iOS 26, iPhone 17 event and AirPods Pro 3 — What to know
Apple’s iPhone 17 event revealed the new iPhone 17 lineup (including the ultra‑thin iPhone Air), three new Apple Watch models and the all‑new AirPods Pro 3. iOS 26 will be released to the public on September 15, and the iOS 26 RC is already available to public and developer beta testers.
Quick highlights
- New Liquid Glass design: a translucent, cohesive UI across iPhone, iPad and Mac.
- Phone app redesign & Hold Assist: scroll contacts and hold your place on long support calls.
- Live Translation: real‑time translation for Phone, FaceTime, Messages (also coming to AirPods).
- Visual Intelligence: search anything shown on your screen (like reverse image search).
- Photos tabs return, Camera app cleanup, new lock screen options and customizable alarm snooze (1–15 minutes).
- FaceTime “Communication Safety” appears to pause communications if nudity is detected (on‑device).
AirPods Pro 3
Apple introduced AirPods Pro 3 with improved ANC, Live Translation, enhanced audio recording, camera remote control and heart rate monitoring. For more details from Apple, see the official announcement and (if available) check retailers below.
Apple Newsroom: Introducing AirPods Pro 3
Search on Amazon (affiliate): AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon
Install iOS 26 beta / RC
If you want to try iOS 26 now, join the Apple Beta Software Program and install the public beta or RC. Be cautious: don’t install on your primary device unless you accept beta risks.
Compatible iPhones
Most iPhones from 2019 onward are supported. Notable exclusions include iPhone XR, XS and XS Max.
Will you update on Sept 15?
Share which iOS 26 feature you’re most excited about in the comments below.
Post compiled from Apple announcements and beta reports. Links point to official Apple pages where available. Original coverage and reviews not linked per request.