Able to attempt Apple’s iOS 26? Listed here ...

Quickly after the Apple iPhone event takes place, we’ll lastly have entry to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 — each of that are bringing huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working techniques. One you is perhaps thrilled to mess around with is the visible replace: Liquid Glass. (It is just like the better-executed model of Windows Vista.) We spent two weeks test-driving it — you possibly can try our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you possibly can attempt it out your self by downloading and installing the public beta 2. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which lately hit the beta 6 waypoint, and gives a number of extra flashy features not but out there within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, all the time keep in mind there is a diploma of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible studies that iOS 26 may convey a new live translation feature to AirPods, too. Not able to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we’ll enable you discover out in case your units will be capable of run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final yr, 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 yr the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. When you have an ineligible machine, you will not be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into out there this fall.

We’ll resolve which iPhones and iPads will assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this yr. To see what’s coming with the newest OSes, try everything announced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 event. One factor you should not instantly anticipate 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 appropriate with iOS 26

Not like final yr, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the latest iOS when it makes its debut this fall. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 get together:

iPhones appropriate with iOS 26

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

• iPhone SE (second technology or later)

iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26

The iPads listed under, and any iPads launched later this yr, are eligible to download 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 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 will miss out on safety updates which may doubtlessly put your telephone 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 naturally, you will not be capable of entry the newest options iOS 26 gives.

When will iOS 26 change into out there?

Apple normally rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, just some days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final yr, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. Count on 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 private 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.

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

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

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