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

The Apple iPhone 17 event final week delivered on the entire rumors we learn forward of the present. The corporate introduced the iPhone 17 lineup, the all-new iPhone Air and several other different gadgets. (Try 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 to 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’ll have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is kind 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 most of the different options included within the replace — you may take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.

Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill? No worries, we’ll assist you to 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 can be left behind. In case your system is ineligible, you will not be capable to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into out there subsequent week. Nevertheless, Apple can also be anticipated to launch iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to deal with safety points, according to MacRumors.

Yow will discover a full record of iPhones and iPads that may help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see all the things that is coming with the newest OS updates, you may take a look at our large rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Moreover, here is everything Apple revealed on the iPhone 17 launch occasion.

These three iOS 18 iPhones will not be suitable with iOS 26

Not like final 12 months, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the latest iOS when it makes its debut. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 celebration:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the gadgets listed under can 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 era 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 era and later)

• iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st era and later)

• iPad Air (third era and later, together with M2 and M3)

• iPad (eighth era and later, together with A16)

• iPad mini (fifth era 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 nice. Nevertheless, you will ultimately 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, after all, you will not be capable to entry the newest options iOS 26 gives.

When will iOS 26 develop into out there?

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

Can I nonetheless obtain the general public beta?

Sure, you may attempt the software program out your self by downloading and installing the latest public beta, now within the launch candidate model. (Although it is value remembering that there is a diploma of danger concerned with putting in any type of beta software program.)

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 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 techniques extra visually cohesive.

Cellphone app redesign: You may lastly be capable to scroll by 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 may keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the flexibility to have a dialog through 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 to create polls. This will help stop the undesirable 30+ messages in relation to 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 would like). You may quickly 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 picture taking. Plus, there is a new characteristic that tells you in case your lens is simply too soiled.

Screenshot revamps: If you take a screenshot, you will have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (perhaps you are on the lookout for a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you may ask ChatGPT questions concerning the picture — all from the edit display screen. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the arduous work.