Able to obtain iOS 26? See in case your iPhone is eligible for the free replace first

Now that iOS 26 is on the market to obtain for a lot of iPhone customers — here’s how to install it — it is time to test your cellphone to see should you’re eligible for the replace. The brand new OS grew to become obtainable on Monday this week, together with iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates.

In case your cellphone is suitable with the most recent OS, you may discover substantial changes whenever you set up the brand new replace. You’ll have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is type 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 may try our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.

Unsure in case you have an eligible smartphone or pill but in addition do not need to improve? No worries, we’ll assist 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, 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 12 months, iPhones launched in 2018 will likely be left behind.

Yow will discover a full record of iPhones and iPads that help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see every part you get with the most recent OS updates, you may try our large rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Moreover, this is everything Apple revealed on the iPhone 17 launch occasion, together with the all-new iPhone Air. (Try Engadget’s liveblog of the event for full particulars.)

These three iOS 18 iPhones aren’t suitable with iOS 26

In contrast to final 12 months, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 get together:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the gadgets listed under will likely be suitable with iOS 26. In brief, 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

In the meantime, the iPads listed under 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 high quality. Nevertheless, you may finally miss out on safety updates which may doubtlessly 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, in fact, you will not be capable to entry the most recent options iOS 26 provides.

Ought to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?

Once you first open Software program Replace in Settings, you may discover two completely different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to handle safety points, so you may a minimum of obtain that one should you’re uncertain about all the massive adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally provides you extra time to attend for Apple to maintain any bugs on the brand new OS.

Nevertheless, should you’re excited to lastly have the Liquid Glass aesthetic in your cellphone and use all the brand new options iOS 26 has to supply, go forward and set up that one. In any case, Apple had all summer time to weed by way of probably the most problematic bugs throughout its beta section and often releases a brand new replace shortly after the preliminary launch.

iOS 26 options to check out first

Liquid Glass design: Your property 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, in Apple’s phrases, was designed to make the entire firm’s working methods extra visually cohesive.

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

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

Polls function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members can now create polls. This can assist stop the undesirable 30+ messages on the subject of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.

New lock screen options: Extra customizable iPhone lock display screen choices can be found 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 would like). You now have the choice to change your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.

Fresh Camera app design: You may discover the Digicam app is easier to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus positioned in handy spots. Meaning much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there is a new function that tells you in case your lens is just too soiled.

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