Test to see in case your iPhone is suitable for the replace

We’re only some days away Apple’s iPhone 17 event, which the corporate has dubbed “awe dropping” and scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. If all goes as anticipated, we must always get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 a couple of week later.

Coming with these OS updates are substantial updates to your iPhone and iPad’s working techniques. You’ll have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is type of like Apple’s tackle the previous Windows Vista design language. That is probably the most notable change, however we spent two weeks test-driving most of the different options included within the replace — you possibly can take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions, or you possibly can attempt the software program out your self by downloading and installing the latest public beta. The general public beta is a extra secure iteration of the replace than the developer model, which lately hit the beta 9 waypoint and gives just a few extra flashy features not but accessible within the public model. (Although it is price remembering that there is a diploma of danger concerned with putting in any type of beta software program.)

Undecided if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? 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 yr, 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 yr iPhones launched in 2018 will probably be left behind. In case your gadget is have ineligible, you will not be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible this fall.

Yow will discover a full listing of which iPhones and iPads will assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beneath. To see every thing that is coming with the most recent OS updates, you possibly can take a look at our large rundown of what to expect.

These three iOS 18 iPhones will not be suitable with iOS 26

In contrast to final yr, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut in September. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 get together:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple will probably be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s 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:

• iPhone SE (second technology or later)

iPads suitable with iPadOS 26

The iPads listed beneath are eligible to download iPadOS 26:

• iPad Professional 12.9‑inch (third technology and later)

• iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st technology and later)

• iPad Air (third technology and later, together with M2 and M3)

• iPad (eighth technology and later, together with A16)

• 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 effective. 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 gives.

When will iOS 26 turn out to be accessible?

Apple often rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, just some days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final yr, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows go well with this yr, 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 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 techniques extra visually cohesive.

Telephone app redesign: You may lastly be capable of scroll by contacts, latest calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new characteristic known as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you possibly can keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power 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 characteristic: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable of create polls. This may help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages in relation to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.

New lock screen options: 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 (if you would like). You may quickly have the choice to change your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.

Fresh 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. Which means 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 will have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (perhaps you are searching for a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you may ask ChatGPT questions in regards to the picture — all from the edit display. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the laborious work.