Now that iOS 26 is to be had to obtain for lots of iPhone customers — this is methods to set up it — it is time to test your telephone to look if you are eligible for the replace. The brand new OS changed into to be had on Monday this week, in conjunction with iPadOS 26 and Apple’s different running machine updates.
In case your telephone is suitable with the newest OS, you’ll be able to understand considerable adjustments while you set up the brand new replace. You could have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or no longer) is type of like Apple’s take at the outdated Home windows Vista design language. That is the maximum notable exchange, however we spent two weeks test-driving lots of the different options incorporated within the replace — you’ll take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.
No longer positive if in case you have an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally do not wish to improve? No worries, we will assist you to to find out in case your units will have the ability to run iOS 26.
Whilst Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing closing 12 months, that isn’t the case for 2025, as a couple of fashions are getting the awl this time round. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the closing to obtain the boot in 2023, and this 12 months, iPhones launched in 2018 will probably be left in the back of.
You’ll be able to discover a complete listing of iPhones and iPads that toughen iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To peer the entirety you get with the newest OS updates, you’ll take a look at our giant rundown of what to anticipate from iOS 26. Moreover, this is the entirety Apple printed on the iPhone 17 release match, together with the all-new iPhone Air. (Take a look at Engadget’s liveblog of the development for complete main points.)
Those 3 iOS 18 iPhones don’t seem to be suitable with iOS 26
In contrast to closing 12 months, a trio of iPhones may not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS. Those 3 fashions that had been first launched in 2018 may not be coming to the iOS 26 birthday party:
iPhones suitable with iOS 26
In keeping with Apple’s website, the units indexed under will probably be suitable with iOS 26. Briefly, if in case you have an iPhone that used to be introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clean:
iPhone SE (2d technology or later)
iPads suitable with iPadOS 26
In the meantime, the iPads listed here are eligible to obtain 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 wish to purchase a brand new iPhone?
If you wish to proceed the use of your older iPhone that is not supported by way of iOS 26, that is high quality. Alternatively, you’ll be able to in the end fail to spot safety updates which might probably put your telephone in peril for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps would possibly forestall operating in the event that they require a undeniable model of iOS or later. And, in fact, you will not be able to get right of entry to the newest options iOS 26 gives.
Will have to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?
While you first open Instrument Replace in Settings, you’ll be able to understand two other improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to handle safety problems, so you’ll a minimum of obtain that one if you are undecided about all of the giant adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally will provide you with extra time to look forward to Apple to care for any insects at the new OS.
Alternatively, if you are excited to in spite of everything have the Liquid Glass aesthetic in your telephone and use all of the new options iOS 26 has to provide, move forward and set up that one. In spite of everything, Apple had all summer season to weed via probably the most problematic insects throughout its beta section and generally releases a brand new replace in a while after the preliminary release.
iOS 26 options to take a look at out first
Liquid Glass design: Your house display screen is getting made over with new app icons, together with darkish mode and all-clear choices. You can additionally understand buttons with a brand new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s phrases, used to be designed to make all the corporate’s running techniques extra visually cohesive.
Telephone app redesign: You’ll be able to in spite of everything scroll via contacts, contemporary calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. It additionally comes with a brand new function referred to as Dangle Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you’ll keep away from the elevator song.
Are living Translate: iOS 26 brings the power to have a dialog by the use of telephone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks every other language. Are living Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls function: Coming to crew messages within the Messages app, chat individuals can now create polls. This will assist save you the undesirable 30+ messages relating to deciding which eating place you are assembly at this weekend.
New lock display screen choices: Extra customizable iPhone lock display screen choices are to be had with iOS 26, together with a cooler clock, three-D wallpaper results, extra widgets and higher focal point mode choices.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say good-bye to the 9-minute snooze environment to your alarms (if you need). You currently have the opportunity to exchange your snooze time from one to fifteen mins.
Contemporary Digicam app design: You can to find the Digicam app is more effective to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus positioned in handy spots. That suggests much less swiping, extra picture taking. Plus, there is a new function that tells you in case your lens is simply too grimy.
Screenshot revamps: When you’re taking a screenshot, you presently have the opportunity to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you are in search of a sweater you noticed on a star) and you’ll ask ChatGPT questions concerning the picture — all from the edit display screen. It is like a opposite symbol seek however with out all of the exhausting paintings.
