We have now been speaking about it for months and now it is after all right here. You’ll be able to formally obtain iOS 26 in your telephone — iPadOS 26 could also be to be had, in addition to Apple’s different working gadget updates — assuming you’ve an eligible software.
In case your software is appropriate with the most recent OS, you’ll be able to understand really extensive adjustments while you set up the brand new replace. You could have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or no longer) is kind of like Apple’s take at the outdated Home windows Vista design language.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 most of the different options incorporated within the replace — you’ll be able to take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.
No longer positive in case you have an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally do not wish to improve? No worries, we will permit you to in finding out in case your gadgets will be capable of run iOS 26.
Whilst Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility record ultimate yr, 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 ultimate to obtain the boot in 2023, and this yr, iPhones launched in 2018 shall be left in the back of. In case your software is ineligible, Apple additionally launched iOS 18.7 along iOS 26 to deal with safety problems, so you’ll be able to no less than obtain that.
You’ll be able to discover a complete record of iPhones and iPads that enhance iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 underneath. To peer the entirety you get with the most recent OS updates, you’ll be able to take a look at our giant rundown of what to anticipate from iOS 26. Moreover, this is the entirety Apple published on the iPhone 17 release tournament, 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 are not appropriate with iOS 26
Not like ultimate yr, a trio of iPhones would possibly not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS. Those 3 fashions that had been first launched in 2018 would possibly not be coming to the iOS 26 celebration:
iPhones appropriate with iOS 26
Consistent with Apple’s web page, the gadgets indexed underneath shall be appropriate with iOS 26. In brief, in case you have an iPhone that was once introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clean:
iPhone SE (2nd technology or later)
iPads appropriate 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 via iOS 26, that is fantastic. Then again, you’ll be able to sooner or later fail to see safety updates which might doubtlessly put your telephone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps might prevent running in the event that they require a definite model of iOS or later. And, after all, you will not be able to get admission to the most recent options iOS 26 gives.
When will iOS 26 transform to be had?
As of as of late, Monday, September 15, you’ll be able to formally obtain and set up iOS 26.
iOS 26 options to take a look at out first
Liquid Glass design: Your own home display screen is getting remodeled 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, was once designed to make the entire corporate’s working methods extra visually cohesive.
Telephone app redesign: You’ll be able to after all scroll via contacts, fresh calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. It additionally comes with a brand new characteristic referred to as Hang Lend a hand that’ll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator track.
Reside Translate: iOS 26 brings the power to have a dialog by means of telephone name or textual content message with any individual who speaks some other language. Reside Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.
Polls characteristic: Coming to workforce messages within the Messages app, chat individuals can now create polls. This may assist save you the undesirable 30+ messages in the case of 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, 3-d wallpaper results, extra widgets and higher focal point mode choices.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say good-bye to the 9-minute snooze surroundings on your alarms (if you wish to have). You currently find a way to exchange your snooze time from one to fifteen mins.
Recent Digicam app design: You can in finding 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 photograph taking. Plus, there is a new characteristic that tells you in case your lens is just too grimy.
Screenshot revamps: When you’re taking a screenshot, you currently find a way to seek for the picture on Google (perhaps you are on the lookout for a sweater you noticed on a celebrity) and you’ll be able to ask ChatGPT questions in regards to the photograph — all from the edit display screen. It is like a opposite symbol seek however with out all of the exhausting paintings.
