Test to see in case your iPhone is appropriate for the replace

We’re only some days away from Apple’s iPhone 17 event, which the corporate has titled “awe dropping” and can air on Tuesday, September 9. If all goes as anticipated, we must always have the ability to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 a few week later.

Coming with these OS updates are substantial changes to your iPhone and iPad’s software program. You might have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is type of like Apple’s tackle the outdated Windows Vista design language.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 essentially the most notable change, however we spent two weeks test-driving lots of the different options included within the replace — you’ll be able to take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions, or you’ll be able to strive the software program out your self by downloading and installing the latest public beta. The general public beta is a extra secure iteration of the replace than the developer model, which just lately hit the beta 9 waypoint and affords just a few extra flashy features not but out there within the public model. (Although it is value remembering that there is a diploma of threat concerned with putting in any type of beta software program.)

Undecided if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill? No worries, we’ll allow you to discover out in case your units will have the ability to run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing final yr, that is not the case for 2025, as just a few fashions are getting the axe this time round. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this yr iPhones launched in 2018 shall be left behind. In case your machine is ineligible, you will not have the ability to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into out there this fall.

You will discover a full listing of iPhones and iPads that may help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see all the things that is coming with the newest OS updates, you’ll be able to take a look at our huge rundown of what to expect.

These three iOS 18 iPhones will not be appropriate with iOS 26

In contrast to final yr, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the latest iOS when it makes its debut in September. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:

iPhones appropriate with iOS 26

Whereas we do not know precisely which new iPhones Apple plans to drop on September 9 — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the units listed under shall 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:

• iPhone SE (second technology or later)

iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26

In the meantime, the iPads listed under 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 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 positive. Nevertheless, you may miss out on safety updates which might probably 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 naturally, you will not have the ability to entry the newest options iOS 26 affords.

When will iOS 26 change into out there?

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. If it follows swimsuit this yr, we must 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 private home display screen 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 methods extra visually cohesive.

Telephone app redesign: You will lastly have the ability to scroll by means of contacts, latest 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 flexibility to have a dialog through 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 have the ability to create polls. This can assist forestall the undesirable 30+ messages relating to 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 would like). You will quickly 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. Which means much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there is a new function that tells you in case your lens is simply too soiled.

Screenshot revamps: Whenever you take a screenshot, you may 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 screen. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the exhausting work.