iOS 26 & iPhone 17: What to Expect — Public Beta Available
Apple’s iPhone 17 event is set for Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Ahead of the release, the iOS 26 public beta is available for testers. iOS 26 brings a major visual refresh plus several practical features across iPhone, iPad and AirPods.
Quick highlights
- Liquid Glass: a new translucent home/lock screen aesthetic that extends across Apple OSes.
- Phone improvements: Hold Assist (keep your place on hold), redesigned call UI and live translation for phone/FaceTime/messages.
- Visual Intelligence: search what’s in a photo or screenshot (like a reverse image search).
- Photos: tabs like Library and Collections return separately to reduce endless scrolling.
- Camera & UI: cleaner Camera layout, passcode/Ctrl Center animations, and new lock screen customizations.
- iPadOS 26: optional real windowing/multitasking, new menu bar and Liquid Glass visuals.
- AirPods: better audio recording, camera remote control and possible live translation support. Find AirPods options: AirPods on Amazon.
Who can run iOS 26?
Most iPhones from 2019 onward are supported. Older models (e.g., XR/XS) may be excluded. Always check Apple Beta Software Program for the latest compatibility list.
How to install the public beta
- Sign up at beta.apple.com.
- On your iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update > iOS 26 public beta.
Warning: Don’t install on your main iPhone unless you accept beta instability risks.
Event & release timing
Apple’s event page: https://www.apple.com/apple-events/. Historically, the final public release follows the September event by about a week — expect iOS 26 final release mid-September 2025.
Want more?
Have specific questions or want a deep dive into a feature (Liquid Glass, Visual Intelligence, or AirPods)? Reply below and I’ll expand.
Note: This post summarizes available public beta and Apple event info and omits direct links to the original Engadget RSS piece.