Is your iPhone eligible for the replace? Test this checklist

In somewhat beneath every week, Apple’s iPhone 17 occasion — which the corporate has themed “awe dropping” — shall be right here. It is confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If all goes in keeping with plan, we also needs to get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 a few week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are large upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working techniques. You’ve got heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It is just like the better-executed model of the Home windows Vista design motif 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 putting in the newly launched public beta 6. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which not too long ago hit the beta 9 waypoint, and provides a number of extra flashy options not but accessible within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, at all times bear in mind there is a diploma of threat concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible stories that iOS 26 might deliver a brand new reside translation function to AirPods, too. Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we’ll provide help to discover out in case your gadgets 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 — a number of fashions are getting reduce this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X have been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this yr the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. When you’ve got an ineligible gadget, you will not be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible this fall.

We’ll resolve which iPhones and iPads will assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this yr. To see what’s coming with the most recent OSes, try all the things introduced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 occasion. One factor you should not instantly count on is Apple’s up to date model of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.

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

In contrast to final yr, 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 shall be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s web site, that the telephones listed under shall be appropriate 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 appropriate with iPadOS 26

The iPads listed under, and any iPads launched later this yr, are eligible to obtain 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. Nonetheless, you may miss out on safety updates which might probably put your telephone 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 most recent options iOS 26 provides.

When will iOS 26 turn out to be accessible?

Apple often rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, only a few days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final yr, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows go well with this yr, 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 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 was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes extra cohesive.

Cellphone app redesign: You will lastly be capable of scroll via contacts, current 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 possibly can keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog through telephone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Dwell 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 can assist stop the undesirable 30+ messages in relation to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.

New lock display screen choices: 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’d like). You will quickly have the choice to alter your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.

Recent Digital 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. Which means much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there is a new function that tells you in case your lens is just too soiled.