iOS 26 & iPadOS 26 arrive Sept 15 — compatibility, features & what’s dropped
Apple confirmed at its iPhone 17 event that iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will be released to eligible devices on Monday, September 15, 2025. The update brings a major visual overhaul called “Liquid Glass,” new Apple Intelligence features and refinements across Phone, Messages, Camera and more.
Key new features
- Liquid Glass UI: refreshed app icons, floating buttons, darker modes and cohesive cross-platform visuals.
- Phone app redesign: scroll contacts, recents, voicemail on one screen + Hold Assist.
- Live Translate: real-time translation for calls and messages.
- Polls in group Messages.
- New lock screen options, adjustable alarm snooze times, simplified Camera UI, screenshot search/ChatGPT integration.
Compatibility — who’s left out
Apple has dropped support for three 2018 iPhones. The following models are not eligible for iOS 26:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
In short: iPhones announced in 2019 (iPhone 11 series) and later are supported.
Supported iPhones (summary)
Supported iPhones include iPhone SE (2nd gen+) and all iPhone 11 and newer models through iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.
Supported iPads
iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd gen+), iPad Pro 11 (1st gen+), iPad Air (3rd gen+), iPad (8th gen+), iPad mini (5th gen+).
Want to try it early?
The release candidate/public beta is available now for those enrolled in Apple’s beta program, but betas can be unstable — proceed with caution.
Official source
See Apple’s newsroom announcement for full details: Apple — iOS 26 announcement
Will you update?
Reply below with your iPhone model — are you updating on Sept 15 or holding off?
Article summary based on Apple’s announcement and event coverage.