See in case your iPhone is eligible for the free replace

Do you know you may officially download iOS 26 in your iPhone? The replace grew to become accessible yesterday, together with iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates. However that is assuming you may have an eligible gadget.

In case your cellphone is suitable with the newest OS, you will discover substantial changes while you set up the brand new replace. You’ll have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is kind 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 may take a look at our hands-on iOS 26 preview for extra impressions.

Unsure when you have an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally do not need to improve? No worries, we’ll assist you to discover out in case your gadgets will be capable to run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final yr, 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 had been the final to obtain the boot in 2023, and this yr, iPhones launched in 2018 will likely be left behind.

You will discover a full record of iPhones and iPads that assist iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 beneath. To see every part you get with the newest OS updates, you may take a look at 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. (Take a look at Engadget’s liveblog of the event for full particulars.)

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

Not like final yr, a trio of iPhones will not be eligible to obtain the latest iOS. These three fashions that had been first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 get together:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the gadgets listed beneath will likely be suitable with iOS 26. In brief, when you 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 effective. Nonetheless, you will finally 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, in fact, you will not be capable to entry the newest options iOS 26 gives.

Ought to I improve to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?

If you first open Software program Replace in Settings, you will discover two completely different improve choices: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple launched the previous to deal with safety points, so you may no less than obtain that one when you’re uncertain about all the large modifications on iOS 26. It additionally provides you extra time to attend for Apple to maintain any bugs on the brand new OS.

Nonetheless, when 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 spite of everything, Apple had all summer season to weed by means of probably the most problematic bugs throughout its beta section and normally releases a brand new replace shortly after the preliminary launch.

iOS 26 options to check out first

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, in Apple’s phrases, was designed to make the entire firm’s working programs extra visually cohesive.

Telephone app redesign: You possibly can lastly scroll by means of contacts, latest 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 cellphone so you may keep away from the elevator music.

Dwell Translate: iOS 26 brings the power to have a dialog by way of 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 may also help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages with regards to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.

New lock screen options: Extra customizable iPhone lock display screen 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 will discover the Digital camera app is easier to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus situated in handy spots. Meaning much less swiping, extra photograph taking. Plus, there is a new function that tells you in case your lens is simply too soiled.

Screenshot revamps: If you take a screenshot, you now have the choice to seek for the picture on Google (possibly you are searching for a sweater you noticed on a celeb) and you may ask ChatGPT questions concerning the photograph — all from the edit display screen. It is like a reverse picture search however with out all of the onerous work.