Quick answer: No Man’s Sky launches on iPhone and iPad on October 28, 2026. Pre-orders are open, and the opening section will be free to try. Hello Games names iPhone 11 and iPad Air (3rd generation) as the practical minimum devices. The download is under 4GB, but multiplayer is not supported at launch and Planetary Settlements require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.[1]
No Man’s Sky iPhone and iPad requirements at a glance
| Question | Verified answer |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 28, 2026, according to Hello Games and Apple |
| Pre-order status | Open now on the App Store |
| Price | Free to try; a one-time in-app purchase unlocks the full game. Check your regional App Store for the live price. |
| Minimum iPhone named by developer | iPhone 11 or newer |
| Minimum iPad named by developer | iPad Air (3rd generation) or newer |
| Operating system | The current US App Store metadata lists iOS/iPadOS 26.0 or later |
| Download size | Under 4GB; current US listing metadata is about 3.79GB |
| Multiplayer | Not supported at launch |
| Planetary Settlements | iPhone 15 Pro or newer |
| Inputs | Touch controls and controllers; iPad also supports mouse and keyboard |
| TV play | Casting is supported |
Hello Games says this is not a “Lite” edition: it includes more than 40 major updates, including the recent Cosmos update. Apple likewise says the mobile release includes every major content expansion released to date.[1][2]
Will No Man’s Sky run on your iPhone?
Use this conservative compatibility rule: if you have an iPhone 11 or newer and can install iOS 26, you meet the minimum publicly named by Hello Games. The developer’s announcement is a safer buying guide than trying to infer support from chip names alone.[1]
- iPhone 11 series and newer: supported for the main game.
- iPhone 15 Pro and newer: supported for the main game and Planetary Settlements.
- Older than iPhone 11: do not assume support, even if a pre-release storefront list appears broader.
- Not on iOS 26: update eligibility may be the blocker; check Settings → General → Software Update before pre-ordering.
The App Store listing is pre-release metadata and can change before launch. Recheck the listing’s Compatibility section on the device you plan to use.[3]
Will it run on your iPad?
Hello Games names the third-generation iPad Air as its minimum iPad. Newer iPad Air and iPad Pro models should clear that stated floor, provided they can run iPadOS 26. Because iPad naming is easy to confuse, verify the exact model under Settings → General → About → Model Name before relying on the device’s screen size or purchase year.[1]
What is included—and what is missing?
The iPhone and iPad version includes the base game and the major update history listed on the App Store, from Foundation through Cosmos. It supports on-foot exploration, flight, first- and third-person views, vehicles and mechs. The listing describes a free opening section followed by a one-time purchase to unlock the full game.[3]
| Feature | Launch status |
|---|---|
| Main exploration, survival, trading and combat | Included |
| More than 40 major updates, including Cosmos | Included |
| Touch controls | Included; rebuilt for mobile |
| Controller support | Included |
| Mouse and keyboard | Supported on iPad |
| TV casting | Supported |
| Multiplayer | Not supported at launch |
| Planetary Settlements | Only on iPhone 15 Pro and newer |
Hello Games says future iOS support will depend on player feedback and usage. That is not a promise that multiplayer or every later feature will arrive, so buy for the verified launch feature set rather than an assumed roadmap.[1]
Before-you-pre-order checklist
- Confirm the model: open Settings → General → About and check Model Name.
- Confirm the OS: the current US listing requires iOS or iPadOS 26.0 or later.
- Keep extra storage free: the game is under 4GB, but reserve more space for installation, saves and future updates.
- Check the two launch limits: there is no multiplayer, and Settlements need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
- Choose an input method: touch works; a controller may suit long combat or flight sessions. iPad users can also use mouse and keyboard.
- Check regional details: availability, release-time display and the in-app unlock price can vary by storefront.
- Try before paying: use the free opening section first to judge performance, heat, battery drain and touch controls on your own device.
Why the App Store may show October 29
Hello Games and Apple both announce October 28 as the release date.[1][2] The US App Store page currently displays “Expected Oct 29, 2026.”[3] This can happen when a global release timestamp is rendered in a particular storefront or timezone. Treat October 28 as the announced launch date, but trust the live App Store button on your own device for the exact local download time.
Frequently asked questions
When does No Man’s Sky launch on iPhone and iPad?
Hello Games and Apple announce October 28, 2026. A storefront may display October 29 because of regional timing.
Is No Man’s Sky free on iPhone?
It is free to try. The App Store listing says a one-time in-app purchase unlocks the full game. Check the live listing for your regional price.
What is the oldest supported iPhone?
Hello Games identifies iPhone 11 as the practical minimum.
Can I play multiplayer on iOS?
No. Multiplayer is not supported at launch.
Does it support a controller?
Yes. It supports touch controls and controllers. The iPad version also supports mouse and keyboard, and casting to a TV is supported.