Will my device run this fall’s software updates?

Written By Jimmy Obomsawin

If you haven’t heard, Apple recently announced this fall’s software, which includes iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26. Apart from the new features, the biggest question is: can my devices run this new software?

Don’t worry too much if it can’t. There are some really cool features being added, like the ability to have your iPhone wait on hold for customer service for you. Or the ability to use your iPad more like a Mac. But if your device is stuck on last year’s software, you will still get security updates for two more years, so your device isn’t obsolete or any less useful than it is today.

Here are the devices that will get the software updates, and how to see which one you have.

iPhone

To view your device version, go to the Settings app > General > About.

iOS 26 will be supported on iPhone 11 or higher, or iPhone SE (second generation) or higher.

The iPhones that will be left behind on iOS 18 are the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max.

iPad

To view your device version, go to the Settings app > General > About.

iPadOS 26 will be supported on all devices that support iPadOS 18, except for the standard 7th-gen iPad. This includes:

  • iPad Pro (M4)

  • iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)

  • iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)

  • iPad Air (M3, M2, 3rd generation and later)

  • iPad (A16, 8th generation and later)

  • iPad mini (A17 Pro, 5th generation and later)

Mac

To see what Mac you have, visit the Apple menu > About This Mac. If the Chip says “Apple” then it is compatible. If it says Intel, it’s compatible if your model is one of the following:

  • MacBook Pro (16‑inch, 2019)

  • MacBook Pro (13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)

  • Mac Pro (2019)

Apple Watch

To see what Apple Watch you have, go to the Watch app on your iPhone, then General > About. In addition to having a compatible Apple Watch, you must upgrade your iPhone to iOS 26. Your watch cannot have newer software than your iPhone.

Any watch that can run watchOS 11 is capable of upgrading to watchOS 26. This is:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 or higher

  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)

  • Any Apple Watch Ultra

Apple TV

Any Apple HD or Apple TV 4K is compatible, which is any Apple TV with the App Store, going back ten years. The new Liquid Glass design, however, will only be on the 2nd and 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K.

HomePod

Though we strangely have not received confirmation on this, it appears that all HomePod models will be able to run the new software.

Apple Vision Pro

Obviously, since this is a fairly new product, and there is only one model, it supports the new visionOS 26.

Still have questions?

If you still have questions about this you may wish to book an appointment with me. We can discuss exactly what this means for you.

Jimmy Obomsawin https://jimmytechsf.com
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