iOS 26 Release: Check If Your iPhones And iPads Are Eligible For Apple’s Latest Update

After months of anticipation, Apple has officially released iOS 26 for iPhones, alongside iPadOS 26 for compatible iPads. If your device supports the update, you’ll notice a range of visual and functional changes designed to enhance the user experience.

“Liquid Glass,” the most talked-about new feature, introduces a refreshed look with floating buttons and redesigned app icons. For hands-on impressions of iOS 26’s other updates, you can check out our detailed preview.

For users with older devices, Apple has provided iOS 18.7 as a security-focused alternative. However, a few older iPhones have now been excluded from the iOS 26 update.

Which iPhones and iPads Can Run iOS 26?

Apple has narrowed eligibility this year, leaving out devices released in 2018. Specifically, these models will not support iOS 26:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max

All iPhones released in 2019 or later are eligible, including:

• iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 series

iPhone 17 series, including iPhone Air

• For iPads, the following models are eligible for iPadOS 26:
• iPad Pro (M4, 12.9‑inch 3rd gen and later, 11‑inch 1st gen and later)
• iPad Air (3rd gen and later, including M2 and M3)
• iPad (8th gen and later, including A16)
• iPad mini (5th gen and later, including A17 Pro)

If you continue using an older device, you can still install iOS 18.7, but you’ll miss out on the latest features and updates.

Key Features to Explore in iOS 26

iOS 26 introduces several new tools and design upgrades, including:

Liquid Glass Design: Fresh app icons, dark mode, and floating buttons for a cohesive system-wide look.

Phone App Redesign: Scroll contacts, recent calls, and voicemail on a single screen, with a new Hold Assist feature.

Live Translate: Real-time translation for calls and text messages.

Polls in Messages: Create polls in group chats to streamline decisions.

Customizable Lock Screen: Enhanced widgets, 3D wallpaper effects, and new focus options.

Flexible Alarm Snooze: Adjust snooze from 1 to 15 minutes.

Camera App Refresh: Simplified interface, lens cleanliness alerts, and easier navigation.

Screenshot Enhancements: Search images on Google or ask ChatGPT questions directly from the screenshot editor.

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iOS 26 is available for download starting Monday, September 15.

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