Apple is set to roll out iOS 26 tomorrow, bringing new features, security updates, and Apple Intelligence tools to supported iPhones. While major upgrades are exciting, it’s best to prepare your device beforehand to avoid hiccups during installation. Clearing space, backing up your data, and checking compatibility can save you from last-minute headaches. Here’s a simple checklist to get your iPhone ready for iOS 26 so you can make the most of the update the moment it arrives.
What you should know first
- iOS 26 is being released on September 15, 2025.
- Not all features in iOS 26 will work on all devices. New features that use Apple Intelligence are limited to more recent iPhones.
Is your device compatible?
Make sure your device supports iOS 26.
iPhone models compatible:
iPhone 11 series and newer, including all iPhone 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 models, plus iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
So if you have anything older than iPhone 11 (or an SE older than 2nd gen), you likely won’t get iOS 26.
Steps to prepare your iPhone for the update
Here’s a checklist to follow before upgrading:
Free Up Storage Space
- Remove apps you no longer use.
- Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage to see which apps are using a lot of space. Deleting large apps or reinstalling them can help.
- Use iCloud for large files (photos etc.), or enable “Offload Unused Apps” to help.
On Mac: connect your iPhone → open Finder → select your device → choose to back up all data and optionally encrypt. Then archive the backup so it isn’t overwritten.
On Windows: use the Apple Devices app to back up; also encrypt if you want health data etc. archived.
Ensure Device is Charged & Connect to Wi-Fi
Before starting the update, make sure your battery is sufficient (or have it plugged in) and that you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. Updates can take time.
Check for the Update
When the update is live, go to Settings → General → Software Update. Wait for iOS 26 to appear.
Be Ready for Feature Limitations
Some iOS 26 features (especially those that depend on Apple Intelligence) require newer hardware. So even if your device is compatible, not everything may work.
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