(NEXSTAR) — It’s mid-September, which can only mean one thing for holders of Apple technology: a massive iOS update is afoot.
During its highly anticipated Apple event last week, the company confirmed the date in which the next update, iOS 26, would be released.
Apple tends to follow the same release schedule every year. In June, it teases its upcoming devices and software updates, and in September, it makes both available. First, though, it hosts an Apple event outlining all the specs (that’s what happened on Tuesday) and then the new tech becomes available the following week.
If you aren’t rushing out to get the new iPhone Air, the most notable update you’ll see is iOS 26.
Those who participate in Apple’s Developer Program and Beta Software Program have already gotten to experience some of the soon-to-be-available features. In addition to Liquid Glass, Apple says those features include options to set the snooze duration on your alarm, Call Screening to respond to unwanted calls, and Apple Intelligence capabilities with the Reminders app.
Which iPhones, Apple devices can get iOS 26?
Below is the list of iPhones, iPads, Watches, and Mac devices that will be able to get iOS 26:
| iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max | iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max | Watch Series 6 and newer, Watch SE 2 and 3, and all Watch Ultra models |
| iPhone Air | iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max | iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | 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), and iPad mini (5th generation and later) |
| iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max | iPhone SE, 2nd generation and later | MacBooks from 2019 or 2020 and later, depending on the model |
Only the latest iPhones — iPhones 15 and newer — as well as iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad and Mac models with M1, have access to Apple Intelligence.
Which device do I have?
To confirm which iPhone you have, navigate to the Settings app, then go to General, and About.
On a Mac, you can open the About This Mac tool from the Apple menu. Apple offers steps on identifying iPads using the model number.
Why can’t I download iOS 26?
There may be a number of reasons. If your device is not listed above, it’s likely too old for the features of iOS 26. Apple does, eventually, make its devices “technologically obsolete.”
If your device is listed above, but you’re still having trouble downloading iOS 26, make sure you’re connected to the internet. Updates typically require your device to be connected to Wi-Fi. You may also need to connect your device to a charger or clean up some storage space.
When will iOS 26 become available?
Previous iOS updates have become available around 10 a.m. PT, or 1 p.m. ET, according to MacRumors. It’s likely iOS 26 will be released around the same time.
