iPhone devotees, pay attention up: Tons of recent updates are coming to Apple’s working system this fall that you will be excited to check out. However as an alternative of being named iOS 19, it’s going to be referred to as iOS 26. The most important change? The brand new Liquid Glass design (assume Home windows Vista, however arguably extra considerate), which appears to be like to be Apple’s largest visible replace in years. 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 putting in the general public beta, accessible now. Earlier than you dive in, we’ll show you how to reply this query: Will my iPhone be capable to run iOS 26?
Final 12 months, Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing, however that is not the case for 2025 — a couple of fashions are getting reduce this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had 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 machine, you will not be capable to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible this fall.
We’ll resolve which iPhones will assist iOS 26 this 12 months. To see what’s coming with the most recent OS and extra, take a look at all the things introduced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 occasion.
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 this fall. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 celebration:
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhones appropriate with iOS 26
Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple might be dropping this fall — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s web site, that the telephones listed under might be appropriate with iOS 26. Principally, you probably have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:
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 positive. Nevertheless, you may miss out on safety updates which may probably 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 be capable to entry the most recent options iOS 26 presents.
When will iOS 26 turn into accessible?
Apple normally rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, just some days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final 12 months, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. Anticipate a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion, anticipated in early September.
iOS 26 options we’re enthusiastic about
Liquid Glass design: Your house 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 to scroll by means of 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 telephone so you possibly can keep away from the elevator music.
Dwell Translate: iOS 26 is bringing 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 characteristic: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable to create polls. This might help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages on the subject of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.
