We only have a few days Apple’s iPhone 17 eventthe company called it “awe” and arranged Tuesday, September 9. If all goes well, we should download iOS 26 and iPad 26 in a week.
These operating system updates are included A lot of updates To your iPhone and iPad operating systems. 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 For more impressions, or you can Download and install the latest public beta version. Compared with the developer version Beta 9 Waypoint and provide more The glitz-like function The public version is not available yet. (Although it is worth remembering that installing any form of beta software has some degree of risk.)
Not sure if you want to upgrade your smartphone or tablet this year? 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 time they have won the boot in 2023, and the iPhone released this year in 2018 will be left behind. If your device is not eligible, you won’t be able to download iOS 26 when it becomes available this fall.
You can find a complete list of iPhone and iPad that will support iOS 26 and iPad 26. To see everything that comes with the latest OS update, you can view our big summary What to expect.
These three iOS 18 iPhones are incompatible with iOS 26
Unlike last year, several iPhone models were not eligible to download the latest iOS when they debuted in September. The three models that were first released in 2018 will not attend iOS 26 parties:
iPhone compatible with iOS 26
Although we don’t know that the new iPhone Apple will drop next month – despite iPhone 17 rumor – We do know, Apple’s websitethe phones listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. Basically, if you have an iPhone announced in 2019 or later, then you know well:
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iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPad compatible with iPados 26
The iPad listed below are 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 will miss 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. Of course, you won’t be able to access the latest features of iOS 26 offers.
When will iOS 26 be available?
Apple usually launches its latest iOS in mid-September, a few days before the new iPhone lands on store shelves. Last year, it released iOS 18 on Monday, September 16. If this year’s lawsuit is followed, we should access the new operating system on Tuesday, September 16, exactly one week after the event ends.
The release date is expected to be confirmed at the iPhone 17 event on September 9.
We’re excited about iOS 26 features
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: Eventually, you will be able to 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 will be able to create polls. This can help prevent harmful 30+ messages when determining which restaurant you meet this weekend.
New lock screen options: iOS 26 comes with 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’ll be able to choose soon 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 taking screenshots, you will have the option to search for images on Google (maybe you are looking for sweaters that celebrities see on celebrities) and you can ask questions about photos from the editing screen. It’s like a reverse image search, but without all the hard work.
