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

Now that iOS 26 is obtainable to obtain for a lot of iPhone customers — here’s how to install it — it is time to examine your cellphone to see in the event you’re eligible for the replace. The brand new OS grew to become 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 whenever you set up the brand new replace. You’ll 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 lots 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’ve got an eligible smartphone or pill but additionally do not wish to improve? No worries, we’ll assist you 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 just a few 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 can be left behind.

You could find a full listing of iPhones and iPads that help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 under. To see every part you get with the newest OS updates, you may take a look at our massive 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 suitable 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 suitable with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the units listed under can be suitable with iOS 26. Briefly, when you’ve got 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 under 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 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. Nevertheless, 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, in fact, 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?

If 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 handle safety points, so you may at the very least obtain that one in the event you’re uncertain about all the large adjustments on iOS 26. It additionally provides you extra time to attend for Apple to care for any bugs on the brand new OS.

Nevertheless, in the event 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 time to weed by means of 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 private home display screen 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 methods extra visually cohesive.

Telephone app redesign: You possibly can lastly scroll by means of contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. It additionally comes with a brand new function referred to as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you may keep away from the elevator music.

Reside Translate: iOS 26 brings the flexibility 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 function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members can now create polls. This may also help stop the undesirable 30+ messages relating 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 need). 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 less complicated to navigate in iOS 26, with all of the buttons and menus positioned in handy spots. Which means 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 on the lookout 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 laborious work.