iOS 26 arrives today with several new features, but some iPhones won't be able to install it.

BarcelonaApple is releasing iOS 26 today, the latest version of its iPhone operating system, which can be installed starting at 7 p.m. The update refreshes the phones' visual style and improves their native apps. It can be installed on the second-generation iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 11, and later devices. Previous models such as the iPhone XS and iPhone X will not have access to iOS 26. However, older phones will continue to receive important security updates for a while longer. Below we explain the main new features of the new operating system and, at the end, We detail which specific models will be able to install it..

This new update includes a redesign of the operating system, new features in the iPhone's artificial intelligence functions, and improvements to the Messages, Phone, Apple Music, Wallet, and CarPlay applications (Apple's operating system for car consoles). In addition, with this new version of the operating system comes a change in the way they are numbered. From now on, the version number refers to the year following its presentation. Thus, we go from iOS 18 (the current version) to iOS 26, next year it will be 27, and so on.

The new "Liquid Glass" design

The new operating system includes a new design that Apple calls "Liquid Glass," which is made from transparencies that adapt and change color according to the elements in the environment. This new design is primarily a cosmetic change, although it brings with it some more structural changes to the lock screen and some menus.

What's New in Artificial Intelligence

Apple continues to invest in its artificial intelligence and in this version continues to integrate it throughout the operating system to facilitate certain tasks. With iOS 26, users will be able to translate conversations in real time in messages and video calls. Apple assures that this feature is processed on the phone and that, therefore, conversations will still be private. It remains to be seen whether these features are activated for Catalan and, if so, how they work. Questions and some actions can be asked based on what is seen on the screen. For example, you can take a screenshot of a product and ask what model it is, or take a photo of an event poster (this, for now, will only work in English) and have it automatically added to your calendar. Apple Intelligence also includes improvements to Genmoji and Image Playground features, which allow you to generate new emojis and images.

Improvements to calls, the camera, and CarPlay

The update also includes new features for calls. From now on, the phone will be able to detect when we are put on hold for a call and will notify us when we are answered. We will also be able to filter calls so that the phone automatically answers calls from unfamiliar numbers so we know who is calling and choose whether to answer. The camera app will have a more simplified interface, but users will still be able to activate advanced options. There are also new features and improvements in Apple's Music, Messages, Games, Maps, Wallet, and other apps.

iOS 26 also brings a new accessibility reader and braille access, a new interface for iPhones with connected braille displays.

Models that will receive the update

Just because a device can't receive the latest version of the operating system doesn't mean it has to stop working properly. In fact, it's common for technological devices to continue receiving security updates even if they're older or can no longer install the latest version of the device's operating system. However, not all devices will be able to download the latest version of the operating system. The exhaustive list of iPhone models that will be eligible for iOS 26 is as follows:

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• 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 or later)

Models not listed here, such as the iPhone XS and earlier models, will not be eligible for the new version of Apple's operating system, but will continue to receive security updates. Even if your device is older, it's important to always keep it updated to the latest version to enjoy these improvements and minimize the possibility of phone hacks or data theft.