Updated on 2025-07-07
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5min read
One thing that’s confusing this time is—what exactly is Apple doing with the 2026 update? Sure, the big announcement was made. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are now official. And if you’re someone just trying to figure out what it is, why the number suddenly jumped, whether my device will get it, how to install it, and whether it is even safe, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything about iPadOS 26 or iOS 26 clearly.
Why Did Apple Skip iOS 19/iPadOS 19 and Jump to iOS 26/iPadOS 26?
Apple didn’t forget iOS 19, though it skipped straight to iOS 26. The decision came at WWDC 2025, where Apple said that version numbers would now line from now on and the iOS version would match the calendar year. That means iOS 26 reflects 2026 and it’s not alone. iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 have all followed the same jump.
This update wasn’t just a naming trick. It was done to reduce confusion. Before this, macOS was stuck at 15 and watchOS at version 11 while iOS had already reached version 18. So, when people looked across Apple’s platforms, the numbers didn’t make much sense. So, Apple jumped to 26, bringing everything into sync.
Which iPhones Are Getting iOS 26?
All iPhones running on the A13 Bionic chip and above are eligible for the Liquid Glass-modeled iOS 26. That means, if you’re using anything from the iPhone 11 series up to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you’re covered. This includes both SE models from 2020 and 2022 as well.
Here’s a quick look at supported iPhones for iOS 26
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16e, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020), iPhone SE (2022)
Keep in mind that only the core UI like Liquid Glass will run on all these, but advanced Apple Intelligence features (like Visual Intelligence) are only for A17 Pro or newer (iPhone 15 Pro and above).
Which iPads Are Getting iPadOS 26?
Every iPad that currently runs iPadOS 18 will receive the new Liquid Glass-designed iPadOS 26, except for the lower-cost iPad (7th generation) that is the only model left behind. However, Apple Intelligence features and full external display support are reserved for M-series or A17 Pro devices.
Here’s the list of supported iPads:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M3)
- iPad Air (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
What’s New in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26?
This definitely isn’t just another yearly design update. The first thing you’ll notice in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 is the Liquid Glass. Put simply, the interface gets a translucent yet almost glass-like feel. You’ll notice it on controls, widgets, and app menus.
Even on the lock screen, the wallpaper will adapt and shift as you tilt your phone to give a 3D effect.
Vivid Lock Screen
The time on the lock screen will automatically adapt to your wallpaper and notifications to display your screen items clearly.
Apple Intelligence
Apple is also bringing on-device AI. So, as with Apple-mantra, your private data will stay private.
Feature-wise: there’s live translation built into calls, FaceTime, and even Messages. So when you speak or type in your language, the other person can read in theirs. The Apple Music app will even translate song lyrics in real-time.
Communication Upgrades You’ll Actually Use
Now your iPhone will screen the calls automatically. For instance, unknown callers have to say their names before you even decide to pick up. There’s also a new Hold Assist, which will stay on the line for you during long wait times.
In iMessage, group chats will now show who’s typing and when, and Apple’s new Game Center redesign pulls all your games and scores into one clean dashboard.
iPadOS Gets Desktop-Like Multitasking
If you use an iPad, you’ll feel this update the most. Apple has redesigned how multitasking works entirely.
You can now open multiple apps, resize them freely, dock them, or even layer them, much like on a Mac.
When Will iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Be Released?
Like every year, iOS26 will roll out in the fall 2025. The exact date isn’t shared. As usual, the final version will likely arrive around the first week that the new iPhones begin shipping.
Apple did preview the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 in June 2025 during WWDC. The developer beta was released right after the event. The public beta can be downloaded from July 2025.
How to Get iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Beta on Your Device
The public betas for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are out on any supported model. Though, there are a few things you should know before you get it.
Is It Safe to Download and Install iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Beta on Your Device?
Beta software mostly comes with some risks. Plus, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are still an early developer beta build. So, expect bugs, app crashes, or missing features.
First off, not all features shown in the WWDC preview are available right away. Plus, app makers themselves just got access to the new tools this June. So depending on which apps you use daily, things will not feel fully polished.
The biggest thing: back up your device first. That way, you don’t lose anything even if something goes wrong.
The final advice is: try the beta on your secondary iPhone or iPad lying around. On the main device, just wait a bit until stable beta versions roll out.
How to Get iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Beta on Your Device
Whether you’re on iPhone or iPad, the process is almost identical and yes, it’s easier than ever this time around.
Before diving into any beta, always create a backup for your iDevice. You can use iCloud for online backup or plug your device into your computer and use iTunes/Apple Devices/Finder for traditional backup.
Next, get the beta from Settings.
Here’s how:
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap General> Software Update.
- Choose Beta Updates.
- Select iOS 26 Public Beta (or iPadOS 26 Public Beta). Go back and you’ll now see the beta version listed.
- Tap Update Now or Update Tonight, if that works better for you.
Once installed, your device will restart. The whole process takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on your internet and battery level. After that, you’re in the future.
Reddit Reviews on iOS 26/iPadOS 26 Beta
Early adopters and tech enthusiasts have shared a variety of thoughts on iOS 26/iPadOS 26 beta and yes, that’s totally expected. They come from Redditors. The ones who speak what they feel and don’t sugarcoat. So, here’s what we picked up after browsing through their discussions:
Performance (Beta 1 vs Beta 2)
One user said the liquid glass design, while beautiful, felt like it was putting serious stress on the GPU.
“It looked like it was running at 20 FPS.”
Interestingly, the battery life on Beta 1 did stutter, but that changed in Beta 2.
An iPhone 15 Pro user shared:
“Beta 1 was super laggy. Beta 2? Feels so much smoother and stable.”
Design Reactions
Most Redditors described the new UI in two words:
“Looks good” or “Looks gorgeous.”
Although a few called it overdone:
“Feels like the glass effect is too much… almost cheap-looking.”
That said, Apple still gives you some control. You can turn down transparency or crank up contrast as you like.
First Impressions & Concerns
Many are calling iOS 26 a “game changer”, which is mostly because of how different it feels. The Apple Intelligence bits are getting mixed reviews. Not because they’re bad, but because of the way they tie into Siri. Again. “Siri still feels… disconnected. Even with ChatGPT now involved.”
Still, if Apple’s known for one thing, it’s polishing the UI before release. It will take a little getting used to when the final version lands, but it will soon become the new normal.
Conclusion
So that’s what Apple’s landmark iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 is really all about. Sure, the Liquid Glass design is the flashiest part (and yes, it’s turned off by default if you don’t like it). Still, there’s a lot to explore and a lot to love.
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