Good news! iOS 26, Apple’s latest update, is about to arrive on iPhone devices. If you own one of these smartphones, here’s what you need to know about the new features of this operating system and when you’ll be able to install it. Take note!
What’s New in Apple’s iOS 26 Update?
The iOS 26 update enhances the iPhone experience with a completely redesigned interface, intelligent features, and improvements to everyday apps. It preserves the familiar iOS feel while introducing a more expressive look through Liquid Glass, a translucent material that adds depth and dynamism to icons, widgets, controls, and screens. The lock screen and home screen now allow advanced customization, including spatial scenes with 3D effects.
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Apple Intelligence is integrated system-wide, offering live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, as well as Visual Intelligence that lets users search for on-screen content and receive automatic Calendar suggestions.
Communication features are improved: the Phone app now centralizes Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail, while Call Review and On-Hold Assistant help reduce interruptions. Messages adds unknown number filters, custom backgrounds, automatic polls, and Apple Cash for group chats.
Here are the main features of iOS 26:
- New design with Liquid Glass and advanced customization of screens and icons.
- Apple Intelligence: live translation and Visual Intelligence across apps.
- Phone and Messages: unified design, call review, filters, and custom backgrounds.
- CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra: compact view, Tapbacks, pinned conversations, widgets, and Live Activities.
- Apple Music: lyrics translation, pronunciation, and AutoMix.
- Maps: Visited Places, smart routing, and delay alerts.
- Wallet: Apple Pay, dynamic boarding passes, and lost item tracking.
- Apple Games: centralized games and Apple Arcade.
- AirPods: studio-quality recording, camera remote control, and clearer calls.
- Parental Controls: account management, communication limits, and app approvals.
- Safari: advanced anti-fingerprinting protection.
- Accessibility: accessibility reader, Braille Access, Live Listen, and Background Sounds.
When Will iOS 26 Be Available?
The new software update will be free and available starting Monday, September 15, 2025.
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Which iPhones Will Support iOS 26?
iOS 26 will be compatible with the following devices:
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
Which iPhones Will Not Receive iOS 26?
These devices will not be compatible:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 5s
- All earlier models
Why Is Updating Your iPhone Important?
Updating the iPhone operating system is essential to keep your device secure, fast, and functional. Each new version includes security patches protecting against vulnerabilities and attacks, safeguarding personal information. Updates also improve phone performance, fix bugs, and optimize battery life.
They allow access to new features and enhancements in native apps, delivering a smoother, more personalized experience. Ignoring updates may expose your device and limit its capabilities, so keeping your system up to date ensures reliability and longevity.
