Is your iPhone eligible for the replace? Verify this listing

In slightly below every week, Apple’s iPhone 17 event — which the corporate has themed “awe dropping” — might be right here. It is confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If all goes based on plan, we must also get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 a couple of week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working techniques. You have heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It is just like the better-executed model of the Windows Vista design motif and undoubtedly one of many cooler options coming this fall. We spent two weeks test-driving it — you’ll be able to try our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you’ll be able to attempt it out your self by downloading and installing the newly released public beta 6. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which lately hit the beta 9 waypoint, and presents a number of extra flashy features not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, at all times bear in mind there is a diploma of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible stories that iOS 26 may convey a new live translation feature 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 to run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing final 12 months, that is not the case for 2025 — a number of fashions are getting lower 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. When you’ve got an ineligible system, you will not be capable to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable this fall.

We’ll unravel which iPhones and iPads will help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this 12 months. To see what’s coming with the newest OSes, try everything announced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 event. One factor you should not instantly count on is Apple’s updated version of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.

These three iOS 18 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 celebration:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple might be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed beneath might be suitable with iOS 26. Principally, you probably have 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, and any iPads launched later this 12 months, 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 high quality. Nonetheless, you may 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 naturally, you will not be capable to entry the newest options iOS 26 presents.

When will iOS 26 develop into obtainable?

Apple often 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 go well with this 12 months, we should always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.

Count on 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 house display screen 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 was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes extra cohesive.

Cellphone app redesign: You may lastly be capable to scroll by way of contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. 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.

Reside 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. 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 may also help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages in the case of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.

New lock screen options: Extra customizable iPhone lock display screen 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 need). 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 function that tells you in case your lens is just too soiled.