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Apple iOS 26 release date, time, supported iPhones, features and all other details we know so far
Apple is expected to introduce iOS 26 at the event today. The updated iOS version is speculated to bring major redesign to the iPhones software. Here’s everything we know so far about iOS 26, including the release timeline, new features, supported devices, and more — summarised in seven key sections.
1/6
iOS to get a new name and design
Apple is skipping from iOS 18 straight to iOS 26 to align with the calendar year it will be widely used — 2026. This naming strategy will also apply to macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. iOS 26 brings a glass-like visual redesign, the first major shift since iOS 7, with softer icons, a more rounded aesthetic, and updated native app interfaces.
Apple is skipping from iOS 18 straight to iOS 26 to align with the calendar year it will be widely used — 2026. This naming strategy will also apply to macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. iOS 26 brings a glass-like visual redesign, the first major shift since iOS 7, with softer icons, a more rounded aesthetic, and updated native app interfaces.
2/6
iOS 26 release date (expected)
The final version of iOS 26 is expected to roll out globally on September 16, 2025, likely a week after the iPhone 17 series launch. This follows Apple’s usual pattern of releasing iOS updates on the Tuesday following its September hardware event.
The final version of iOS 26 is expected to roll out globally on September 16, 2025, likely a week after the iPhone 17 series launch. This follows Apple’s usual pattern of releasing iOS updates on the Tuesday following its September hardware event.
3/6
Beta program timeline and how to join
Apple is launching the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 immediately after the WWDC keynote. The Public Beta 1 is expected to be released on July 15, 2025. To join the beta program: • Back up your iPhone • Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates • Choose Developer or Public Beta and install
Apple is launching the iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 immediately after the WWDC keynote. The Public Beta 1 is expected to be released on July 15, 2025. To join the beta program: • Back up your iPhone • Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates • Choose Developer or Public Beta and install
4/6
Supported iPhones for iOS 26 (expected)
iOS 26 is expected to support all devices running iOS 18, but older models with the A12 Bionic chip, like iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, may be dropped.
Likely supported devices include:
• iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 series
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iOS 26 is expected to support all devices running iOS 18, but older models with the A12 Bionic chip, like iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, may be dropped.
Likely supported devices include:
• iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 series
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
5/6
Apple Intelligence to get smarter
Apple is doubling down on Apple Intelligence. iOS 26 is expected to come with improvements to Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground. Siri’s full AI revamp is still in development, but Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Gemini AI into Siri.
Apple is doubling down on Apple Intelligence. iOS 26 is expected to come with improvements to Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground. Siri’s full AI revamp is still in development, but Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Gemini AI into Siri.
6/6
Battery life optimisation using AI
iOS 26 is speculated to use on-device AI to personalise battery usage based on individual habits. This could be particularly beneficial for upcoming thin models like the iPhone 17 Air.
iOS 26 is speculated to use on-device AI to personalise battery usage based on individual habits. This could be particularly beneficial for upcoming thin models like the iPhone 17 Air.
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