Apple’s new iOS 26 beta 2 has new options, however is your iPhone suitable? Test this record

The watch for accessing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 is getting shorter because the Apple iPhone event inches nearer. The OS 26es are bringing huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working programs. One you’ve got in all probability heard us speak about quite a few occasions is the visible replace: Liquid Glass. (It is just like the better-executed model of Windows Vista.) We spent two weeks test-driving it — you’ll be able to take a look at our detailed hands-on iOS 26 preview, or you’ll be able to attempt it out your self by downloading and installing the public beta 2. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which not too long ago hit the beta 7 waypoint, and presents a number of extra flashy features not but out there within the public model. (Whereas the general public beta is open to everybody and fairly steady, at all times bear in mind there is a diploma of danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible stories that iOS 26 may carry a new live translation feature to AirPods, too. Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we’ll aid you discover out in case your gadgets will have the ability 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 have been the final to get the boot in 2023, and this yr the 2018 fashions are getting left behind. When you’ve got an ineligible gadget, you will not have the ability to obtain iOS 26 when it turns into out there 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, take a look at everything announced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 event. One factor you should not instantly count on is Apple’s updated version of Siri, although the corporate is reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.

These three iPhones will not be suitable with iOS 26

In contrast to final yr, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut this fall. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 occasion:

iPhones suitable with iOS 26

Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple will likely be dropping this fall — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed beneath will likely be suitable with iOS 26. Mainly, when you’ve got an iPhone that was introduced in 2019 or later, you are within the clear:

• iPhone SE (second era or later)

iPads suitable with iPadOS 26

The iPads listed beneath, and any iPads launched later this yr, are eligible to download iPadOS 26.

• iPad Professional 12.9‑inch (third era and later)

• iPad Professional 11‑inch (1st era and later)

• iPad Air (third era and later, together with M2 and M3)

• iPad (eighth era and later, together with A16)

• iPad mini (fifth era 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 positive. Nonetheless, you will miss out on safety updates which may probably put your telephone in danger for malware and different threats. Moreover, some apps could cease working in the event that they require a sure model of iOS or later. And naturally, you will not have the ability to entry the newest options iOS 26 presents.

When will iOS 26 turn into out there?

Apple often 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. Anticipate a affirmation of the discharge date on the iPhone 17 occasion, anticipated in early September.

iOS 26 options we’re enthusiastic about

Liquid Glass design: Your property display 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.

Cellphone app redesign: You will lastly have the ability to scroll via contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new function referred to as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.

Reside Translate: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog by way of telephone 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 have the ability to create polls. This can assist stop the undesirable 30+ messages relating to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.