Apple will release iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 on Monday, September 15, and both new operating systems bring several new features to iPhones and iPads, including a Liquid Glass design overhaul, a new Camera app, new features for other iPhone and iPad apps, and more. But, will your device be able to run the new software and will you be able to take advantage of all of the new features?
First, let take a look at which devices are compatible with the new software.
iOS 26
iOS 26 is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer, meaning the following models are supported:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Naturally, Apple’s new iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are also compatible with iOS 26 and can can handle all of the new features. When the new devices arrive next week, iOS 26 will come pre-installed.
iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 supports the following iPad models:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2 and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Again, not all iPads will support all of iPadOS 26’s features. Apple Intelligence requires iPad models with M1 or later chips, and the 7th generation iPad mini with A17 Pro chip.
Installing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
When iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 become available on Monday September 15 (traditionally around 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time/1:00 p.m. Eastern Time), make sure your device has been backed up recently, and is fully charged before you start the installation process over WiFi. Get a cup of coffee and maybe a snack, as the update may take some time to complete. You may even want to wait until later in the day or even the next day to update your device, as the Apple servers will probably be hit hard at first.
To check for the update, go to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update,” and wait a moment for your device to contact Apple’s servers. You can also opt for the update to be installed while you sleep with your iPhone or iPad on a charger on your nightstand.
