Key Points
- Apple’s next major update is called iOS 26 and will feature a new “Liquid Glass” design.
- The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not be compatible with iOS 26.
- All iPhones from the iPhone 11 and later, as well as the second-generation SE and later models, will support the update.
- Key new features include a redesigned Phone app, Live Translate for calls and texts, and polls in Messages.
Apple is preparing to launch its next major mobile operating system this fall, accompanied by a new name and a significant visual overhaul. The upcoming software will be called iOS 26, and it will feature a “Liquid Glass” design, which appears to be the biggest visual update to the iPhone in years.
However, the new software won’t be available for everyone. Unlike last year, Apple is cutting off support for a few older models. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, all released in 2018, will not be eligible for the iOS 26 update. If you have an iPhone 11 or newer, or a second-generation iPhone SE or later, your device will be compatible.
If you own one of the unsupported models, you can still use your phone, but you will miss out on important security updates, which could put your data at risk. Some of your apps may also stop working over time.
Beyond the new look, iOS 26 is packed with new features. The Phone app is getting a redesign that will let you see contacts, recent calls, and voicemail all on one screen.
A new “Hold Assist” feature will even notify you when a customer service agent returns to the line. The update also introduces “Live Translate” for real-time translation of phone calls and text messages, as well as a new polls feature for group chats in the Messages app.
Apple is expected to roll out iOS 26 to the public in mid-September, usually a few days before the new iPhones are released.
