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 a number of other different gadgets. (Try 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 be capable of obtain the ultimate variations of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 on Monday, September 15. (That is when all of Apple’s different working system updates hit, too.)
Coming with these OS updates are substantial adjustments to your iPhone and iPad’s software program. You will have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is kind of like Apple’s tackle the outdated Home windows Vista design language.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 is essentially 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 take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.
Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill? No worries, we’ll aid you discover out in case your gadgets will be capable of run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing final 12 months, that is 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 likely be left behind. In case your gadget is ineligible, you will not be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable subsequent week. Nonetheless, Apple can be anticipated to launch iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to handle safety points, in response to MacRumors.
You will discover a full listing of iPhones and iPads that may assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see every thing that is coming with the newest OS updates, you’ll be able to take a look at our huge rundown of what to anticipate from iOS 26. Moreover, here is every thing Apple revealed on the iPhone 17 launch occasion.
These three iOS 18 iPhones will not be appropriate with iOS 26
Not like final 12 months, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 get together:
iPhones appropriate with iOS 26
Per Apple’s website, the gadgets listed under will likely be appropriate with iOS 26. Briefly, in case you have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:
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iPhone SE (second technology or later)
iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26
In the meantime, the iPads listed under are eligible to obtain iPadOS 26:
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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 do not wish to purchase a brand new iPhone?
If you wish to proceed utilizing your older iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26, that is wonderful. Nonetheless, you may finally miss out on safety updates which might probably 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, in fact, you will not be capable of entry the newest options iOS 26 presents.
When will iOS 26 grow to be obtainable?
Apple introduced it is going to launch iOS 26 to eligible iPhones on Monday, September 15.
Can I nonetheless obtain the general public beta?
Sure, you’ll be able to strive the software program out your self by downloading and putting in the newest public beta, now within the launch candidate model. (Although it is price remembering that there is a diploma of danger concerned with putting in any type of beta software program.)
iOS 26 options we’re enthusiastic about
Liquid Glass design: Your private home display is getting revamped with new app icons, together with darkish mode and all-clear choices. You may additionally discover buttons with a brand new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s phrases, was designed to make the entire firm’s working programs extra visually cohesive.
Cellphone app redesign: You may lastly be capable of 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 cellphone so you’ll be able to 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 be capable of create polls. This may also help stop the undesirable 30+ messages in terms of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.
New lock display choices: 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 (in order for you). You may quickly have the choice to change your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.
Contemporary Digital camera app design: You may discover the Digital camera app is easier to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus situated in handy spots. Meaning much less swiping, extra picture taking. Plus, there is a new characteristic that tells you in case your lens is simply too soiled.
Screenshot revamps: Whenever you take a screenshot, you may have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you are on the lookout for a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you may ask ChatGPT questions concerning the picture — all from the edit display. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the exhausting work.
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