(NEXSTAR) — Tuesday provided a lot of highly anticipated devices for Apple fanatics, like the iPhone 17 and the thinnest-ever iPhone offering. For those awaiting the latest Apple software update, Tuesday was an important day, too.
Generally speaking, Apple follows the same release schedule every year. In June, Apple teases its upcoming devices and software updates, and in September, it makes both available. First, though, it hosts an Apple event outlining all the specs (that’s what happened on Tuesday) and then the new tech becomes available the following week.
If you aren’t rushing out to get the latest iPhone, the most notable update you’ll see is iOS 26.
The next major software update, which breaks from the numerical tradition the company has been following for more than a decade, will become available on Monday, Sept. 15.
Those who participate in Apple’s Developer Program and Beta Software Program have already gotten to experience some of the soon-to-be-available features. In addition to Liquid Glass, Apple says those features include options to set the snooze duration on your alarm, Call Screening to respond to unwanted calls, and Apple Intelligence capabilities with the Reminders app.
Not all devices will be able to get iOS 26. According to Apple, it will be limited to:
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16, 16e, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE, 2nd generation and later
Other Apple devices will also have access to iOS 26. According to Apple, those are:
- Watch Series 6 and newer, Watch SE 2 and 3, 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)
- MacBooks from 2019 or 2020 and later, depending on the model
It’s worth noting only the newest iPhones have access to Apple Intelligence. That includes iPhones 15 and newer models. iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later also qualify.
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.
Even if you have an eligible device, you still may be delayed in downloading iOS 26 when it becomes available. If your device doesn’t have enough space, lacks an internet connection, and has a low battery, you may not be able to download iOS 26.
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