Prepared for Apple’s iOS 26? These are all of the suitable iPhones that may run public beta 2 proper now

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are coming this fall, bringing huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working techniques. A fairly cool possibility obtainable on each is the visible replace, called Liquid Glass — it is just like the better-executed model of Windows Vista. We spent two weeks test-driving it — you possibly can take a look at our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you possibly can strive it out your self by downloading and installing the public beta 2. That software program is a extra secure iteration of the separate developer model, which just lately hit the beta 6 waypoint, and presents a number of extra flashy features not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly secure, at all times keep in mind there is a diploma of threat concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible experiences that iOS 26 may convey a new live translation feature to AirPods, too. Not able to improve your smartphone or pill this 12 months? No worries, we’ll aid you discover out in case your gadgets will be capable to run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final 12 months, that is not the case for 2025 — a number of fashions are getting lower this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this 12 months the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. In case you have an ineligible gadget, you will not be capable to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable this fall.

We’ll unravel which iPhones and iPads will help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this 12 months. To see what’s coming with the most recent OSes, take a look at everything announced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 event. One factor you should not instantly count on is Apple’s updated version of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.

These three iPhones will not be suitable with iOS 26

Not like final 12 months, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut this fall. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 social gathering:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple will likely be dropping this fall — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed under will likely be suitable with iOS 26. Principally, you probably have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:

• iPhone SE (second era or later)

iPads suitable with iPadOS 26

The iPads listed under, and any iPads launched later this 12 months, are eligible to download 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 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 superb. Nonetheless, you may miss out on safety updates which may 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 be capable to entry the most recent options iOS 26 presents.

When will iOS 26 turn into obtainable?

Apple often rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, just some days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final 12 months, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. Anticipate a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion, anticipated in early September.

iOS 26 options we’re enthusiastic about

Liquid Glass design: Your own 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 was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes extra cohesive.

Telephone app redesign: You will lastly be capable to scroll via contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. It additionally comes with a brand new function known as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you possibly can keep away from the elevator music.

Stay Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog by way of cellphone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Stay Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.

Polls function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable to create polls. This can assist forestall the undesirable 30+ messages in relation to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.