Get ready: The Apple iPhone 17 event is kicking off in less than five hours. During today’s “awe dropping” keynote, we’re expecting to see several new products announced, including the iPhone 17 Air and several other devices. (Here’s how to watch it live, and you can read Engadget’s real-time Apple event liveblog, too.) In addition to the new hardware, we should also get a final confirmation of when we’ll be able to download the final versions of iOS 26 and iPad 26 next week.
Coming with those OS updates are substantial changes to your iPhone and iPad’s software. You may have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is sort of like Apple’s take on the old Windows Vista design language. That’s the most notable change, but we spent two weeks test-driving many of the other features included in the update — you can check out our hands-on iOS 26 preview for more impressions, or you can try the software out yourself by downloading and installing the latest public beta. The public beta is a more stable iteration of the update than the developer version, which recently hit the beta 9 waypoint and offers a few more flashy features not yet available in the public version. (Though it’s worth remembering that there’s a degree of risk involved with installing any form of beta software.)
Not sure if you want to upgrade your smartphone or tablet? No worries, we’ll help you find out if your devices will be able to run iOS 26.
While Apple didn’t nix any iPhones from its eligibility list last year, that’s not the case for 2025, as a few models are getting the axe this time around. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to receive the boot in 2023, and this year iPhones released in 2018 will be left behind. If your device is ineligible, you won’t be able to download iOS 26 when it becomes available this fall.
You can find a full list of iPhones and iPads that will support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 below. To see everything that’s coming with the latest OS updates, you can check out our big rundown of what to expect.
These three iOS 18 iPhones won’t be compatible with iOS 26
Unlike last year, a trio of iPhones won’t be eligible to download the newest iOS when it makes its debut. These three models that were first released in 2018 won’t be coming to the iOS 26 party:
iPhones compatible with iOS 26
While we don’t know exactly which new iPhones Apple plans to drop on September 9 — though there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the devices listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. In short, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you’re in the clear:
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iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPads compatible with iPadOS 26
Meanwhile, the iPads listed below are eligible to download iPadOS 26:
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iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
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iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
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iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3)
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iPad (8th generation and later, including A16)
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iPad mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro)
What if I don’t want to buy a new iPhone?
If you want to continue using your older iPhone that isn’t supported by iOS 26, that’s fine. However, you’ll miss out on security updates which could potentially put your phone at risk for malware and other threats. Additionally, some apps may stop working if they require a certain version of iOS or later. And of course, you won’t be able to access the latest features iOS 26 offers.
When will iOS 26 become available?
Apple usually rolls out its latest iOS in mid-September, just a few days before the new iPhones hit store shelves. Last year, it released iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows suit this year, we should have access to the new operating system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — exactly one week after the event.
Expect a confirmation of the release date at the iPhone 17 event on September 9.
iOS 26 features we’re excited about
Liquid Glass design: Your home screen is getting revamped with new app icons, including dark mode and all-clear options. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s terms, was designed to make all of the company’s operating systems more visually cohesive.
Phone app redesign: You’ll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that’ll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music.
Live Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translate will translate your conversation in real time.
Polls feature: Coming to group messages in the Messages app, chat members will be able to create polls. This can help prevent the unwanted 30+ messages when it comes to deciding which restaurant you’re meeting at this weekend.
New lock screen options: More customizable iPhone lock screen options are coming with iOS 26, including a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms (if you want). You’ll soon have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.
Fresh Camera app design: You’ll find the Camera app is simpler to navigate in iOS 26, with all the buttons and menus located in convenient spots. That means less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there’s a new feature that tells you if your lens is too dirty.
Screenshot revamps: When you take a screenshot, you’ll have the option to search for the image on Google (maybe you’re looking for a sweater you saw on a celeb) and you can ask ChatGPT questions about the photo — all from the edit screen. It’s like a reverse image search but without all the hard work.
