Do you know you’ll be able to formally obtain iOS 26 in your iPhone? The replace grew to become out there yesterday, together with iPadOS 26 and Apple’s different working system updates. However that is assuming you might have an eligible system.
In case your cellphone is appropriate with the newest OS, you will discover substantial adjustments if you set up the brand new replace. You’ll have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is form of like Apple’s tackle the outdated Home windows Vista design language.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 you probably have an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally do not need to improve? No worries, we’ll aid you discover out in case your units will have the ability to run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final 12 months, that is 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 have been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this 12 months, iPhones launched in 2018 can be left behind.
You could find a full record of iPhones and iPads that help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beneath. To see the whole lot you get 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 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
In contrast to final 12 months, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS. These three fashions that have been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 social gathering:
iPhones appropriate with iOS 26
Per Apple’s web site, the units listed beneath can be appropriate with iOS 26. Briefly, you probably have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:
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iPhone SE (second era or later)
iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26
In the meantime, the iPads listed beneath are eligible to obtain iPadOS 26:
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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 do not need to purchase a brand new iPhone?
If you wish to proceed utilizing your older iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26, that is superb. Nevertheless, you will finally miss out on safety updates which may 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 will not have the ability to entry the newest options iOS 26 affords.
Ought to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?
Whenever you first open Software program Replace in Settings, you will discover two totally different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to deal with safety points, so you’ll be able to at the very least obtain that one should you’re uncertain about all the large adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally offers you extra time to attend for Apple to deal with any bugs on the brand new OS.
Nevertheless, should 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 time to weed via essentially 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 property display screen is getting revamped with new app icons, together with darkish mode and all-clear choices. You will additionally discover buttons with a brand new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s phrases, was designed to make all the firm’s working techniques extra visually cohesive.
Telephone app redesign: You may lastly scroll via contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. It additionally comes with a brand new function known 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.
Dwell Translate: iOS 26 brings the flexibility to have a dialog by way of 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 may also help stop the undesirable 30+ messages with regards to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.
New lock display screen choices: 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 need). You now have the choice to change your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.
Contemporary Digicam app design: You will discover the Digicam app is less complicated 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 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 are in search of a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you’ll ask ChatGPT questions in regards to the picture — all from the edit display screen. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the exhausting work.