We've been talking about it for months and now it's finally here. You can officially download iOS 26 on your phone — iPadOS 26 is also available, as well as Apple's other operating system updates — assuming you have an eligible device.
If your device is compatible with the latest OS, you'll notice substantial changes when you install the new update. You may have already heard about "Liquid Glass," which (intentional or not) is sort of like Apple's take on the old Windows Vista design language. That's the most notable change, but we spent two weeks test-driving many of the other features included in the update — you can check out our hands-on iOS 26 preview for more impressions.
Not sure if you have an eligible smartphone or tablet but also don't want to upgrade? No worries, we'll help you find out if your devices will be able to run iOS 26.
While Apple didn't nix any iPhones from its eligibility list last year, that's not the case for 2025, as a few models are getting the axe this time around. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to receive the boot in 2023, and this year, iPhones released in 2018 will be left behind. If your device is ineligible, Apple also released iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to address security issues, so you can at least download that.
You can find a full list of iPhones and iPads that support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 below. To see everything you get with the latest OS updates, you can check out our big rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Additionally, here's everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 17 launch event, including the all-new iPhone Air. (Check out Engadget's liveblog of the event for full details.)
These three iOS 18 iPhones aren't compatible with iOS 26
Unlike last year, a trio of iPhones won't be eligible to download the newest iOS. These three models that were first released in 2018 won't be coming to the iOS 26 party:
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iPhone XR
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iPhone XS
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iPhone XS Max
iPhones compatible with iOS 26
Per Apple's site, the devices listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. In short, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you're in the clear:
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iPhone SE (second generation or later)
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iPhone 11
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iPhone 11 Pro
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iPhone 11 Pro Max
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iPhone 12
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iPhone 12 mini
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iPhone 12 Pro
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
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iPhone 13
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iPhone 13 mini
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iPhone 13 Pro
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iPhone 13 Pro Max
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iPhone 14
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iPhone 14 Plus
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iPhone 14 Pro
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iPhone 14 Pro Max
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iPhone 15
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iPhone 15 Plus
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iPhone 15 Pro
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iPhone 15 Pro Max
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iPhone 16
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iPhone 16 Plus
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iPhone 16 Pro
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
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iPhone 16e
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iPhone 17
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iPhone 17 Pro
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
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iPhone Air
iPads compatible with iPadOS 26
Meanwhile, the iPads listed below are eligible to download iPadOS 26:
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iPad Pro (M4)
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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 older iPhone that isn't supported by iOS 26, that's fine. However, you'll eventually miss out on security updates which could potentially put your phone at risk for malware and other threats. Additionally, some apps may stop working if they require a certain version of iOS or later. And, of course, you won't be able to access the latest features iOS 26 offers.
When will iOS 26 become available?
As of today, Monday, September 15, you can officially download and install iOS 26.
iOS 26 features to try out first
Liquid Glass design: Your home screen is getting revamped with new app icons, including dark mode and all-clear options. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple's terms, was designed to make all of the company's operating systems more visually cohesive.
Phone app redesign: You can finally scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music.
Live Translate: iOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translate will translate your conversation in real time.
Polls feature: Coming to group messages in the Messages app, chat members can now create polls. This can help prevent the unwanted 30+ messages when it comes to deciding which restaurant you're meeting at this weekend.
New lock screen options: More customizable iPhone lock screen options are available with iOS 26, including a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.
Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms (if you want). You now have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.
Fresh Camera app design: You'll find the Camera app is simpler to navigate in iOS 26, with all the buttons and menus located in convenient spots. That means less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there's a new feature that tells you if your lens is too dirty.
Screenshot revamps: When you take a screenshot, you now have the option to search for the image on Google (maybe you're looking for a sweater you saw on a celeb) and you can ask ChatGPT questions about the photo — all from the edit screen. It's like a reverse image search but without all the hard work.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-is-here-find-out-if-your-iphone-is-eligible-for-the-free-update-191854386.html?src=rss
