(NEXSTAR) — Apple on Monday revealed the features that will soon appear in its next major software update, iOS 26, which breaks from the numerical tradition the company has been following for more than a decade. When the new update is released, however, not every Apple device will be able to get it.
During Apple’s annual showcase on Monday, the Cupertino, California, company unveiled numerous new features that will soon be available on its devices.
That includes improved audio quality for AirPods, expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, “the biggest update ever” to Spotlight on Macs, new iPad apps, a layout change for the Workout app on Apple Watch, new spatial experiences for the Apple Vision Pro, an Apple TV redesign, and Call Screenings on iPhone.
If you participate in the Apple Developer Program, you can test these features now. If you’re in the Apple Beta Software Program, you’ll be able to experience a public beta version of iOS 26 next month, according to Apple. Other Apple users will need to wait for fall to get the new software. Apple didn’t have an exact date for the release of iOS 26, but if it is like previous updates, it will likely be available around September.
You may not, however, get to experience the new features, depending on two aspects.
First, consider the current status of your device. If it doesn’t have enough space, lacks an internet connection, and has a low battery, you may not be able to download iOS 26.
No amount of open space or battery charge will help you get iOS 26 this fall if your device is too old. As is common practice with Apple, its devices at some point become too old to handle the newest features.
Take, for example, Apple Intelligence. When Apple released it last fall, only the newest iPhones were able to get the feature. Apple Intelligence updates will still be limited to those supported devices: iPhones 15 and 15 Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later.
Many additional devices will be able to get the rest of iOS 26’s updates. According to Apple, that includes:
- iPhone 11 models and newer
- Watch Series 6 and newer, 2nd generation Watch SE, and all Watch Ultra 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), and iPad mini (5th generation and later)
New features to AirPods 4 and Pro 2 models will accompany iOS 26, iPad OS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26 updates.
This iOS release will mark the first time that four iPhone models — SE (2nd generation or later), XR, XS Max, and XS — are not listed as compatible with a major Apple update. These devices were able to get iOS 18 last year. The iPhone SE and XS Max have since been listed as vintage by Apple.
Not sure which device you have? On iPhone, open 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.
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