iPhone 17 event preview — iOS 26 compatibility and features
Apple’s iPhone event is set for Tuesday, Sept 9. Expected highlights include new iPhone models (rumoured iPhone 17 line) and the announcement that iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will arrive to the public in mid-September (likely around Sept 16).
Quick summary
- Event: Sept 9 — Apple keynote.
- Expected OS release: mid-September (around Sept 16).
- Notable compatibility change: iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max (2018) are reported to be ineligible for iOS 26. iPhones announced in 2019 or later should be supported.
iOS 26 highlights
- “Liquid Glass” visual overhaul with refreshed icons, floating buttons and cohesive OS-wide design.
- Phone app redesign with combined contacts/recent/voicemail view and Hold Assist.
- Live Translate for real-time call/text translation.
- Polls in Messages, more lock screen options, longer/adjustable snooze, Camera and screenshot improvements (Google search and ChatGPT from the screenshot editor).
Compatibility (short)
iPhones NOT compatible with iOS 26
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
iPhones compatible with iOS 26
iPhone SE (2nd gen or later) and all iPhones announced in 2019 or later (iPhone 11 series onward, iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and variants) are expected to be supported.
iPads compatible with iPadOS 26
Recent iPad Pro, iPad Air (3rd gen+), iPad (8th gen+), and iPad mini (5th gen+) models are included in reported compatibility lists.
Beta info and upgrade considerations
A public beta is available for those who want to test early; the developer beta is less stable but may show additional features. Installing betas carries risk—back up your device first. If your device is ineligible for iOS 26, you’ll miss new features and future security updates, and some apps may become incompatible over time.
More info
Official Apple event information and details can be found on Apple’s events page: https://www.apple.com/apple-events/
We’ll update this post after the Sept 9 keynote with confirmed release dates, exact device lists and links to Apple’s official support pages.
Will you upgrade when iOS 26 drops? Leave a comment below with your device model.