Apple’s new iOS 26 public beta 5 is right here, however is your iPhone eligible for the replace? Examine this checklist

In only a few days, the Apple iPhone 17 event will likely 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 methods. You have 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 take a look at 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 just a few extra flashy features not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly secure, at all times keep in mind there is a diploma of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible reviews that iOS 26 might deliver 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 allow you to discover out in case your units will have the ability to run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility checklist final 12 months, that is not the case for 2025 — just a few fashions are getting lower this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X have been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this 12 months the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. If in case you have an ineligible system, you will not have the ability to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable this fall.

We’ll unravel which iPhones and iPads will assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this 12 months. To see what’s coming with the newest OSes, take a look at 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 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 celebration:

iPhones appropriate with iOS 26

Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple will likely be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed under will likely be appropriate with iOS 26. Mainly, when you’ve got 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 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 fantastic. Nevertheless, you may miss out on safety updates which might doubtlessly 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 naturally, you will not have the ability to entry the newest options iOS 26 provides.

When will iOS 26 turn into obtainable?

Apple often rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, only a few days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final 12 months, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows go well with this 12 months, we should always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.

Count on 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 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 have the ability to scroll by means of contacts, latest calls and voicemail messages all on one display. 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 through 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 have the ability to create polls. This might help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages on the subject of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.