Apple just dropped some major news at WWDC 2025 – iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are coming this fall with exciting features like the new Liquid Glass interface, revamped Camera app, and live translation in Messages. But here’s the question every iPhone and iPad owner in North Lanarkshire is asking: Will my device actually run it?

The Good News: Most Devices Are Still Supported

If you’ve got a relatively recent iPhone or iPad, you’re likely in luck. Apple’s keeping compatibility pretty broad this time around.

iPhones Getting iOS 26:

• iPhone 16e (the rumored new model)
• iPhone 16 series (Pro, Pro Max, standard, Plus)
• iPhone 15 series (all models)
• iPhone 14 series (all models)
• iPhone 13 series (including the mini)
• iPhone 12 series (all models)
• iPhone 11 series (all models)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation or newer)

iPads Getting iPadOS 26:

• M4 iPad Pro
• 11-inch iPad Pro (1st gen or newer)
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd gen or newer)
• M2 iPad Air & iPad Air (3rd gen or newer)
• A17 Pro iPad mini & iPad mini (5th gen or newer)
• A16 iPad & iPad (8th gen or later)

The Not-So-Good News: Some Devices Are Being Left Behind

Unfortunately, if you’re still rocking an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR, you’re out of luck. These devices will stay on iOS 18.x forever. The same goes for owners of the 7th-generation iPad – it’s the only iPad model getting dropped this cycle.

What This Means for You (And Your Wallet)

Here’s where it gets interesting from a repair perspective. As a technician who sees many devices every month at our Stewarton Street shop, I can tell you that many of these “unsupported” devices are still perfectly functional machines.

If your device isn’t compatible with iOS 26, you have three options:

Option 1: Keep Using It (Smart Choice)

Your iPhone XS or 7th-gen iPad didn’t suddenly become useless overnight. These devices will continue receiving security updates for iOS 18.x, and honestly? They’ll handle 99% of what you need them to do.

Option 2: Upgrade (Expensive Choice)

New iPhones start around £800+, and iPads aren’t much cheaper. That’s a significant investment, especially if your current device works fine.

Option 3: Repair & Refresh (Smart Money Choice)

This is where we come in. Instead of dropping £800+ on a new device, consider giving your current one some TLC:

• Battery replacement (£30-£60 for most smartphones) can make an older device feel brand new
• Screen repairs (£80-£150 for laptops, similar for tablets) fix the most common damage
• Performance optimization through our diagnostic service can eliminate slowdowns

Why Repair Makes Sense (Especially in 2025)

Look, I get it. New iOS features are exciting. But here’s some perspective from someone who repairs devices daily:

Environmental Impact: Every device we repair is one less in North Lanarkshire’s landfills. With our goal to reuse 60-80% of components by 2026, repair isn’t just smart – it’s responsible.

Financial Sense: A £50 battery replacement versus an £800 new phone? The math is pretty clear.

Performance Reality: Most people use their phones for calls, texts, social media, and photos. An iPhone XS with a fresh battery handles all of this perfectly.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace

After thousands of repairs, here’s my honest assessment:

Repair if:

• Your device is physically damaged but otherwise works well
• Battery life is poor (we can fix that for £30-£60)
• Performance is sluggish (often a software issue we can resolve)
• You’re happy with your current device’s capabilities

Replace if:

• Repair costs exceed 60% of a replacement device’s value
• You genuinely need new features for work/creativity
• Your device has multiple failing components

Our iOS 26 Compatibility Service

Not sure if your device will support iOS 26? Bring it into our Wishaw shop for a free compatibility check. We’ll also assess its overall health and let you know if any repairs could extend its life significantly.

What we check:

• Current iOS version and update eligibility
• Battery health and performance
• Storage capacity and optimization opportunities
• Overall device condition

The Bottom Line

iOS 26 looks fantastic, but don’t let FOMO drive you to unnecessary spending. Many “incompatible” devices have years of life left with proper maintenance.

Our recommendation? If your device works well, keep it running smoothly with professional maintenance. If it’s struggling, a targeted repair often costs 90% less than replacement.

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Need help deciding what’s best for your device? Visit us at 6 Stewarton Street, Wishaw, or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm). We offer free diagnostics and honest advice – no pressure, just professional guidance.

Remember: We offer a 20% student discount on all labour, and our repairs come with up to 12 months warranty on new parts.