In just some days, the Apple iPhone 17 event will probably be right here — the “awe dropping” occasion is formally confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows its previous schedule, that might imply we’ll get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 precisely one week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working programs. You’ve got heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It is just like the better-executed model of Windows Vista and undoubtedly one of many cooler options coming this fall. 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 5. That software program is a extra secure iteration of the separate developer model, which not too long ago hit the beta 8 waypoint, and provides 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, all the time keep in mind there is a diploma of threat concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible reviews that iOS 26 might carry a new live translation feature to AirPods, too. Undecided if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this 12 months? No worries, we’ll enable you to discover out in case your gadgets will be capable of run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing final 12 months, that is not the case for 2025 — a number of fashions are getting reduce 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 system, you will not be capable of 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 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 suitable with iOS 26

In contrast to final 12 months, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut in September. 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 probably be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed beneath will probably be suitable with iOS 26. Mainly, if 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 suitable with iPadOS 26

The iPads listed beneath, and any iPads launched later this 12 months, 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 wish to purchase a brand new iPhone?

If you wish to proceed utilizing your older iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26, that is nice. Nevertheless, you will miss out on safety updates which might 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 naturally, you will not be capable of entry the newest options iOS 26 provides.

When will iOS 26 develop 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. If it follows swimsuit this 12 months, we should always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.

Anticipate a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion on September 9.

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 may 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 may lastly be capable of scroll by means of contacts, current 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 cellphone so you possibly can keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the flexibility to have a dialog by way of 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 be capable of create polls. This might help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages in terms of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.