Apple's new iOS 26 released today but only if your iPhone is on this list

It's finally here. Yes, Apple's new iOS 26 operating system will arrive on devices later today, bringing a raft of upgrades to iPhones worldwide. This update has been a long time in the making with it first being shown off by Apple at the firm's WWDC Developers Conference in June. Since then, the company has been working hard to iron out any bugs that might affect users after its official release.

Now it seems iOS 26 is ready for the masses with Apple confirming it will be available from, today, September 15.

Not heard of iOS 26? This update, which now replaces iOS 18, comes brimming with changes including a new Liquid Glass look, improved messaging, the ability to block annoying spam phone calls and get live translation on the device when travelling abroad.

It's a blockbuster update that's totally free. However, for the first time in a while, not everyone using iOS 18 will be able to switch to iOS 26.

It's pretty rare, but every so often, Apple has to end support for older devices. This is because they simply can't keep pace with the processing power needed to run the latest iOS version.

So, if you own one of the devices below, you are going to miss out.

iPhone XS • iPhone XS Max • iPhone XR

Is your phone on the list above? To get iOS 26 you will need to upgrade to something newer. Here is the full list of iPhones compatible with iOS 26.

iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max • iPhone 16 Plus • iPhone 16 • iPhone 16e iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max • iPhone 15 Plus • iPhone 15 • 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).

We are currently predicting that iOS 26 will be released at around 6pm BST. Once release you'll find it in the Settings menu.

Want to know more? We've been using iOS 26 for a while and here are our favourite 5 features.

"iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering.

"Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most. And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever."