iOS 26 Launch Date, Features, and Compatibility List: Is Your iPhone or iPad Eligible?
Dubai: Apple is gearing up for its much-awaited “Awe-Dropping” event on September 9, 2025, where the company will unveil the iPhone 17 series and announce the official release timeline for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. If Apple sticks to tradition, the new operating systems will start rolling out next week, just before the new iPhones hit stores.
Which iPhones Will Lose Support?
This year, Apple is dropping support for three iPhone models first launched in 2018:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
Older models like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X were already cut off in previous updates. If you’re still using any of these devices, you will not receive iOS 26 or future security patches.
iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
Good news for most iPhone users — all models introduced from 2019 onwards are eligible. Here’s the full list:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 16 series (including the iPhone 16e)
- iPhone 17 series (launching September 2025)
iPads Compatible with iPadOS 26
Apple has also shared the iPad lineup that will receive iPadOS 26:
- iPad Pro (M4 and later models)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and newer)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and newer)
- iPad Air (3rd gen and later, including M2 and M3 models)
- iPad (8th gen and newer, including A16 model)
- iPad mini (5th gen and newer, including A17 Pro model)
Expected iOS 26 Release Date
Apple typically releases its major software updates a week after the September event. For reference, last year’s iOS version dropped on September 16. A similar schedule is expected for iOS 26, with Apple likely to confirm the exact date during tonight’s keynote.
Key Features of iOS 26
The upcoming iOS update brings a fresh look and smarter tools to your iPhone:
- Liquid Glass Design: Sleeker app icons, floating buttons, and a modern lock screen with 3D effects and customizable widgets.
- Phone App Redesign: Combines contacts, call history, and voicemail on one screen, with a new Hold Assist feature.
- Live Translate: Real-time translation for both calls and text messages across multiple languages.
- Polls in Messages: Group chats can now vote on decisions directly in the app.
- Smarter Alarms: Customize snooze times between 1 and 15 minutes.
- Camera Upgrade: Cleaner UI and an alert if your lens is dirty.
- New Screenshot Tools: Instantly search captured images on Google or ask ChatGPT about what’s in the photo.
✅ Bottom Line: If you own an iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max, it’s time to consider upgrading. For everyone else using iPhones from 2019 onwards, iOS 26 is on the way with a polished new look and smarter tools to make your device more powerful.
