Apple’s iOS 26 is arriving any minute now, with the new iPhone update being announced at Apple’s Event on Sept. 9. The iOS 26 update brings radical changes to Apple’s operating system — including many powered by Apple Intelligence AI — as well as the controversial liquid glass design language that has divided iPhone users.
So, while you wait for the iOS 26 upgrade to arrive, here are the key things you need to know about it.
While you wait for the iOS 26 iPhone upgrade to arrive, here are the key things you need to know about it.
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iOS 26 Will Not Run On All iPhones
First things first. Not every iPhone can run iOS 26, so you will need to check your device and consider replacing it if you want to try out Apple’s latest and greatest software. Here are a list of iPhones that will run iOS 26.
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)
iOS 26 Will Launch Alongside iOS 18.7
Apple’s iOS 26 software will launch alongside another update, iOS 18.7. Initially, all iPhone users will be given a choice: Upgrade to iOS 26, or stay on iOS 18 for the time being.
If you choose not to update to iOS 26, you will receive most of the same security updates on iOS 18.7, although the list may not be quite as extensive. You will also be able to fix any bugs since updating to iOS 18.6.2, but unlike iOS 26, iOS 18.7 doesn’t include new features.
If you do wait to update to iOS 26, there are a few things to consider. The biggest one is that Apple will only update iOS 18 with security updates for a limited period, after which you will need to update your iPhone to iOS 26 if it’s able to run it to remain secure.
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iOS 26 Will Include A Bunch Of Cool Features
Of course, iOS 26 will include a bunch of cool new features, many of which are powered by AI, including Siri enhanced by ChatGPT.
Another very useful feature that’s great for privacy is call and message screening. “Messages from unknown senders will appear in a dedicated folder where users can then mark the number as known, ask for more information, or delete,” according to Apple.
The iOS 26 update will also include multiple new Wallet features including one that allows you to verify your ID online.
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Why You Should Update To iOS 26
There’s a lot to look forward to so if you can, it makes sense to update to iOS 26 when it arrives on or around Sept. 15. Apple is getting better at addressing early bugs, but if this still bothers you, you can upgrade to iOS 18.7 instead when the time comes.
However, I, for one, am excited about applying iOS 26 straight away. Watch this space for news of iOS 26’s arrival and demos of the new features.