Monday marks the release of iOS 26. Check to see if your iPhone qualifies for the free update

All of the rumors we read before the show were confirmed by last week’s Apple iPhone 17 event. Along with a number of other devices, the company unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup and the brand-new iPhone Air. For complete details, visit Engadget’s event liveblog. Along with finally showcasing the new hardware, Apple announced following the event that the final versions of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will be available for download on Monday, September 15. (All of Apple’s other operating system updates also came out at that time. ().

Significant software changes for your iPhone and iPad are included with those OS upgrades. Whether intentional or not, “Liquid Glass,” Apple’s reinterpretation of the Windows Vista design language, may be familiar to you already. Although we spent two weeks testing many of the other features in the update, that is the most noticeable change. For additional impressions, view our hands-on iOS 26 preview.

We can help you determine whether your devices will be compatible with iOS 26 if you’re unsure whether you want to upgrade your tablet or smartphone.

A few iPhone models are being eliminated this time around, even though Apple didn’t remove any of them from its eligibility list last year. 2018 iPhone models will be left behind this year, with the iPhone X and all iPhone 8 models being the last to be discontinued in 2023. When iOS 26 is made available next week, you won’t be able to download it if your device isn’t compatible. Nevertheless, MacRumors claims that Apple will also release iOS 18.7 in addition to iOS 26 in order to fix security flaws.

Below is a complete list of iPhones and iPads that will be compatible with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Check out our extensive overview of what to expect from iOS 26 to see everything that will be included in the upcoming OS updates. Here are all the other things Apple disclosed at the iPhone 17 launch event.

iOS 26 won’t work with these three iPhones running iOS 18.

When the most recent version of iOS is released, three iPhones will not be able to download it, unlike last year. These three models, which were initially introduced in 2018, will not be attending the iOS 26 celebration.

XR iPhone.

iPhone XS.

iPhone XS Max.

iOS 26-compatible iPhones.

According to Apple’s website, iOS 26 will work with the following devices. To put it briefly, you are safe if you own an iPhone that was released in 2019 or later.

iPhone SE (later or second generation).

The iPhone 11.

iPhone 11 Pro. .

iPhone 11 Pro Max.

iPhone 12.

iPhone 12 mini. .

iPhone 12 Pro.

iOS 12 Pro Max.

iPhone 13.

iPhone 13 mini.

iPhone 13 Pro.

Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max.

iPhone 14.

iPhone 14 Plus.

iPhone 14 Pro. .

iPhone 14 Pro Max. .

iPhone 15.

iPhone 15 Plus.

The iPhone 15 Pro.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The iPhone 16.

iphone 16 plus.

iOS 16 Pro.

iOS 16 Pro Max.

16e iPhone.

the iPhone 17.

iPhone 17 Pro. .

iPhone 17 Pro Max.

iOS Air.

iPadOS 26 compatible iPads.

In the meantime, iPadOS 26 can be downloaded on the iPads mentioned below.

iPad Pro (M4). .

Twelve-point, nine-inch iPad Pro (third generation and later).

iPad Pro 1st generation and later, 11-inch.

iPad Air (version three and up, including the M2 and M3).

iPad models beginning with the eighth generation, including the A16.

A17 Pro and later models of iPad mini (5th generation and later).

What happens if I decide not to purchase a new iPhone?

There’s nothing wrong with sticking with your older iPhone that isn’t compatible with iOS 26. Eventually, though, you won’t receive security updates, which could expose your phone to malware and other dangers. Additionally, if an app requires a specific version of iOS or later, it might stop working. You won’t be able to utilize the most recent features that iOS 26 has to offer, of course.

When will it be possible to download iOS 26?

Apple stated that on Monday, September 15, iOS 26 will be made available to qualified iPhones.

Is the public beta still available for download?

Yes, by downloading and installing the most recent public beta—which is currently in the release candidate version—you can test the software out for yourself. However, it’s important to keep in mind that installing beta software of any kind carries some risk. ).

iOS 26 features that we’re looking forward to.

Liquid Glass design: New app icons, including dark mode and all-clear options, are being added to your home screen. Additionally, buttons with a new floating design will be visible. According to Apple, Liquid Glass was created to improve the visual coherence of all of the company’s operating systems.

The redesigned phone app will allow you to view voicemails, contacts, and recent calls on a single screen. In order to help you avoid the elevator music, it also has a new feature called Hold Assist that will alert you when an agent answers the phone.

Live Translate: iOS 26 introduces the capability of interacting with a multilingual person over the phone or through text messages. Real-time conversation translation is provided by Live Translate.

Polls feature: Users of the chat app will be able to create polls in group messages. When choosing which restaurant to meet at this weekend, this can help avoid the annoying thirty or more messages.

Additional lock screen options: iOS 26 will bring more customizable iPhone lock screen options, such as a more attractive clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets, and improved focus mode choices.

Snooze longer (or shorter): If you’d like, you can get rid of your alarms’ 9-minute snooze setting. In the near future, you will be able to adjust your snooze time from one to fifteen minutes.

New Camera app design: With all the buttons and menus in useful locations, the Camera app is easier to use in iOS 26. This implies taking more pictures and swiping less. Additionally, there is a new feature that indicates whether your lens is excessively dirty.