The newest model of the iPhone working system is iOS 26.3 and everybody with a appropriate iPhone can set up it now. Learn on to search out out what’s new, what remains to be to return, and all the things else it’s worthwhile to know in regards to the newest iPhone replace.
If you’re but to put in it, there’s a lot to get enthusiastic about in iOS 26: not solely does it convey the largest design change we’ve seen since 2013, when iOS 7 dropped the skeuomorphic design in favor of flat icons, it additionally places the telephone again in iPhone, with a number of name enhancements–from Voice Mail Summaries and Maintain Help to Dwell Translations–that can make it really feel nearly like you could have a private receptionist at your service.
Digital safety is high of thoughts for many of us nowadays–or must be. A spotlight for Apple is on-device spam filtering. iPhone will be capable to display calls earlier than connecting you, whereas Messages may even filter out all forms of scams and spam.
There are dozens of tweaks and enhancements all through iOS 26. Efforts have been made to wash up and simplify menus, together with within the Digicam app and brand-new Video games app, whereas Visible Intelligence, Genmoji and Picture Playground that have been all launched in iOS 18 have new performance that makes them easier to make use of and smarter than ever. Small however important, one in every of our favourite tweaks is kind of merely the power to repeat simply a part of a textual content message reasonably than the entire thing.
On this article, we’ll cowl all the things it’s worthwhile to learn about iOS 26–learn how to obtain it, which iPhones are supported, what main modifications have been made, the most recent model, what’s coming within the subsequent replace, and extra. Learn on to see what’s in retailer for iPhone (11 and later) customers.
Questioning whether or not to put in iOS 26? Learn: iOS 26 vs iOS 18: What’s completely different, what’s new, and do you have to replace? Additionally discover out why if you happen to aren’t working iOS 26 you must replace!
iOS 26: Abstract
- Apple has switched its iOS naming conference to match its main launch 12 months. This implies the brand new model of iOS is iOS 26, regardless of its September 15, 2025 launch date.
- The newest model is iOS 26.3 which arrived on February 11, 2026 and consists of bug fixes and some undocumented modifications.
- All iPhones launched since 2019 will likely be in a position to set up iOS 26, together with iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and later.
- The brand new ‘Liquid Glass’ interface is the largest design change since iOS 7 in 2013.
- iOS 26 places the ‘Telephone‘ again in iPhone, with Voice Mail summaries, Name Screening, Maintain Help, and Dwell Translations.

Foundry
Newest model: What’s new in iOS 26.3
On February 11, Apple launched iOS 26.3. The discharge notes solely mentions bug fixes and safety updates, however there’s a brand new Android-to-iOS switching expertise as nicely.
iOS 26.4 launch date and what’s coming?
Apple is continuous to work on the beta of iOS 26. The discharge of iOS 26.3 will in all probability are available in late January or February.
iOS 26.3 is out now. Right here’s what’s new
- Simpler switching between Android and iPhone: iOS 26.3 brings help for simpler iOS/Android switching. You’ll be able to learn extra about that right here. (EU mandated change)
- Notification forwarding for third-party gadgets: Apple will enable for notifications to be forwarded to third-party gadgets, akin to non-Apple smartwatches. (EU mandated change)
- New Wallpaper part: Climate will get a devoted part within the wallpaper gallery, it’s at present bundled with Astronomy. There will likely be three Climate wallpaper choices that embrace issues like reside climate circumstances.
- Restrict exact location for carriers: This can mean you can disable exact location discovering to your provider. It requires a supporting provider (EE or BT within the U.Okay., Enhance Cellular within the U.S.). It has no impression on location for apps or the OS and solely applies to provider location monitoring and modifications it from exact (precise road handle) to coarse (neighborhood).
What was new in iOS 26.2
The iOS 26.2 replace arrived on December 12 and consists of:
- Tweak to Apple Music together with offline lyrics.
- Automated chapters in Podcasts.
- Improved filtering and navigation in Video games.
- A slider to tweak the clock transparency on the lock display.
- Part hyperlinks on the high of the In the present day tab in Apple Information.
- Help for Tables within the Freeform app.
That is the second important replace to iOS 26, with a number of extra anticipated. Thus far, they’ve targeted on polish and quality-of-life enhancements, however we anticipate a giant Siri overhaul and possibly another options in iOS 26.4.
What was new in iOS 26.1
Launched on November 3, 2025, iOS 26.1 was the primary main replace to the iOS 26 working system, introducing a number of interface refinements and quality-of-life upgrades. Whereas the preliminary launch of iOS 26 launched the “Liquid Glass” design language, model 26.1 targeted on giving customers extra management over this aesthetic and restoring options that had been eliminated or altered.
- Liquid Glass: Essentially the most important change in iOS 26.1 was the addition of a toggle to regulate the controversial Liquid Glass interface. The brand new “Tinted” mode supplies larger opacity and higher distinction, addressing complaints from customers who discovered the default transparency tough to learn.
- Digital ID: Enabled the power so as to add a U.S. passport to the Apple Pockets to be used at TSA checkpoints in roughly 250 airports.
- Lock Display Digicam: Added a toggle in Settings > Digicam to disable the swipe-to-open digicam gesture, stopping unintended battery drain .
- Apple Music: Launched a brand new swipe gesture on the MiniPlayer to skip tracks and added AutoMix help over AirPlay .
- Apple Intelligence: Expanded language help to incorporate Conventional Chinese language, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Turkish .
- Safety: Revamped “Fast Safety Responses” into “Safety Enhancements,” permitting the system to robotically set up patches with no full OS replace .
- Audio & Health: Improved FaceTime audio high quality in low-bandwidth circumstances and added guide exercise logging straight within the Health app
What’s nonetheless to return in iOS 26?
Apple has delivered on just about all its guarantees for iOS 26 made at WWDC, however there are a couple of extra issues that would arrive over the following few months.
- Apple Intelligence enhancements for Siri.
- An potential overhaul of the well being app.
What was new in iOS 26 – At a Look
Listed below are simply among the new options one can find in iOS 26:
- Liquid Glass graphical consumer interface: A brand new translucent impact that mimics glass, with components reflecting background content material, and resizing to suit round onscreen gadgets. Apple says Liquid Glass will blur the strains between {hardware} and software program, and really feel extra like interactions within the bodily world, with components dynamically reacting to your contact.
- Up to date Telephone app: New to this core iPhone app are Apple Intelligence-generated Voice Mail textual content summaries, Name Screening for spam calls, Maintain Help for connecting you solely when you find yourself #1 within the queue, and Dwell Translations for real-time audible translations in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish (additionally accessible for FaceTime with translated reside captions, Messages with auto-translated texts, and Apple Music with lyrics transformed to your native language).
- Apple Intelligence updates: Spanning Visible Intelligence, which now helps screenshots, and allows you to ask ChatGPT for extra details about the knowledge and merchandise proven within the image, Genmoji, in which you’ll edit current emoji, mix emojis and Stickers, and even change emoji expressions, and Picture Playground, with help for ChatGPT types and prompts.
- Digicam app overhaul: As with many iOS apps, the at present cramped Digicam interface is getting simplified, with lots of the much less regularly used taking pictures modes and choices tucked away. Plus, now you can add 3D results to pictures.
- New Video games app: A Dwelling tab places video games Apple thinks you’ll like at your fingertips; a Library tab exhibits all video games you’ve ever downloaded; and a Play Collectively tab exhibits you what your mates are enjoying, examine scores, and even problem them. iOS 26 brings a typical set of contact controls for buttons, thumbsticks, dpads, throttles, and touchpads, too.
- A few of the extra ignored new options in iOS 26 which might be set to make a giant distinction embrace the power to (lastly!) create your personal ringtone, an clever Adaptive Energy mode that makes efficiency changes primarily based on the way you really use your telephone, and the power to make use of AirPods as a high-definition microphone when taking pictures video.
iOS 26 design and interface modifications
- New Liquid Glass design language.
- Common decluttering and simplifying of the interface and app menus.

Apple
The largest change in iOS 26 is a visible one: a daring new redesign often known as Liquid Glass.
What’s Liquid Glass?
The brand new design encompasses a graphical consumer interface that Apple is looking Liquid Glass, which creates a translucent impact that mimics the qualities of glass.
The brand new Liquid Glass design language represents the largest change to iOS since iOS 7 was launched in 2013. Again then, Apple dropped the skeuomorphic design in favor of flat symbolic icons. This time all the things is extra curved, much less flat, with translucent components reflecting or refracting the content material within the background, and resizing to suit round what’s onscreen. The Liquid Glass components may even change coloration to mirror the content material beneath as you scroll, and it is going to be potential to see blurred and refracted components of the background by means of the highest layer.
Apple says that it’ll really feel extra like interacting with the bodily world, with components dynamically reacting to your contact. The corporate additionally says the modifications “blur the strains between {hardware} and software program”.
This new Liquid Glass design extends to all Apple merchandise and apps. You’ll see the translucent results on the Dock, widgets, and icons. Panes, home windows, buttons and menus will likely be offered as translucent layers with specular highlights.
Preliminary suggestions to the brand new Liquid Glass design was unfavourable with some beta testers complaining that content material wasn’t seen because of the overlaying of menus over background photos, later variations of the beta dialed this again to make the menus extra seen.
In fact not everybody likes Liquid Glass, and if you happen to really feel like you may’t learn your notifications, learn: How you can cut back the Liquid Glass impact.
iOS 26 interface modifications

Apple
Apple says iOS 26 may even see design modifications that simplify app interfaces to make the controls extra seen. Apple is making it simpler to search out the instruments you often use, with out the litter of all the opposite options you don’t want.
Apple has tailored the interface to focus extra on what’s on the display reasonably than cowl issues with instruments and menu bars. Menus will shrink as you scroll to disclose the content material under. Apple can be eradicating among the litter from menus to simplify issues and emphasize the extra frequently-used choices. For instance, reasonably than occupying an oblong bar on the backside of the display, teams of controls will seem on floating components that come out further controls, change as you progress between views, and are tucked away whenever you scroll.
These modifications to the menus are designed to make it simpler to entry the options you utilize most frequently, and uncover others. Apple is attempting to make iOS and its apps extra intuitive.
An excellent instance of how these design modifications will likely be utilized is the Lock Display, which will likely be extra adaptive. The picture you select as your wallpaper will likely be scaled to suit the peak and width of the Lock Display and positioned to fill the accessible house round components just like the time. Moreover, the wallpaper picture will slide up as notifications are available in.
Apple Intelligence in iOS 26
- New Siri AI options not anticipated till later in 2026.
- Enhancements nonetheless anticipated for Visible Intelligence, Genmoji, and Picture Playground at launch.
Apple has been having hassle with a few of its AI efforts, particularly the Siri options that have been touted at WWDC 2024. Apple had promised that iOS 18.4 would convey a serious replace to Siri, the place it might be higher at pure conversations with the consumer, utilizing private context, consciousness of what’s onscreen, and the power to carry out in-app actions.
Apple has since confirmed that these Siri-related options have been pushed again till 2026, which suggests they need to come as an replace to iOS 26, maybe in March, however we may very well be ready even longer.
Apple nonetheless has quite a few spectacular Apple Intelligence powered options in iOS 26, although. In truth, among the new options coming to Highlight on the Mac appear like among the options promised for Siri.
A few of these new Apple Intelligence options will make a huge impact in apps, particularly the Telephone app, which we’ll talk about under. One other beneficiary of Apple Intelligence is Visible Intelligence, which was launched in iOS 18 and good points a really helpful capability in iOS 26.
Visible Intelligence

Visible Intelligence in iOS 26.
IDG
In iOS 18 you should utilize Visible Intelligence by holding up the iPhone to view one thing you’re inquisitive about, triggering Visible Intelligence (by way of the Digicam Management button if in case you have one, or by way of the Management Centre if not) and viewing details about what you have been pointing the digicam at. It may establish a constructing, or supply so as to add the date from a poster to your calendar, for instance. That’s all very nicely when you find yourself out and about, however what about when you find yourself simply searching the online and wish to know the place one thing somebody is carrying is from or the place a video is being filmed?
In iOS 26 it is going to be potential to take a screenshot and lookup details about that picture and merchandise in it utilizing Visible Intelligence. You can even ask ChatGPT for details about the screenshot.
Genmoji

Apple
Additionally benefitting from Apple Intelligence is Genmoji, one other characteristic that arrived with iOS 18. Genmoji helps you to create customized emoji utilizing AI. To create a Genmoji you kind an outline within the Describe an Emoji subject and faucet on Create New Emoji. You should use pictures of individuals you recognize as a foundation and refine the emoji till it represents what you’re on the lookout for. The emoji will then be accessible in your emoji keyboard to make use of.
In iOS 26 the Genmoji interface will get a redesign. Customers will be capable to combine two emoji collectively, or alter an current emoji to create one thing new, and even mix an emoji and a Sticker (which may be created from a photograph). Customers will be capable to additional customise emoji inside Picture Playground, altering expressions.
Picture Playground
Picture Playground, which is Apple’s app for making AI-generated photos, arrived in iOS 18 and will get an replace in iOS 26. In iOS 26 it is going to be potential to make use of ChatGPT with new types and prompts, akin to an oil portray in addition to these supplied by Apple to create photos in Picture Playground.
Overhauled Telephone app in iOS 26

Foundry
- Name Screening solutions the decision, finds out why they’re calling, and allows you to know earlier than you determine whether or not or to not take the decision.
- Maintain Help stops you needing to sit down in a queue to be related with an agent.
- Voice Mail textual content summaries rapidly floor crucial particulars of missed calls.
With every iteration of iOS the set of apps Apple supplies grows and evolves, and lots of the modifications coming to the apps on the iPhone are shared by those self same apps on Apple’s different gadgets. iOS 26 is not any completely different.
This time, among the modifications are going to be fairly transformative to how you utilize the telephone – and by which we imply the phone side of your iPhone.
The telephone app may not be the one we use essentially the most, however as Apple says, it’s elementary to the iPhone. With iOS 26 the telephone app is getting a giant replace that primarily turns it right into a PA and a spam filtering instrument.
Apple is tapping into Apple Intelligence to convey new Voice Mail summaries to floor crucial info, however much more thrilling, it’s aiming to eradicate undesirable calls with a brand new Name Screening choice that may reply the decision within the background, ask the caller to elucidate their purpose for calling, after which present a textual content abstract of these particulars to you earlier than you determine whether or not or to not take the decision. In fact, this will likely make it more durable to disregard calls from individuals you ought to truly communicate to, however it is going to be a great way to siphon off spam and hoax calls from unknown numbers.
That’s not all. One other new characteristic is Maintain Help, which is able to robotically detect maintain music and mute the decision till it’s related to an agent. In consequence, you may get issues finished with out having to maintain your telephone speaker enjoying irritating maintain music till somebody solutions. When an agent turns into free they are going to be knowledgeable that you’re there and your telephone will ring alerting you to the connection and you may take the decision. It’s going to be like having your personal receptionist.
One other change within the Telephone app ought to make it unattainable to by accident faucet on contact within the Recents listing and name them. At the moment, if you happen to faucet on a reputation in your Recents listing it can robotically name that particular person. A brand new setting will mean you can flip off “Faucet Recents to Name”.
Dwell Translations in iOS 26
- Actual-time voice translations in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- Translated Dwell Captions in FaceTime video calls.
- Automated translations in Messages.
- Lyrics in your language in Apple Music.
Coming to the Telephone app, but additionally current as a characteristic in Messages and FaceTime, is Dwell Translations. This can assist you to talk with somebody who speaks one other language.
With this characteristic it is possible for you to to have a dialog with some who speaks a special language to you. If you’re aware of the Hitchhiker’s Information to the Galaxy that is nearly on the stage of getting a Babel Fish.
If you’re chatting with somebody by way of the telephone app, the iPhone will translate what’s being stated, with a spoken voice translating what has been stated into your language. The recipient may even hear translations in their very own language. Apparently, they don’t have to have an iPhone. The principle restriction proper now could be that Dwell Translation for Telephone is obtainable just for one-on-one calls in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
As we stated above, it’s not solely the Telephone app that can get the Dwell Translation options. FaceTime and Messages will as nicely. And Translation can be discovering its approach into the Music app.
FaceTime translations
When chatting with somebody by way of FaceTime you will notice real-time captions in your personal language. Dwell Captions aren’t solely new to FaceTime, you may already activate that performance in Accessibility > Dwell Captions – though this solely works in case your language is ready to English U.S.
In addition to the brand new Dwell Translation characteristic, FaceTime additionally will get modifications to the interface designed to floor the controls you want whereas protecting the caller seen. For instance, controls float to the underside proper and recede whenever you don’t want them.
The FaceTime name listing additionally will get a brand new look, with video messages autoplaying as you scroll.
Messages translations

Apple
If you’re utilizing Messages to speak with somebody who speaks a special language what you kind is translated into their language and vice versa.
As with the telephone, Messages is getting a screening instrument to fight spam. On-device spam detection gives you “whole management over who seems in your dialog listing,” in accordance with Apple.
It’s already potential to filter out spam by utilizing the Unknown Senders listing in Messages, however in iOS 26 Messages can have a higher capability to display for spam, and it’ll be sure to nonetheless obtain verification codes and different vital or time-sensitive messages.
Additionally in Messages it is possible for you to so as to add a background picture to Group Chats, and a brand new choice to create a ballot will likely be accessible. Messages will even recommend a ballot if a state of affairs requires one. Anybody can add choices to the ballot.
Those that have entry to Apple Money (nonetheless U.S. solely) can even entry this from group chats.

Apple
A small however sensible replace coming to Messages is the power to copy elements of a textual content, reasonably than the entire thing. That is a type of incomprehensible failures of Messages on iPhone proper now: the one choice is to repeat the complete message, paste it, after which edit out what you don’t need. When utilizing Messages on the Mac you may simply copy the a part of the Message you want. It’s an extended overdue characteristic for iPhone Messages.
Apple Music lyric translations

Apple
In Apple Music it is possible for you to to comply with the lyrics alongside the interpretation into your personal language. For some languages you’ll even see a pronunciation information.
Additionally coming to the Music app is a brand new auto-mix choice that makes use of AI to fade between songs and match beats like a DJ would, animated Apple Music art work choice for the Lock Display, and interface modifications that ought to make it quicker and simpler to get to the music you’re into. For instance, you may pin your favorite album or playlist to the highest of your library.
Overhauled Digicam & Pictures apps in iOS 26
- Redesigned Digicam app hides away much less widespread taking pictures modes to declutter the interface.
- Fast entry to extra widespread settings.
- Add 3D results to pictures.
In iOS 26, Apple has redesigned the digicam app, hiding many of the lesser-used digicam taking pictures modes and choices to simplify the more and more cramped format and giving customers fast entry to settings.
Within the Pictures app there’s the power so as to add 3D results to pictures.
We’ve got a separate article masking learn how to use the iOS 26 Digicam app, together with the place to search out digicam modes and options, learn how to change seize settings and learn how to use AirPods as a distant.
New Video games app in iOS 26
- Discover video games which might be good for you.
- Rapidly uncover all of your beforehand performed video games.
- Problem pals to battle.
- Extra constant contact controls throughout video games.

Apple
Apple is lastly tidying up the gaming expertise on the iPhone with a brand-new Video games app.
Apple says it’s creating a brand new vacation spot to assist its avid gamers get extra out of their video games. The Video games app affords numerous tabs to make discovering the video games you’re enjoying or have performed simpler. The Dwelling tab reveals what’s most related to you. The Library tab exhibits all of the video games you could have ever downloaded.
There may be additionally a Play Collectively tab the place you may see what your mates are enjoying, play video games with them, examine scores, and invite them to play video games. You’ll be able to problem them to beat your highest rating in single participant video games. Turning single-player video games into enjoyable competitions with pals, with scores in actual time. This will likely be Apple’s second try to get customers to attach socially: bear in mind iTunes Ping? (Apple would in all probability reasonably you forgot).
One other change to gaming on iPhone (and iPad) is a brand new consistency to how contact controls are utilized in video games. Builders engaged on an iPhone or iPad recreation that requires extra superior controls have all the time needed to design their very own contact controls, and this may be inconsistent. In iOS 26, Apple will present its personal contact controls for buttons, thumbsticks, dpads, throttles, and touchpads.
Extra app modifications in iOS 26
Apple Pockets
Like Apple Money, lots of the new Apple Pockets options are U.S. solely, akin to the power so as to add Drivers Licenses to Apple Pockets.
Apple says there will likely be extra methods to pay with Apple Pay in iOS 26, for instance you may redeem factors or select to pay in instalments. That characteristic is at present accessible in 9 states. From the autumn Apple says it is going to be potential so as to add a U.S. passport, however just for use for flights contained in the U.S.
There will likely be a brand new API for builders to make the most of, enabling them to offer prospects with extra info inside the Pockets app, akin to particulars of the companies included with the fare and improve choices that may be accessed from inside the Pockets app.
You can even observe Apple Pay orders, with Apple Intelligence discovering the order particulars and monitoring info and protecting them collectively for you.
Passwords
The Passwords app, launched in iOS 18, will get an replace. You’ll be able to examine modifications that you simply’ve made to accounts logged within the Passwords app, view earlier passwords that have been used for these accounts, and see once they have been altered.
Passkeys
As well as, Apple has launched enhancements to iOS 26 that can make utilizing passkeys simpler. Passkeys is an authentication methodology that replaces conventional passwords with safety keys and biometrics. Many apps and web sites already present help for passkeys and, with the iOS 26 replace, it is going to be potential for iPhone and iPad apps to allow customers to create a passkey with only a faucet. Passkeys may be authenticated with Face ID or Contact ID, and credentials will likely be synchronized between your Apple gadgets by way of iCloud.
Autofill
It’ll even be potential to pre-fill private information, akin to identify and electronic mail, so that you not must waste time filling in lengthy sign-up varieties. Even higher, iOS 26 will be capable to autofill verification codes from Gmail and WhatsApp. Verification code autofill can also work in Google Chrome; at present verification codes work solely with Apple’s Safari browser.
Apple Maps

Apple
The Maps app will get an replace, now utilizing Apple Intelligence to know your common commutes and study your favorites. With this info it is going to be in a position to warn you if you happen to ought to take a special route as a consequence of heavy visitors.
One other change to Maps is that it might probably log (in your system, with encryption) Visited Locations, which is able to make it simpler to search out and recall locations you could have been to up to now. It’s straightforward to delete this historical past, too.
Reminders
In iOS 26, Reminders will recommend issues akin to duties and grocery gadgets, plus follow-ups primarily based in your emails or different textual content in your iPhone, Mac, and extra.
Notes
Notes will achieve Markdown help.
Climate
Satellite tv for pc-based reporting.
Clock
You’ll lastly be capable to set a sleep period of between one and quarter-hour, reasonably than being caught with set eight-minute snoozes!
Additionally, you will achieve the power to set alarms from inside different apps. For instance, you could possibly set an alarm from inside a recipe app with out you needing to open the Clock.
Different new options in iOS 26
There are many different modifications coming to iOS, lots of which is able to enhance the general consumer expertise.
AirPods: Pause Media When Falling Asleep
Current AirPods ought to get some new options because of the iOS 26 replace. These embrace a brand new characteristic that can allow AirPods to pause once they sense the wearer has fallen asleep. Code within the iOS 26 beta signifies that this characteristic is tied to iOS 26, reasonably than the AirPods line particularly – it might even work on Apple’s Beats headphones.
As well as, it is going to be potential to simply change between completely different audio enter gadgets – so you could possibly change from AirPods as devoted microphones to a different system, for instance.
Working duties within the background
iOS 26 can have a brand new API for working duties within the background. So, you gained’t must preserve an app open once they’re doing one thing essential, akin to importing information or exporting a video. Customers can change to different apps with out interrupting the earlier activity.
Adaptive Energy Mode
This characteristic goals to increase battery life by adjusting efficiency primarily based on utilization patterns. The place Low Energy Mode throttles your iPhone’s efficiency and kills sure background actions to save lots of power, Adaptive Energy Mode makes smaller changes to your iPhone’s efficiency primarily based on how you utilize it. In consequence the impression must be subtler, and probably one thing customers may carry on always.
Battery Intelligence: AI-powered battery administration
iOS 26 will introduce a characteristic dubbed Battery Intelligence. This presents the estimated charging period to achieve 80% (then 100%) when related to a charger – so you know the way lengthy you will have to vary your iPhone earlier than you may go away the home.
A new adaptive low energy mode has been noticed within the iOS 26 developer beta. This doesn’t change the common low energy mode (that’s nonetheless round) however as a substitute makes use of machine studying to make changes that would assist eke out slightly extra juice out of your battery.
As well as, the Lock Display will now show estimated charging occasions to hit 80 p.c and 100% battery energy.
Help for Qi2 25W wi-fi charging
Since fall 2024, Apple’s MagSafe Charger has supported as much as 25W wi-fi iPhone charging on the iPhone 16 household. Third-party chargers—beforehand restricted to a 15W most—will be capable to match that pace with the launch of the brand new Qi2 25W, which the iPhone 16 and later will help from iOS 26.
RCS Common Profile 3.0 and different Android ‘pleasant’ options
Help for RCS Common Profile 3.0 might are available in an replace to iOS 26. RCS 3.0 will encrypt iPhone-to-Android messages, and supply different options to make speaking between iPhones and Android telephones extra seamless. At the moment, Android customers can edit a message inside quarter-hour of it being despatched – this works in iOS 18.5 and the iOS 26 developer beta however the iPhone shows the edited message as a brand new one with an asterisk reasonably than changing the message with the edited message.
iPhone customers are in a position to edit messages despatched to different iPhones, however they don’t seem to be but in a position to edit RCS messages despatched to an Android telephone. RCS 3.0 also needs to make this accessible to iPhone customers.
There even be simplified eSIM switch from Android.
iOS 26 launch date
- First seen at WWDC on June 9, 2025
- Obtainable to obtain on September 15, 2025
The discharge often occurs across the following occasions the place most of our readers reside. However observe that Apple’s servers are prone to be overloaded so an early obtain might take a very long time! In the event you wait a day or so the obtain will likely be quicker – and Apple might have addressed any early bugs.
- U.S.: at 10 am (PST/PDT), 11 am (MST/MDT), midday (CST/CDT), 1 pm (EST/EDT)
- Canada: as above, and a pair of pm (AST/ADT)
- U.Okay.: at 6 pm (GMT/BST)
- Europe: at 7pm (CET/CEST), 8 pm (EET/EEST)
- India: at 10.30 pm (IST)
- Australia: Subsequent day at 1 am (AWST/AWDT), 2.30 am (ACST/ACDT), 3 am (AEST/AEDT)
- New Zealand: Subsequent day at 5 am (NZST/NZDT)
For assist putting in iOS 26 learn: How you can replace iOS on iPhone.
iOS 26 newest beta
- Newest Developer Beta: none
- Newest Public Beta: none
We’ve got a separate article that particulars learn how to be a part of Apple’s beta software program program. Beta improvement of iOS 26 will proceed even after the iOS replace arrives with the general public, with much more new options being developed.
Anybody utilizing the beta is inspired to file bug reviews utilizing the included Apple’s Suggestions Assistant app in order that the corporate can handle them. If you wish to study extra in regards to the beta learn: What’s within the newest iOS beta and learn how to get it.
iOS 26 supported gadgets
- iOS 26 is a free software program replace for iPhone 11 and later.
- The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will miss out on iOS 26.
Apple has confirmed the next iPhones will be capable to get iOS 26:
- iPhone 16e (2025)
- iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Professional/16 Professional Max (2024)
- iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Professional/15 Professional Max (2023)
- iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Professional/14 Professional Max (2022)
- iPhone SE (Third gen) (2022)
- iPhone 13/13 mini/13 Professional/13 Professional Max (2021)
- iPhone 12/12 mini/12 Professional/12 Professional Max (2020)
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) (2020)
- iPhone 11/11 Professional/11 Professional Max (2019)
When Apple updates the working system for its gadgets it typically implies that sure fashions aren’t appropriate with the replace. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, which have been supported by iOS 18 and launched in 2018, will miss out on iOS 26.
This doesn’t imply that these 2018 iPhones are unsupported by Apple. Apple will proceed to challenge security-related software program updates to iOS 18 for a couple of extra years. Examine how lengthy iPhones are supported to search out out which iPhones are not supported with safety updates.
Nor does this imply that each one the supported iPhones get all the brand new options. As was the case in 2024, solely sure iPhones can help Apple Intelligence powered options. That’s the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max and the entire of the iPhone 16 vary. Because of this in case your telephone isn’t a type of talked about you miss out on options such because the Visible Intelligence and Genmoji updates, in addition to the Telephone app capability to handle your undesirable calls.
Learn how the brand new iOS compares with the present model in our comparability of iOS 26 vs iOS 18: What’s completely different, what’s new, and do you have to replace?
iOS 26 FAQ
FAQ
What occurred to iOS 19?
After the discharge of iOS 18 in 2024, Apple determined to vary its iPhone working system naming conference to match the 12 months by which it’s accessible. What we have been anticipating to be referred to as iOS 19 was confirmed to be iOS 26 at Apple’s WWDC in June 2025.
Why is it referred to as iOS 26 and never iOS 25?
Regardless of iOS 26 being launched on September 15, 2025, the vast majority of its lifetime will likely be throughout in 2026.
When did iOS 26 come out?
iOS 26 was launched on September 15, 2025.
How do I get the iOS 26 beta?
Updates to iOS 26 will likely be examined with developer and public beta releases. In the event you want to strive these beta releases, you will have to subscribe to Apple’s beta program to entry the iOS 26 Developer beta, or enroll your iPhone into the iOS Public Beta program.
How do I downgrade from iOS 26?
If you wish to downgrade from iOS 26 beta earlier than the complete model of iOS 26 is launched you will have to wipe your iPhone and manually set up iOS 18. If you wish to downgrade from iOS 26 beta after the complete model of iOS 26 is launched, you may flip off Beta Updates in Settings and replace your iPhone. If you’re trying to downgrade from the ultimate model iOS 26 to an older model of iOS, nevertheless, you’re in all probability going to be out of luck. Inside days of iOS 26’s launch you could possibly downgrade to iOS 18 if a signed model of the software program remains to be accessible; past this, and for older variations of iOS, your greatest guess is to purchase an outdated iPhone.
How do I replace to iOS 26?
You’ll be able to replace a appropriate iPhone by going to Settings > Common > Software program Replace, then following the prompts. Macworld recommends backing up your iPhone earlier than a software program replace. Additionally, you will want to make sure ample house is obtainable in your system, and that you’ve got loads of battery energy and are related to a steady Wi-Fi connection.
How a lot will iOS 26 price?
iOS 26 is a free replace for iPhone customers.
Which iPhones help iOS 26?
All iPhones launched since 2019 will help iOS 26. Which means iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd gen), and all iPhones that adopted, will be capable to improve to iOS 26.
What’s new in iOS 26?
The largest change in iOS 26 is a visible one, with a brand new Liquid Glass design language producing a translucent impact that Apple says blurs the strains between {hardware} and software program. Additionally new in iOS 26 are spam-filtering options akin to Name Screening and a message screening characteristic – simply one in every of a number of upgrades to the core telephone performance, which additionally will get textual content summaries for Voice Mail, Maintain Help, and Dwell Translation. There’s a brand-new Video games app, and Apple has finished numerous work to tidy and declutter the interface in apps such because the Digicam. However that is simply the beginning, with numerous smaller tweaks and enhancements to the iPhone working system.
Apple’s Awe Dropping occasion on September 9, 2025 noticed new {hardware} releases together with the iPhone 17 (working iOS 26), Apple Watch Sequence 11, Extremely 3 and SE Third-gen (working watchOS 26), and new AirPods. Preserve tuned to our Occasion Information for all the most recent protection.
iOS historical past
iOS 18 is the present model of Apple’s iPhone working system. Under you could find details about earlier iOS releases, with hyperlinks to our protection for full particulars. Be taught extra about all of the new Apple merchandise coming this 12 months and when is the following Apple occasion.
- iPhone OS 1 – Launched June 29, 2007 (Newest 1.1.5 July 15, 2008)
- iPhone OS 2 – Launched July 11, 2008 (Newest 2.2.1 January 27, 2009)
- iPhone OS 3 – Launched June 17, 2009 (Newest 3.2.2 August 11, 2010)
- iOS 4 – Launched June 22, 2010 (Newest 4.3.5 July 25, 2011)
- iOS 5 – Launched October 12, 2011 (Newest 5.1.1 Might 7, 2012)
- iOS 6 – Launched September 19, 2012 (Newest 6.1.6 February 21, 2014)
- iOS 7 – Launched September 18, 2013 (Newest 7.1.2 June 30, 2014)
- iOS 8 – Launched September 17, 2014 (Newest 8.4.1 August 13, 2015)
- iOS 9 – Launched September 16, 2015 (Newest 9.3.6 July 22, 2019)
- iOS 10 – Launched September 13, 2016 (Newest 10.3.4 July 22, 2019)
- iOS 11 – Launched September 19, 2017 (Newest 11.4.1 July 9, 2018)
- iOS 12 – Launched September 17, 2018 (Newest 12.5.7 January 23, 2023)
- iOS 13 – Launched September 19, 2019 (Newest 13.7 September 1, 2020)
- iOS 14 – Launched September 17, 2020 (Newest 14.8.1 October 26, 2021)
- iOS 15 – Launched September 24, 2021 (Newest iOS 15.8.3 July 29, 2024)
- iOS 16 – Launched September 12, 2022 (Newest iOS 16.7.10 August 7, 2024)
- iOS 17 – Launched September 18, 2023 (Newest iOS 17.7.2 November 19, 2024)
- iOS 18 – Launched September 16, 2024 (Newest iOS 18.6 July 29, 2025)
- iOS 26 – Launched September 15, 2025

