iPhone 17 event (Sept 9) and iOS 26 — full rundown

Apple’s iPhone 17 event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. iOS 26 is expected to arrive to the public shortly after the event (historically within a week). The public beta for iOS 26 is available for testers via the Apple Beta Software Program — sign up at beta.apple.com.

Top new features in iOS 26

• Liquid Glass design: A new translucent “Liquid Glass” aesthetic across home/lock screens, apps and widgets.
• Phone app overhaul: Scroll contacts, recent calls and voicemail on one screen; new Hold Assist to be notified when an agent answers.
• Live Translation: Real-time translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages.
• Visual Intelligence: Search what’s on your screen (like a reverse image search for items you see in photos).
• Messages and Groups: Polls in group chats; better filtering for unknown or spam senders.
• Photos & Camera: Photos tabs return; easier Camera navigation and a lens-clean reminder.
• FaceTime safety: On-device detection that can pause communications if nudity is detected (child safety feature).
• Lock screen & alarms: More lock-screen customizations, 3D wallpaper effects and customizable snooze (1–15 minutes).

iPadOS, AirPods & Siri

• iPadOS 26: Liquid Glass look, new menu bar and optional real windowing/multitasking.
• AirPods updates: Improved audio recording, camera remote control, and rumored live translation & heart-rate monitoring (unconfirmed).
• Siri: Major AI upgrades are reportedly delayed to a later release; smaller changes may appear in 2026.

Compatibility

Most iPhones from 2019 or later qualify for iOS 26. Older models like iPhone XR/XS may be excluded. (Typical compatible models include iPhone 11 and newer, and iPhone SE 2nd gen and later.)

How to try the beta

1. Sign up at beta.apple.com with an Apple ID.
2. On your iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update > iOS 26 public beta.

Warning: Don’t install betas on a primary device unless you accept the risks of unstable software.

Sources & further reading

• Tom’s Guide: iPhone 17 event coverage
• 9to5Mac: Apple Sept 2025 dates & iOS 26
• TechRadar: Apple event live coverage
• Apple event livestream (YouTube)
• Apple Beta Software Program

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