Now that iOS 26 is offered to obtain for a lot of iPhone customers — here’s how to install it — it is time to test your cellphone to see should you’re eligible for the replace. The brand new OS grew to become out there on Monday this week, together with iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates.
In case your cellphone is appropriate with the newest OS, you may discover substantial changes once you set up the brand new replace. You could have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is type of like Apple’s tackle the outdated Windows Vista design language.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.
Unsure if in case you have an eligible smartphone or pill but in addition do not wish to improve? No worries, we’ll assist you to 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, 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 will likely be left behind.
Yow will discover a full listing of iPhones and iPads that assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beneath. To see every thing you get with the newest OS updates, you possibly can take a look at our large rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Moreover, this is everything Apple revealed on the iPhone 17 launch occasion, together with the all-new iPhone Air. (Try Engadget’s liveblog of the event 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 get together:
iPhones appropriate with iOS 26
Per Apple’s site, the gadgets listed beneath will likely be appropriate with iOS 26. In brief, 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 technology or later)
iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26
In the meantime, the iPads listed beneath are eligible to download 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 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 tremendous. Nevertheless, you may ultimately miss out on safety updates which might doubtlessly put your cellphone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps could cease working in the event that they require a sure model of iOS or later. And, in fact, you will not be capable 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 may discover two completely different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to handle safety points, so you possibly can at the very least obtain that one should you’re uncertain about all the large modifications on iOS 26. It additionally offers you extra time to attend for Apple to maintain 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 any case, Apple had all summer season to weed by means of probably the most problematic bugs throughout its beta part and often releases a brand new replace shortly after the preliminary launch.
iOS 26 options to check out first
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, in Apple’s phrases, was designed to make the entire firm’s working programs extra visually cohesive.
Cellphone app redesign: You may lastly scroll by means of contacts, current 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.
Stay Translate: iOS 26 brings the power to have a dialog through cellphone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Stay Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls characteristic: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members can now create polls. This may also help stop the undesirable 30+ messages on the subject of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.
New lock screen options: Extra customizable iPhone lock display 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.
Fresh Camera app design: You will discover the Digicam app is easier to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus positioned in handy spots. Meaning much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there is a new characteristic 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 concerning the photograph — all from the edit display. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the onerous work.
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