iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are coming this fall, bringing large upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working methods. A fairly cool choice obtainable on each is the visible replace, referred to as Liquid Glass — it is just like the better-executed model of Home windows Vista. We spent two weeks test-driving it — you may take a look at 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 steady iteration of the separate developer model, which not too long ago hit the beta 6 waypoint, and presents a number of extra flashy options not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, all the time keep in mind there is a diploma of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible experiences that iOS 26 may deliver a brand new stay translation function to AirPods, too. Not able to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we’ll allow 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 checklist final yr, 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 yr the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. When you’ve got an ineligible gadget, 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 yr. To see what’s coming with the most recent OSes, take a look at the whole lot introduced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 occasion. One factor you should not instantly anticipate 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 appropriate 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 this fall. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:
iPhones appropriate 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 under will probably be appropriate with iOS 26. Principally, when you’ve got an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:
iPhone SE (second era or later)
iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26
The iPads listed under, and any iPads launched later this yr, are eligible to obtain iPadOS 26.
iPad Professional 12.9‑inch (third era and later)
iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st era and later)
iPad Air (third era and later, together with M2 and M3)
iPad (eighth era and later, together with A16)
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. Nevertheless, 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 most recent options iOS 26 presents.
When will iOS 26 change 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 yr, 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 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.
Telephone app redesign: You may lastly be capable to scroll by means 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 telephone so you may keep away from the elevator music.
Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog through telephone 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 to create polls. This may help stop the undesirable 30+ messages on the subject of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.
