Apple’s new iOS 26 public beta 5 i...

In just some days, the Apple iPhone 17 event will probably be right here — the “awe dropping” occasion is formally confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows its previous schedule, that would imply we’ll get to obtain iOS 26 and iPad 26 precisely one week after the occasion. Coming with the OS 26es are huge upgrades to your iPhone and iPad’s working programs. You have heard of Liquid Glass, proper? It is just like the better-executed model of Windows Vista and positively one of many cooler options coming this fall. 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 5. That software program is a extra steady iteration of the separate developer model, which lately hit the beta 8 waypoint, and provides a couple of extra flashy features not but accessible 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 danger concerned with beta software program.) Moreover, there are credible experiences that iOS 26 may convey a new live translation feature to AirPods, too. Unsure if you wish to improve your smartphone or pill this yr? No worries, we’ll make it easier to discover out in case your units will be capable of run iOS 26.

Whereas Apple did not nix any iPhones from its eligibility listing final yr, that is not the case for 2025 — a couple 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 system, you will not be capable of obtain iOS 26 when it turns into accessible 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 most recent OSes, take a look at everything announced at Apple’s WWDC June 9 event. One factor you should not instantly anticipate 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 appropriate with iOS 26

Not like final yr, a number of iPhone fashions will not be eligible to obtain the most recent iOS when it makes its debut in September. This trio of fashions first launched in 2018 will not be coming to the iOS 26 celebration:

iPhones appropriate with iOS 26

Whereas we do not but know the brand new iPhones Apple will probably be dropping subsequent month — although there are iPhone 17 rumors — we do know, per Apple’s site, that the telephones listed under will probably 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 26

The iPads listed under, and any iPads launched later this yr, are eligible to download 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 wonderful. Nevertheless, you will miss out on safety updates which may doubtlessly 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 of entry the most recent options iOS 26 provides.

When will iOS 26 turn out to be accessible?

Apple normally rolls out its newest iOS in mid-September, just some 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 should 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 enthusiastic about

Liquid Glass design: Your house 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 be capable of scroll by way of contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new function known as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the cellphone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music.

Stay 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. Stay Translate will translate your dialog in actual time.

Polls function: Coming to group messages within the Messages app, chat members will be capable of create polls. This might help forestall the undesirable 30+ messages with regards to deciding which restaurant you are assembly at this weekend.