Ready to Try Apple’s iOS 26? Here Are All Compatible iPhones & New Features in Public Beta 2 Today

Ready to try Apple’s iOS 26? Here are all the compatible iPhones that can run public beta 2 today

Apple’s annual iPhone event is just around the corner, and with it comes the exciting arrival of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26! These updates promise significant enhancements for your iPhone and iPad. One of the most talked-about new features is “Liquid Glass,” a stunning visual overhaul that brings a fresh, modern look to your device – think of it as a beautifully executed take on translucency, reminiscent of a polished Windows Vista.

Excited to get a head start? You don’t have to wait until fall! You can dive in right now by downloading and installing the iOS 26 public beta 2. This version is more stable than the developer beta, offering a glimpse into the future of iOS. While public betas are generally robust, remember there’s always a slight risk involved with pre-release software.

What’s New (and what’s rumored)
Beyond Liquid Glass, iOS 26 is packed with improvements. We’ve seen early previews showcasing a redesigned Phone app, making it easier to manage contacts and calls, plus a “Hold Assist” feature to alert you when someone’s finally on the line. There are also reports of a new live translation feature coming to AirPods, enabling real-time conversations across language barriers. And in Messages, group chats are getting a new polls feature – say goodbye to endless “what restaurant?” debates!

Is Your iPhone Ready for iOS 26?
While Apple was kind to older models last year, 2025 sees some devices getting left behind. If you own certain 2018 iPhone models, you won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 26 this fall. This marks a shift in Apple’s support cycle.

Here’s the unfortunate news: three specific iPhone models released in 2018 will not support iOS 26:
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max

Compatible iPhones
Good news for most! If your iPhone was released in 2019 or later, you’re likely in the clear. Based on Apple’s official information, the following iPhones will be compatible with iOS 26:

iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
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

Compatible iPads
iPad users, rejoice! These iPad models (and any new ones released this year) will be eligible for iPadOS 26:

iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3)
iPad (8th generation and later, including A16)
iPad mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro)

Should You Upgrade or Stay Put?
If your iPhone isn’t supported by iOS 26 and you choose not to upgrade your hardware, you can certainly continue using your current device. However, be aware that you’ll miss out on crucial security updates, which could leave your phone vulnerable to malware and other threats. Additionally, some newer apps may eventually stop working, and, of course, you won’t experience any of the exciting new features iOS 26 brings.

When Does iOS 26 Officially Arrive?
Apple typically releases its new iOS version in mid-September, usually just a few days before the latest iPhones hit stores. Last year, iOS 18 launched on September 16th. Expect an official confirmation of the iOS 26 release date at the upcoming iPhone 17 event, likely in early September.

More iOS 26 Features to Look Forward To:
Let’s recap some of the standout features that make iOS 26 worth the upgrade:

Liquid Glass design: A major visual refresh for your home screen, app icons, and buttons, aiming for a more cohesive look across all Apple operating systems.

Phone app redesign: A more streamlined interface for contacts, recent calls, and voicemail, featuring the handy “Hold Assist” that notifies you when a live agent is on the line.

Live Translate: Real-time translation for phone calls and text messages, making cross-language communication effortless.

Polls feature: Easily create polls within Messages group chats, simplifying decisions for everyone involved.

And what about Siri? While a major overhaul for Apple’s voice assistant is reportedly delayed, the company is said to be working on a more basic AI chatbot to compete with the likes of ChatGPT.