Have you ever up to date your iPhone to the brand new iOS 26 but or are you conserving off? It is been to be had to obtain since September 15 — here is tips on how to set up it if you have not but. The brand new OS was once launched along iPadOS 26 and Apple’s different working machine updates. Since then, the primary beta of iOS 26.1 has already been launched with some more moderen options.
In case your telephone is suitable with the newest OS, you can realize really extensive adjustments whilst you set up the brand new replace. You will have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or now not) is type of like Apple’s take at the previous Home windows Vista design language. That is the maximum notable trade, however we spent two weeks test-driving lots of the different options integrated within the replace — you’ll take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.
Now not certain when you have an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally do not wish to improve? No worries, we’re going to will let you in finding out in case your units will be capable to run iOS 26.
Whilst Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final 12 months, that is not the case for 2025, as a couple of fashions were given axed this time round. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X have been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this 12 months, iPhones launched in 2018 will likely be left in the back of.
You’ll be able to discover a complete record of iPhones and iPads that fortify iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 underneath. To look the whole thing you get with the newest OS updates, you’ll take a look at our giant rundown of what to anticipate from iOS 26. Moreover, here is the whole thing 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 final 12 months, a trio of iPhones may not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS. Those 3 fashions that have been first launched in 2018 may not be coming to the iOS 26 celebration:
iPhones suitable with iOS 26
In step with Apple’s web site, the units indexed underneath will likely be suitable with iOS 26. Briefly, when you have an iPhone that was once introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clean:
iPhone SE (2d era 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 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 wish to purchase a brand new iPhone?
If you wish to proceed the use of your older iPhone that is not supported via iOS 26, that is advantageous. On the other hand, you can in the end fail to notice safety updates which might probably put your telephone in peril for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps might prevent operating in the event that they require a undeniable model of iOS or later. And, after all, you will be unable to get admission 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 can realize two other improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to deal with safety problems, so you’ll a minimum of obtain that one if you are not sure about the entire giant adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally offers you extra time to look ahead to Apple to maintain any insects at the new OS.
On the other hand, if you are excited to in any case have the Liquid Glass aesthetic in your telephone and use the entire new options iOS 26 has to provide, cross forward and set up that one. Finally, Apple had all summer time to weed thru probably the most problematic insects right through its beta section and in most cases 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 is getting made over with new app icons, together with darkish mode and all-clear choices. You can additionally realize buttons with a brand new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s phrases, was once designed to make the entire corporate’s working methods extra visually cohesive.
Telephone app redesign: You’ll be able to in any case scroll thru contacts, fresh calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new function known as Cling Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you’ll keep away from the elevator song.
Reside Translate: iOS 26 brings the facility to have a dialog by means of telephone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks any other language. Reside Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls function: Coming to crew messages within the Messages app, chat participants can now create polls. This will lend a hand save you the undesirable 30+ messages in terms of deciding which eating place you are assembly at this weekend.
New lock display choices: Extra customizable iPhone lock display choices are to be had with iOS 26, together with a cooler clock, 3-D wallpaper results, extra widgets and higher center of attention mode choices.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say good-bye to the 9-minute snooze environment to your alarms (if you need). You currently find a way to trade your snooze time from one to fifteen mins.
Contemporary Digital camera app design: You can in finding the Digital camera app is more effective to navigate in iOS 26, with the entire 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 just too grimy.
Screenshot revamps: When you’re taking a screenshot, you presently find a way to seek for the picture on Google (perhaps 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. It is like a opposite symbol seek however with out the entire onerous paintings.
