The iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates won’t be compatible with all devices.
Apple today announced the new iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 software updates at WWDC 2025. The new updates will ship this fall, and now we know which iPhones and iPads will be supported.
With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 now official, there’s a lot to look forward to. A new Liquid Glass interface is the first change that most people will notice, but new features and improvements are everywhere.
Those improvements include updates to Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet, as well as a brand-new Games app. And that’s just the beginning.
Apple also announced a revamped Camera app for iPhone and iPad. Users of the Messages app will also enjoy live translation, among other things.
But none of this matters if you’re using an older iPhone or iPad that cannot install these new releases. Thankfully, the chances are good that your device is good to go.
iOS 26 device compatibility
It’s bad news if you’re the owner of an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR. Those three devices will not be supported by iOS 26 and will remain on iOS 18.x.
The iPhones that will work with iOS 26 include:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
- iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or newer)
iPadOS 26 device compatibility
If your iPad is relatively new, it will work with iPadOS 26 without issue. That includes the latest M4 iPad Pro, M2 iPad Air, and other recent releases.
In fact, Apple’s list of compatible iPads shows that only one device has been cut adrift. Owners of the 7th-gen iPad will not be able to update and will remain stuck on iOS 18.x.
The iPadOS 26 update supports the following iPads:
- M4 iPad Pro
- 11-inch iPad Pro (1st gen or newer)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd gen or newer)
- M2 iPad Air
- iPad Air (3rd gen or newer)
- A17 Pro iPad mini
- iPad mini (5th gen or newer
- A16 iPad
- iPad (8th gen or later)
Apple has confirmed that the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 software updates will be released to the public this fall. We expect that to be this September, when the iPhone 17 models are unveiled.
