Tech Desk 
Aug 29, 2025
As the stage is set for Apple's annual and biggest showcase, where the tech tycoon will lift the veil off its much-anticipated iPhone 17 series, a notable chunk of buzz is garnered around iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
Apple usually launches its latest software updates a week after the keynote, and this year seems not to be immune.
iOS 26 is likely to arrive with the most exciting Liquid Glass feature that promises a sleeker and more fluid interface.
Besides iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, AirPods might gain live translation capabilities and entirely change the way users communicate across languages, as per credible tipsters.
With the latest iOS update around the corner, iPhone users must bear in mind that not every iPhone model will make the cut. Three iPhones from 2018 will not be supporting iOS 26, while most models from 2019 onwards remain in the green list.
iPhones that won't support iOS 26
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or 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
For iPadOS 26, the iPad Pro (3rd generation and later, including the new M4 models), iPad Air (3rd generation onwards), iPad mini (5th generation and later), and the standard iPad (8th generation onwards) will be compatible.
When will iOS 26 release?
If we expect Apple to follow last year’s iOS release timeline, iOS 26 should go live globally on Tuesday, 16 September, just before the iPhone 17 hits the market.
