picture search however with out all of the exhausting work.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cellular/ready-to-download-ios-26-see-if-your-iphone-is-eligible-for-the-free-update-first-191854926.html?src=rss