Able to obtain iOS 26? Make certain your iPhone is eligible for the free replace first

Have you ever up to date your iPhone to the brand new iOS 26 but or are you holding off? It has been obtainable to obtain since September 15 — here’s how to install it if you have not but. The brand new OS was launched alongside iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates. Since then, the primary beta of iOS 26.1 has already been launched with some newer options.

In case your telephone is appropriate with the newest OS, you may discover substantial changes while you set up the brand new replace. You could have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is type of like Apple’s tackle the outdated Windows Vista design language.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.

Undecided you probably have an eligible smartphone or pill but in addition do not wish to improve? 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 listing final yr, that is not the case for 2025, as a couple of fashions bought axed this time round. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this yr, iPhones launched in 2018 can be left behind.

You will discover a full listing of iPhones and iPads that help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beneath. To see all the things you get 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, together with the all-new iPhone Air. (Take a look at Engadget’s liveblog of the event for full particulars.)

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

In contrast to final yr, 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 celebration:

iPhones appropriate with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the units listed beneath can be appropriate with iOS 26. Briefly, you probably have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:

• iPhone SE (second era or later)

iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26

In the meantime, the iPads listed beneath 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 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 positive. Nevertheless, you may finally miss out on safety updates which may 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, after all, you will not have the ability to entry the newest options iOS 26 gives.

Ought to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?

Once you first open Software program Replace in Settings, you may discover two totally different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to deal with safety points, so you may not less than obtain that one should you’re uncertain about all the massive adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally offers you extra time to attend for Apple to care for any bugs on the brand new OS.

Nevertheless, should you’re excited to lastly have the Liquid Glass aesthetic in your telephone 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 via essentially 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 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, in Apple’s phrases, was designed to make the entire firm’s working techniques extra visually cohesive.

Cellphone app redesign: You may lastly scroll via contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new function known as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you may keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell Translate: iOS 26 brings the flexibility to have a dialog by way of 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 can now create polls. This can assist 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 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’d like). You now have the choice to change your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.

Fresh Camera app design: You may 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 picture taking. Plus, there is a new function that tells you in case your lens is simply too soiled.

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