In only a few days, the Apple iPhone 17 occasion can be right here — the “awe dropping” occasion is formally confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows its previous schedule, that would imply we’ll get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 precisely one week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are big upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working methods. You’ve got heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It is just like the better-executed model of Home windows Vista and undoubtedly one of many cooler options coming this fall. We spent two weeks test-driving it — you’ll be able to take a look at our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you’ll be able to strive it out your self by downloading and putting in the general public beta 5. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which just lately hit the beta 8 waypoint, and affords a number of extra flashy options not but accessible within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, at all times keep in mind there is a diploma of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible studies that iOS 26 may convey a new stay translation function to AirPods, too. Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this 12 months? No worries, we’ll assist you discover out in case your gadgets will be capable of 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 number of fashions are getting reduce this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X have been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this 12 months the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. If in case you have an ineligible machine, you will not be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible this fall.
We’ll resolve which iPhones and iPads will assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this 12 months. To see what’s coming with the most recent OSes, take a look at all the things 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
In contrast to final 12 months, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the latest iOS when it makes its debut in September. 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 can be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s website, that the telephones listed beneath can be suitable with iOS 26. Mainly, if 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 era 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 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 high-quality. Nonetheless, you will miss out on safety updates which may doubtlessly 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 naturally, you will not be capable of entry the most recent options iOS 26 affords.
When will iOS 26 grow to be accessible?
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. If it follows swimsuit this 12 months, we must always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.
Anticipate a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion on September 9.
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.
Cellphone app redesign: You will lastly be capable of scroll by means of contacts, latest calls and voicemail messages all on one display. 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’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.
Dwell 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. Dwell Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable of create polls. This might help stop the undesirable 30+ messages on the subject of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.