Have you ever updated your iPhone to the new iOS 26 or are you getting withdrawn? It has been available for download since September 15 – here is how to install it if you haven’t done it yet. The new operating system has been published alongside iPados 26 and other updates to the Apple operating system. Since then, the first beta version of iOS 26.1 has already been published with more recent features.
If your phone is compatible with the latest operating system, you will notice substantial changes when you install the new update. You may have already heard of “liquid glass”, which (intentional or not) is a bit like Apple’s taking on the old design language of Windows Vista. This is the most notable change, but we spent two weeks to test most of the other features included in the update – you can consult our Practical IOS 26 preview for more prints.
You don’t know if you have a smartphone or an eligible tablet but you don’t want to upgrade either? No worries, we will help you know if your devices will be able to execute iOS 26.
Although Apple did not have Nixé Iphones on his eligibility list last year, this is not the case for 2025, because some models were chopped this time. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to receive the start in 2023, and this year, iPhones released in 2018 will be left behind.
You can find a complete list of iPads and iPads that support iOS 26 and iPados 26 below. To see everything you get with the latest operating system updates, you can consult our big overview of what to expect from iOS 26. In addition, here is all Apple revealed during the launch event of the iPhone 17, including the brand new iPhone Air. (Discover the Live Blog from the Engadget event for more details.)
These three 18 iPhones are not compatible with iOS 26
Unlike last year, a trio of iphones will not be eligible to download the most recent iOS. These three models which were published for the first time in 2018 will not come to the IOS 26 celebration:
Iphones compatible with iOS 26
By Apple siteThe devices listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. In short, if you have an iPhone that has been announced in 2019 or later, you are clear:
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iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPados iPados 26
In the meantime, the iPad listed below are eligible to download iPados 26::
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iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (3rd generation and later)
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iPad pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
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iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3)
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iPad (8th generation and later, including A16)
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iPad Mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro)
What if I don’t want to buy a new iPhone?
If you want to continue using your old iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26, that’s good. However, you will finally miss the security updates that could potentially endanger your phone in malware and other threats. In addition, some applications may stop working if they need a certain version of iOS or later. And, of course, you will not be able to access the latest iOS 26 tenders.
Do I have to go to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?
When you open the software update for the first time in the settings, you will notice two different upgrade options: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple published the first to solve security problems, you can at least download this one if you are not sure of all the big changes to iOS 26.
However, if you are delighted to finally have the aesthetics of liquid glass on your phone and use all the new iOS 26 features, go ahead, go ahead and install it. After all, Apple had all summer to weed the most problematic bugs during its beta phase and generally publishes a new update shortly after the initial launch.
IOS 26 features to try first
Liquid glass design:: Your home screen is reworked with new application icons, including dark mode and very clear options. You will also notice buttons with a new floating design. Liquid Glass, in terms of Apple, was designed to make all operating systems of the company more visually cohesive.
Redesign of the telephone application: You can finally scroll through contacts, recent calls and voice messages on a single screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist which will inform you when an agent will arrive on the phone so that you can avoid music from the elevator.
Translate live: IOS 26 provides the possibility of having a conversation by telephone or SMS call with someone who speaks another language. Live Translate will translate your conversation into real time.
Characteristic of surveys: Coming to group messages in the messages application, cat members can now create surveys. This can help prevent 30 years and more unwanted messages when it comes to deciding on the restaurant you meet this weekend.
New lock screen options:: Plus customizable iPhone locking screen options are available with iOS 26, including a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9 -minute rehearsal parameter in your alarms (if you wish). You now have the possibility of Change your rehearsal time One to 15 minutes.
Fresh camera application design:: You will find that the Camera application is simpler to navigate in iOS 26, with all the buttons and menus located in practical places. This means less scanning, no more photos. In addition, there is a new feature that tells you if your goal is too dirty.
Repamp screenshot:: When you take a screenshot, you now have the possibility of looking for the image on Google (maybe you are looking for a sweater you have seen on a celebrity) and you can ask questions about the photo – all of the publishing screen. It’s like a reverse image search but without all the hard work.
