Apple’s new iOS 26 public beta 5 is right here, however is your iPhone eligible for the replace? Examine this listing

In only a few days, the Apple iPhone 17 event will likely be right here — the “awe dropping” occasion is formally confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows its previous schedule, that might imply we’ll get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 precisely one week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working programs. You have heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It is just like the better-executed model of Windows Vista and positively one of many cooler options coming this fall. We spent two weeks test-driving it — you’ll be able to try our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you’ll be able to attempt it out your self by downloading and installing the public beta 5. That software program is a extra secure iteration of the separate developer model, which just lately hit the beta 8 waypoint, and presents a number of extra flashy features not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly secure, all the time bear in mind there is a diploma of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible experiences that iOS 26 might convey a new live translation feature to AirPods, too. Undecided if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we’ll make it easier 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 — a number of fashions are getting minimize this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this yr the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. You probably have an ineligible machine, you will not have the ability to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable this fall.

We’ll unravel which iPhones and iPads will help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this yr. To see what’s coming with the newest OSes, try everything announced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 event. One factor you should not instantly count on is Apple’s updated version of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.

These three iPhones will not be suitable 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 suitable with iOS 26

Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple will likely be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed beneath will likely be suitable with iOS 26. Principally, you probably 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

The iPads listed beneath, and any iPads launched later this yr, 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 high-quality. Nonetheless, you will miss out on safety updates which might probably 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 naturally, you will not have the ability to entry the newest options iOS 26 presents.

When will iOS 26 turn into obtainable?

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 swimsuit this yr, we must always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.

Anticipate 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 private home display 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 have the ability to scroll by contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. 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’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.

Reside Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog by way of cellphone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Reside Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.

Polls characteristic: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will have the ability to create polls. This may help stop the undesirable 30+ messages with regards to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.