Unveiling iOS 26 & iPadOS 26: Is Your Apple Device Ready for the "Liquid Glass" Revolution?

Apple's highly anticipated Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2025 has just wrapped up, bringing with it the exciting announcement of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. These redesigned operating systems for iPhone and iPad promise a fresh visual experience, dubbed "Liquid Glass," alongside a host of innovative features and performance enhancements. But the big question on every Apple user's mind is: will my beloved iPhone or iPad be compatible with these transformative updates?

Good news for many! Apple is extending its software support to a broad range of devices, but a few older models will, unfortunately, be left behind. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you determine if your device is ready for the "Liquid Glass" future.

iOS 26: iPhones Getting the Upgrade

For iPhone users, the key to compatibility lies with the device's processing power. If your iPhone is powered by an A13 Bionic chip or newer, you're in luck! This means that the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will not be receiving the iOS 26 update. It's a bittersweet moment for owners of these classic devices, as they mark the end of the road for major OS upgrades.

It's also important to note that, similar to previous years, not all iPhones eligible for iOS 26 will gain access to the full suite of "Apple Intelligence" features. These advanced AI capabilities will likely require the very latest and most powerful Apple silicon.

If you're unsure which iPhone model you own, simply navigate to Settings > General > About > Model Name on your device.

Here's the full list of iPhones confirmed to receive iOS 26:

♦ iPhone 11

♦ iPhone 11 Pro

♦ iPhone 11 Pro Max

♦ iPhone SE (2nd generation)

♦ iPhone 12

♦ iPhone 12 mini

♦ iPhone 12 Pro

♦ iPhone 12 Pro Max

♦ iPhone 13

♦ iPhone 13 mini

♦ iPhone 13 Pro

♦ iPhone 13 Pro Max

♦ iPhone 14

♦ iPhone 14 Plus

♦ iPhone 14 Pro

♦ iPhone 14 Pro Max

♦ iPhone 15

♦ iPhone 15 Plus

♦ iPhone 15 Pro

♦ iPhone 15 Pro Max

♦ iPhone 16

♦ iPhone 16 Plus

♦ iPhone 16 Pro

♦ iPhone 16 Pro Max

♦ iPhone 16e

iPadOS 26: Which iPads Make the Cut?

iPad users have a slightly wider compatibility window, as iPadOS 26 will be available on devices equipped with A12-series, A13-series, A14-series, A15-series, A16-series, or any M-series chip. To check your iPad's model name, go to Settings > General > About > Model Name.

Here's the definitive list of iPads set to receive iPadOS 26:

iPad (Standard Model)

♦ iPad 11th generation

♦ iPad 10th generation

♦ iPad 9th generation

♦ iPad 8th generation

iPad Air

♦ iPad Air 13-inch (M3)

♦ iPad Air 11-inch (M3)

♦ iPad Air 13-inch (M2)

♦ iPad Air 11-inch (M2)

♦ iPad Air 5th generation (M1)

♦ iPad Air 4th generation (A14)

♦ iPad Air 3rd generation (A12)

iPad mini

♦ iPad mini 7th generation (A17)

♦ iPad mini 6th generation (A15)

♦ iPad mini 5th generation (A12)

iPad Pro

♦ iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

♦ iPad Pro 11-inch 4th generation (M2)

♦ iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd generation (M1)

♦ iPad Pro 11-inch 2nd generation (A12Z)

♦ iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation (A12X)

♦ iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

♦ iPad Pro 12.9-inch 6th generation (M2)

♦ iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th generation (M1)

♦ iPad Pro 12.9-inch 4th generation (A12Z)

♦ iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation (A12X)

The new "Liquid Glass" design language promises a more translucent and dynamic interface, with elements that reflect and refract their surroundings. This, coupled with new features and improved performance, aims to deliver a refreshed and more intuitive user experience across Apple's mobile devices.

While the initial developer betas have already been released, the public beta is expected next month, with the full stable release anticipated this fall, likely alongside the new iPhone lineup. Get ready for a sleek new look and enhanced capabilities!