Apple’s next iPhone software update, iOS 26, is set to arrive with a new Liquid Glass design and upgrades across several core apps. While the developer beta is already live, regular iPhone users can expect the stable public release to roll out in mid-September.
Apple has only said that iOS 26 will launch this fall, but previous trends make the timeline more predictable.
Here’s when Apple released its last three iOS updates:
iOS 18: September 16, 2024 (Monday)
iOS 17: September 18, 2023 (Monday)
iOS 16: September 12, 2022 (Monday)
Each of these versions launched a few days after Apple’s annual iPhone event, which typically takes place in early September. With iPhone 17 expected to be announced in the first or second week of September this year, iOS 26 is likely to begin rolling out to compatible iPhones around the middle of the month.
The update will bring system-wide UI refinements, especially the Liquid Glass effect, along with new features for Messages, Apple Music, Wallet, and CarPlay.
iOS 26 public beta arriving soon
For users who don’t want to wait until September, the iOS 26 public beta is expected to launch before the end of July.
While public betas usually appear in mid-July, this year’s version has been slightly delayed. With Apple releasing developer beta 4 this week, the public beta could be made available any day now via the company’s official beta programme. Interested users can enrol at beta.apple.com.
The beta version will offer early access to new features but may include bugs and performance issues. Apple uses public beta feedback to refine the software before final release.
If you’re comfortable dealing with occasional glitches, the public beta offers a chance to explore iOS 26 early. Otherwise, the stable version should arrive in September, shortly after the iPhone 17 series is unveiled.
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