iOS 26: What’s New, Which iPhones/iPads Are Compatible, and Should You Upgrade?
Apple released iOS 26 alongside iPadOS 26. The update brings a major visual refresh called Liquid Glass, new features like Live Translate, a redesigned Phone app, polls in Messages, improved lock screen customization, and more. Below is a concise guide to compatibility and whether you should upgrade now or wait.
Incompatible (dropped) iPhones
- iPhone XR (2018)
- iPhone XS (2018)
- iPhone XS Max (2018)
iPhones compatible with iOS 26
Per Apple, iPhones announced in 2019 or later are supported. Highlights include:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later
- iPhone 11 series and newer (iPhone 11 → iPhone 17, iPhone Air)
For the full official list, see Apple’s compatibility page: Apple — iPhone models compatible with iOS 26.
iPads compatible with iPadOS 26
- iPad Pro (M4 and select earlier 2018+ Pro models)
- iPad Air (3rd gen and later)
- iPad (8th gen and later)
- iPad mini (5th gen and later)
Key iOS 26 features to try first
- Liquid Glass design: Refreshed icons, translucent elements, floating buttons and cohesive visuals across Apple OSes.
- Phone app redesign: Scroll contacts, recent calls and voicemail on one screen; Hold Assist helps with on-hold calls.
- Live Translate: Real-time translation for calls and messages.
- Polls in Messages: Create quick polls inside group chats.
- Lock screen updates: New clock styles, 3D photo effects, more widgets and focus options.
- Camera & screenshots: Streamlined Camera app and screenshot tools with search/AI options.
Upgrade now or wait?
When you open Software Update you may see two options: iOS 18.7 (security-focused) and iOS 26 (feature update). If you want the new look and features, install iOS 26. If you prefer stability and extra time for bug fixes, install iOS 18.7 for now — it includes important security patches.
Still using an older iPhone?
It’s OK to keep using an unsupported device, but expect to miss future security updates, risk potential vulnerabilities, and face app compatibility limits over time.
Questions or experiences to share? Which iPhone do you have and will you update to iOS 26? Leave a comment below.
Official Apple info: https://www.apple.com/ios/ and compatibility details.