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

The Apple iPhone 17 event final week delivered on all the 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 units. (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 be capable of 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 might 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 essentially the most notable change, however we spent two weeks test-driving lots of the different options included within the replace — you’ll be able to try our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.

Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill? No worries, we’ll provide help to discover out in case your units will be capable of run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility checklist final yr, that is not the case for 2025, as a couple of fashions are getting the axe this time round. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X have been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this yr iPhones launched in 2018 will likely be left behind. In case your gadget is ineligible, you will not be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable subsequent week. Nonetheless, Apple can be anticipated to launch iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to handle safety points, according to MacRumors.

Yow will discover a full checklist of iPhones and iPads that may help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see every part that is coming with the newest OS updates, you’ll be able to try our large 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 latest iOS when it makes its debut. These three fashions that have been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:

iPhones appropriate with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the units listed under 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 technology or later)

iPads appropriate 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 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 high-quality. Nonetheless, you will finally miss out on safety updates which may probably put your telephone 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 of entry the newest options iOS 26 affords.

When will iOS 26 change into obtainable?

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

Can I nonetheless obtain the general public beta?

Sure, you’ll be able to strive the software program out your self by downloading and installing the latest public beta, now within the launch candidate model. (Although it is price 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 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, in Apple’s phrases, was designed to make all the firm’s working techniques extra visually 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 function known as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you’ll be able to 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 function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable of create polls. This may help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages in the case of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.

New lock screen options: Extra customizable iPhone lock display screen 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 need). You will quickly have the choice to change your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.

Fresh Camera app design: You will discover the Digital camera 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: While you take a screenshot, you will have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you are in search of a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you’ll 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 onerous work.