We’ve been talking for months and now we’re finally here. you can Officially download iOS 26 On your phone – iPados 26 is also available, and Other operating systems updates from Apple – Assume that you have qualified equipment.
If your device is compatible with the latest operating system, you will notice Substantive changes When installing new updates. You may have heard of it”Liquid glass“(intentionally) kind of like Apple to old Windows Vista Design language. This is the most notable change, but we spent two weeks testing – many other features included in the update – you can check out our Hands-on iOS 26 preview Have more impressions.
Not sure if you have a qualified smartphone or tablet, but don’t want to upgrade either? Don’t worry, we’ll help you determine if your device can run iOS 26.
While Apple didn’t clear any iPhone from its qualification list last year, that’s not the case for 2025, as there are some models on the axe this time. All iPhone 8 models and iPhone X are the last to receive boots in 2023, and this year, the iPhone released in 2018 will be left behind. If your device fails, Apple also released iOS 18.7 with iOS 26 to solve security issues, so you can at least download it.
You can find a complete list of iPhones and iPads that support iOS 26 and iPads 26. To see everything you get with the latest OS update iOS 26 expectations. Also, this Everything Apple reveals exist iPhone 17 Publishing events, including new ones iPhone Air. (View Engadget’s Liveblog for activity For complete details. )
These three iOS 18 iPhones are incompatible with iOS 26
Unlike last year, three iPhones will not be eligible to download the latest iOS. These three models were first released in 2018 and will not attend iOS 26 parties:
iPhone compatible with iOS 26
Every Apple’s websitethe devices listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. In short, if you have an iPhone announced in 2019 or later, then you know it well:
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iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPad compatible with iPados 26
Meanwhile, the iPad listed below is Eligible to download iPados 26:
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third generation and beyond)
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iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation and beyond)
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iPad Air (third generation and later, including M2 and M3)
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iPad (8th generation and later, including A16)
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iPad mini (5th generation and beyond, including the A17 Pro)
What if I don’t want to buy a new iPhone?
If you want to keep using an older iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26, that’s great. However, you end up missing out on security updates, which can put your phone at risk of malware and other threats. Additionally, if some apps require certain versions of iOS or later, they may stop working. And, of course, you won’t be able to access the latest features of iOS 26 offers.
When will iOS 26 be available?
As of Monday, September 15, you can officially download and install iOS 26.
iOS 26 features are first tried
Liquid glass design: Your home screen is being improved with new app icons, including black mode and fully clear options. You will also notice buttons with new floating designs. As far as Apple is concerned, liquid glass is designed to make all the company’s operating systems more visually cohesive.
Telephone application redesign: You can finally scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemails on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist, which notifies you when an agent visits the phone to avoid elevator music.
Live Translation: iOS 26 has the ability to have conversations over phone or text messages at someone who speaks other languages. Live translation will translate your conversations in real time.
Poll function: Enter the group message in the Message application, and chat members can now create polls. This can help prevent harmful 30+ messages when determining which restaurant you meet this weekend.
New lock screen options: iOS 26 offers more customizable iPhone lock screen options, including cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in the alarm (if needed). You can now choose Change the snooze time From one to 15 minutes.
Fresh camera application design: You’ll find the camera app easier to navigate in iOS 26, with all buttons and menus in convenient locations. This means less brushing and more photos. Plus, there is a new feature that tells you if your lens is too dirty.
Screenshot transformation: When you take a screenshot, you now have the option to search for images on Google (maybe you’re looking for sweaters you see on celebrities) and you can ask chatgpt questions about photos from the editing screen. It’s like a reverse image search, but without all the hard work.
