These iPhones, iPads and Macs are getting Apple's biggest updates in years
During its WWDC opening conference yesterday, Apple announced iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 and watchOS 26, among others. The new operating systems all feature Apple's "Liquid Glass" design, which uses a lot of transparency effects and light reflections, making widgets, app icons, menu bars and pop-up windows look much more modern than before.
iOS 26 excludes iPhone Xs and Xr
All new operating systems will undergo public beta testing in July, with the final version scheduled for release as a free update in the fall. iOS 26 includes numerous new features, but is not compatible with all iPhones running iOS 18. iOS 26 can be installed on the following iPhones:
- iPhone 11 / iPhone 11 Pro / iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2. generation or newer)
- 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
iPadOS 26 introduces multitasking upgrades to older iPads
The Apple iPad is finally getting desktop-style multitasking features, along with an improved file manager, a sharp instead of a rounded mouse cursor, and Apple's new look. The system runs on the following iPad models:
- iPad mini (5. generation or newer)
- iPad (8. generation or newer)
- iPad Air (3. generation or newer)
- iPad Pro (2018 or newer)
macOS 26 only runs on a few Intel Macs
Much of macOS 26 revolves around Apple's extensive design update, but surprisingly, the update also places a lot of emphasis on new gaming features. Support for older Intel Macs is limited, however, as the system runs on the following Macs:
- Mac Pro (2019 or newer)
- Mac Studio (all models)
- Mac mini (2020 or newer)
- iMac (2020 or newer)
- MacBook Pro 16 (2019 or newer)
- MacBook Pro 13 (2020 or newer)
- MacBook Air with Apple M1 (or newer)
- MacBook Pro with Apple M1 (or newer)
Apple Watch only gets AI with newer iPhones
The Apple Watch is not only getting a fresh design via watchOS 26 but also new AI features, such as "Workout Buddy," designed to motivate users during workouts. However, these Apple Intelligence features are only available when the Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone 15 Pro (Max) or an iPhone 16 series smartphone. watchOS 26 runs on the following smartwatch models:
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch SE (2. generation)
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