iPhone 17 event (Sept 9) — iOS 26: features, compatibility & release timing

Apple’s iPhone 17 event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. If history holds, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 should arrive about a week later (around Sept 16). iOS 26 brings a major visual refresh and several new features — here’s what to expect and which devices will be supported.

Key iOS 26 highlights

• Liquid Glass design: A translucent, depth-focused UI across iPhone and iPad with updated icons, floating buttons, and cohesive visuals across Apple’s OSes.
• Live Translate: Real-time translation in calls and messages, reportedly with AirPods support for live translation through earbuds.
• Phone app redesign: Scroll contacts, recent calls, and voicemails on one screen; Hold Assist to notify you when an agent answers.
• Messages polls: Create polls inside group chats to make group decisions easier.
• New lock screen options: More widget choices, a refreshed clock, 3D wallpaper effects, and improved Focus mode controls.
• Customizable snooze: Set alarm snooze from 1–15 minutes (no longer locked to 9 minutes).
• Camera app refresh: Simpler layout, easier access to controls, and a lens-clean detection prompt.

Beta availability

Apple’s public beta of iOS 26 (public beta 6) is available for testing; developer betas are ahead of public betas and may include additional experimental features. Beta software carries risks — back up your device before installing.

Compatibility — who’s in, who’s out

Apple has reportedly dropped a few older models from iOS 26 support. Notably, these 2018 iPhones will not be eligible:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max

iPhones compatible with iOS 26 (devices announced in 2019 or later) include — but are not limited to —:

• iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)
• iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max / 16e

iPads compatible with iPadOS 26 include:

• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd gen and later)
• iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st gen and later)
• iPad Air (3rd gen and later, incl. M2 & M3)
• iPad (8th gen and later, incl. A16)
• iPad mini (5th gen and later, incl. A17 Pro)

If you don’t upgrade

Older devices that can’t run iOS 26 will continue to work, but they may miss security updates, app compatibility, and new features. Consider upgrading if you rely on up-to-date security and app support.

When will iOS 26 arrive?

Apple typically ships the final iOS update in mid-September, a few days after the keynote. Expect an official release date announcement at the Sept 9 event.

Sources & further reading

• Apple Newsroom (official announcements)
• TechRadar (event coverage & analysis)
• 9to5Mac (Apple-focused reporting)
• Fortune (feature coverage)

Accessories: Find iPhone 17 cases and accessories here: Amazon: iPhone 17 cases

Have questions or want step-by-step install guidance for the public beta? Ask in the comments — we’ll update this post after Apple’s Sept 9 keynote with official release details.