Apple iPhone 17 event set for Sept 9 — iOS 26 Public Beta 5 is live

Apple confirmed its iPhone 17 announcement for Tuesday, September 9. If Apple follows past timing, the final public release of iOS 26 should arrive about one week later (around Sept 16).

Public beta and how to get it

The iOS 26 public beta 5 is available via the Apple Beta Software Program. Sign up and download at beta.apple.com. (Warning: betas can be unstable — don’t install on your primary device unless you accept the risks.)

Highlights of iOS 26

• Liquid Glass: A translucent, cohesive UI refresh across iPhone, iPad, and Mac — redesigned home and lock screens, floating-style buttons, adaptable to light/dark modes.
• Live Translation: System-wide translation for Phone, FaceTime and Messages for near-real-time conversations across languages.
• Hold Assist: Lets you hold your place on long customer service calls and returns control when an agent picks up.
• Visual Intelligence: On-device image/context search — screenshot or tap to find items or info related to what’s on screen.
• Photos tabs return: Library and Collections return as separate tabs for easier browsing.
• FaceTime Communication Safety: Pauses or freezes video when nudity is detected as an on-device child-safety measure.
• New lock screen options: More widgets, 3D effects, improved focus controls and a refreshed clock.

AirPods and iPad changes

• AirPods: camera remote gestures, improved audio recording, signs of live-translation gestures and rumors of heart-rate tracking in future hardware.
• iPadOS 26: Multitasking with resizable windows, new menu bar, and Liquid Glass visual updates.

Compatibility

Most iPhones from 2019 onward (roughly iPhone 11 and newer) are expected to be compatible with iOS 26. Double-check your model in Settings once the release is public.

Notes on Siri & AI

Apple’s smarter Siri update has been delayed to „the coming year,“ so major AI assistant changes are unlikely in the current betas. Apple is reportedly exploring external LLMs and planning a more ambitious Siri rework in the future.

Official resources

• Apple Beta Program: https://beta.apple.com
• Apple Events: https://www.apple.com/apple-events/

Want this condensed into a single tweet or need edits before posting? Let me know.