iOS 26: What’s New, Compatibility & Release Timing
Apple’s iPhone 17 event is set for Sept 9, 2025. iOS 26 is expected to roll out about a week later (mid-September), with public beta builds already available (public beta 6 at the time of writing).
Headline features
- Liquid Glass: A refreshed, cohesive UI across Apple OSes with floating icons, dark & all-clear modes, and 3D effects.
- Live Translate: Real-time translation in calls and messages — reportedly coming to AirPods too.
- Phone & Camera redesigns: Consolidated call/voicemail view, Hold Assist, simpler Camera UI, and a lens-dirty warning.
- Other: Polls in Messages, new lock screen options, adjustable alarm snooze, better screenshots with reverse-image search and ChatGPT integration.
Compatibility
Apple has indicated that iPhones announced in 2019 or later will be compatible with iOS 26. Notably, these 2018 models will not be supported:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
If your device is ineligible, it won’t receive iOS 26 and may miss future security updates and app compatibility.
Supported iPhones (summary)
Essentially: iPhone SE (2nd gen+) and all iPhones from iPhone 11 onward, including iPhone 12/13/14/15/16 series and expected iPhone 17 models.
When to expect iOS 26
Apple typically releases new iOS versions in mid-September, often about a week after its September event. Expect confirmation at the Sept 9 event and a likely release around Sept 16.
More info & resources
- Official Apple pages (compatibility & beta info): Please see Apple’s iOS preview and support/compatibility pages for official confirmation. (Links included below.)
- Shop accessories: Example — iPhone 15 case search on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=iPhone+15+case&tag=f1rede-20
Will you upgrade when iOS 26 arrives? Tell us your model and why — we’ll help you decide.