Discover out in case your iPhone is eligible for the free replace

The Apple iPhone 17 event final week delivered on the entire rumors we learn forward of the present. The corporate introduced the iPhone 17 lineup, the all-new iPhone Air and a number of other different gadgets. (Take a look at Engadget’s liveblog of the event for full particulars.) Along with lastly seeing the brand new {hardware}, Apple confirmed after the occasion that we’ll have the ability to obtain the ultimate variations of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 on Monday, September 15. (That is when all of Apple’s other operating system updates hit, too.)

Coming with these OS updates are substantial changes to your iPhone and iPad’s software program. You’ll have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is kind of like Apple’s tackle the previous Windows Vista design language. That is probably the most notable change, however we spent two weeks test-driving most of the different options included within the replace — you possibly can take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.

Undecided if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill? No worries, we’ll make it easier to discover out in case your gadgets 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 will likely be left behind. In case your machine is ineligible, you will not have the ability to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible subsequent week. Nevertheless, Apple can be anticipated to launch iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to handle safety points, according to MacRumors.

You could find a full listing of iPhones and iPads that can assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beneath. To see all the pieces that is coming with the most recent OS updates, you possibly can take a look at our massive rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Moreover, this is everything Apple revealed on the iPhone 17 launch occasion.

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

Not like final yr, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 social gathering:

iPhones appropriate with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the gadgets listed beneath will likely be appropriate with iOS 26. Briefly, in case you have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:

• iPhone SE (second era or later)

iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26

In the meantime, the iPads listed beneath 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 wonderful. Nevertheless, you may ultimately miss out on safety updates which may probably put your cellphone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps might cease working in the event that they require a sure model of iOS or later. And, in fact, you will not have the ability to entry the most recent options iOS 26 gives.

When will iOS 26 turn into accessible?

Apple introduced it is going to launch iOS 26 to eligible iPhones on Monday, September 15.

Can I nonetheless obtain the general public beta?

Sure, you possibly can strive the software program out your self by downloading and installing the latest public beta, now within the launch candidate model. (Although it is value remembering that there is a diploma of threat concerned with putting in any type of beta software program.)

iOS 26 options we’re enthusiastic about

Liquid Glass design: Your property display 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.

Cellphone app redesign: You will lastly have the ability to scroll by contacts, latest calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new characteristic referred to as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you possibly can keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell 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. Dwell Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.

Polls characteristic: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will have the ability to create polls. This might help stop the undesirable 30+ messages in terms of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.

New lock screen options: Extra customizable iPhone lock display 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’d 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 less complicated to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus situated in handy spots. Meaning much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there is a new characteristic that tells you in case your lens is simply too soiled.

Screenshot revamps: While you take a screenshot, you may have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you are on the lookout for a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you’ll ask ChatGPT questions in regards to the photograph — all from the edit display. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the arduous work.