Apple iOS 26 Compatibility List Which iPhones and iPads Will Get the Update
The Apple iPhone event is approaching, and soon we will be able to download iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. These operating system updates bring significant upgrades to your iPhone and iPad. You have likely heard of the Liquid Glass design, a major visual overhaul that reimagines the home screen with new app icons and a more cohesive look across Apple devices. Other exciting features include a redesigned Phone app, a Live Translate function for real-time conversation translation, and a new Polls feature for group messages.
You can try out these features now by downloading the public beta, which is a stable version of the software, though it is important to remember that beta software always carries some risk. There are also reports that iOS 26 could introduce a new live translation feature for AirPods.
However, not all devices will be able to run the new software. Unlike last year, Apple is dropping support for some older models. If your device is not on the compatibility list, you will not be able to download iOS 26 when it is officially released this fall, meaning you will miss out on new features and important security updates.
These Three iPhones Will Not Be Compatible with iOS 26
A trio of iPhone models first released in 2018 will not be eligible for the iOS 26 update. These are the iPhone XR, the iPhone XS, and the iPhone XS Max.
iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
Essentially, if your iPhone was announced in 2019 or later, it will support iOS 26. This includes the iPhone SE (second generation or later) and all models from the iPhone 11 series up to the current iPhone 16 lineup. The full list of compatible phones is the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16e.
iPads Compatpatible with iPadOS 26
For iPads, the list of devices eligible for iPadOS 26 includes the iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3 models), iPad (8th generation and later, including the A16 model), and iPad mini (5th generation and later, including the A17 Pro model).
What If I Do Not Want to Buy a New iPhone?
You can continue using an older iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26. However, doing so means you will no longer receive vital security updates, which could leave your device vulnerable to malware and other threats. Furthermore, some apps may eventually stop working if they require a newer version of iOS, and you will not have access to any of the new features introduced in iOS 26.
When Will iOS 26 Become Available?
Apple typically releases its latest iOS version in mid-September, just a few days before new iPhone models go on sale. Based on previous years, a release around that time is expected, with the official date likely to be confirmed at the iPhone event in early September.
iOS 26 Features We Are Excited About
Liquid Glass design is a standout, revamping the home screen with new app icon styles and a floating button design for a more unified experience. The Phone app is getting a redesign, consolidating contacts, recent calls, and voicemail onto a single screen and introducing a Hold Assist feature to notify you when a call center agent picks up. Live Translate will allow for real-time translated conversations over phone calls and text messages. Finally, the new Polls feature in group messages will help streamline planning and decision-making among friends and family.
