Able to obtain iOS 26? See in case your iPhone is eligible for the free replace first

Now that iOS 26 is out there to obtain for a lot of iPhone customers — here’s how to install it — it is time to verify your cellphone to see in case you’re eligible for the replace. The brand new OS turned obtainable on Monday this week, together with iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates.

In case your cellphone is suitable with the newest OS, you may discover substantial changes while you set up the brand new replace. You might have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is form of like Apple’s tackle the previous Windows Vista design language. That is probably the most notable change, however we spent two weeks test-driving most of the different options included within the replace — you’ll be able to try our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.

Unsure you probably have an eligible smartphone or pill but in addition do not need 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 checklist final 12 months, that is not the case for 2025, as a number 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 12 months, iPhones launched in 2018 might be left behind.

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

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

Not like final 12 months, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the latest iOS. These three fashions that have been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

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

• iPhone SE (second technology or later)

iPads suitable with iPadOS 26

In the meantime, the iPads listed beneath 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 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 finally 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 have the ability to entry the newest options iOS 26 presents.

Ought to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?

Whenever you first open Software program Replace in Settings, you may discover two completely different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to handle safety points, so you’ll be able to not less than obtain that one in case you’re uncertain about all the large adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally provides you extra time to attend for Apple to deal with any bugs on the brand new OS.

Nonetheless, in case you’re excited to lastly have the Liquid Glass aesthetic in your cellphone 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 probably the most problematic bugs throughout its beta part and normally releases a brand new replace shortly after the preliminary launch.

iOS 26 options to check out first

Liquid Glass design: Your house 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 all the firm’s working methods extra visually cohesive.

Cellphone app redesign: You possibly can lastly scroll via contacts, latest 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 cellphone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell Translate: iOS 26 brings the power 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 function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members can now 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 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 would like). You now have the choice to change your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.

Fresh Camera app design: You may discover the Digicam app is less complicated to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus situated in handy spots. Meaning much less swiping, extra picture taking. Plus, there is a new function that tells you in case your lens is just too soiled.

Screenshot revamps: Whenever you take a screenshot, you now 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. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the arduous work.