Quickly after the Apple iPhone occasion takes place, we’ll lastly have entry to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 — each of that are bringing big upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working programs. One you is perhaps thrilled to mess around with is the visible replace: Liquid Glass. (It is just like the better-executed model of Home windows Vista.) We spent two weeks test-driving it — you may try our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you may attempt it out your self by downloading and putting in the general public beta 2. That software program is a extra secure iteration of the separate developer model, which not too long ago hit the beta 6 waypoint, and presents a couple of extra flashy options not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly secure, all the time bear in mind there is a diploma of threat concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible reviews that iOS 26 may deliver a new dwell translation function to AirPods, too. Not able to improve your smartphone or pill this 12 months? No worries, we’ll enable you to discover out in case your units will be capable to run iOS 26.
Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility checklist final 12 months, that is not the case for 2025 — a couple of fashions are getting minimize this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this 12 months the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. When you’ve got an ineligible machine, you will not be capable to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable this fall.
We’ll resolve which iPhones and iPads will help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this 12 months. To see what’s coming with the newest OSes, try every part introduced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 occasion. One factor you should not instantly count on is Apple’s up to date model of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.
These three iPhones will not be suitable with iOS 26
Not like final 12 months, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut this fall. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:
iPhones suitable with iOS 26
Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple will probably be dropping this fall — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s web site, that the telephones listed beneath will probably be suitable with iOS 26. Mainly, when you’ve got 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 suitable with iPadOS 26
The iPads listed beneath, and any iPads launched later this 12 months, 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 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 wonderful. Nonetheless, you may miss out on safety updates which may probably 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 naturally, you will not be capable to entry the newest options iOS 26 presents.
When will iOS 26 develop into obtainable?
Apple normally rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, only a few days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final 12 months, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. Count on a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion, anticipated in early September.
iOS 26 options we’re enthusiastic about
Liquid Glass design: Your own home display 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 was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes extra cohesive.
Telephone app redesign: You will lastly be capable to scroll by way of contacts, latest 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 may keep away from the elevator music.
Reside Translate: iOS 26 is bringing 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 function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable to create polls. This can assist stop the undesirable 30+ messages in terms of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.