Apple’s new iOS 26 public beta 5 is here, but is your iPhone eligible for the update? Check this list

In only a few days, the Apple iPhone 17 occasion might be right here — the “awe dropping” occasion is formally confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows its previous schedule, that might imply we’ll get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 precisely one week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are big upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working techniques. You have heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It is just like the better-executed model of Home windows Vista and positively one of many cooler options coming this fall. We spent two weeks test-driving it — you possibly can try our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you possibly can strive it out your self by downloading and putting in the general public beta 5. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which just lately hit the beta 8 waypoint, and gives a number of extra flashy options not but obtainable within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, at all times keep in mind there is a diploma of threat concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible studies that iOS 26 may convey a brand new stay translation function to AirPods, too. Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we’ll assist you to discover out in case your units will be capable to run iOS 26.Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility record final yr, that is not the case for 2025 — a number of fashions are getting reduce this time. All iPhone 8 fashions and the iPhone X had been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this yr the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. If in case you have an ineligible system, you will not be capable to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into obtainable this fall.We’ll resolve which iPhones and iPads will help iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this yr. To see what’s coming with the newest OSes, try the whole lot introduced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 occasion. One factor you should not instantly count on is Apple’s up to date model of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.These three iPhones will not be appropriate with iOS 26Unlike final yr, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the latest iOS when it makes its debut in September. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 get together:iPhones appropriate with iOS 26While we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple might be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s web site, that the telephones listed under might be appropriate with iOS 26. Mainly, in case you have an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:iPhone SE (second technology or later)iPads appropriate with iPadOS 26The iPads listed under, and any iPads launched later this yr, are eligible to obtain iPadOS 26.iPad Professional 12.9‑inch (third technology and later)iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st technology and later)iPad Air (third technology and later, together with M2 and M3)iPad (eighth technology and later, together with A16)iPad mini (fifth technology and later, together with A17 Professional)What if I do not need to purchase a brand new iPhone?If you wish to proceed utilizing your older iPhone that is not supported by iOS 26, that is fantastic. Nevertheless, you will miss out on safety updates which may probably put your cellphone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps might cease working in the event that they require a sure model of iOS or later. And naturally, you will not be capable to entry the newest options iOS 26 gives.When will iOS 26 grow to be obtainable?Apple normally rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, only a few days earlier than the brand new iPhones hit retailer cabinets. Final yr, it launched iOS 18 on Monday, Sept. 16. If it follows go well with this yr, we must always have entry to the brand new working system on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — precisely one week after the occasion.Count on a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion on September 9.iOS 26 options we’re excited aboutLiquid Glass design: Your private home display screen is getting revamped with new app icons, together with darkish mode and all-clear choices. You will additionally discover buttons with a brand new floating design. Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes extra cohesive.Telephone app redesign: You will lastly be capable to scroll by means of contacts, latest calls and voicemail messages all on one display screen. It additionally comes with a brand new function referred to as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you possibly can keep away from the elevator music.Reside Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the flexibility to have a dialog through cellphone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Reside Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.Polls function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable to create polls. This can assist stop the undesirable 30+ messages on the subject of deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.