Apple is preparing to roll out iOS 26 to iPhone users worldwide in September. The update will rollout alongside the highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 series. A public beta of iOS 26 is already available, allowing users to preview the upcoming changes.
The new iOS version brings a range of features, including a redesigned interface called "liquid glass," enhanced artificial intelligence tools, and significant improvements to core apps like Apple Maps, Messages, and the Phone app.
How to check for the iOS 26 update:
Once the final version is released, users can check for the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update on their compatible devices. Apple typically begins the rollout immediately after announcing the update during its annual September hardware event.
Compatible iPhone models for iOS 26:
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Plus
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Plus
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Meanwhile, the upcoming iPhone 17 series will ship with iOS 26 pre-installed. The new lineup is expected to include iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with the Pro models reportedly featuring advanced camera upgrades and a dedicated camera button.
Apple is likely to announce the final iOS 26 release date and iPhone 17 details during its September keynote event.
iOS 26 key features
iOS 26 delivers the new Liquid Glass interface: translucent, glass-like visuals across menus, apps, Control Centre, lock and home screens, reacting fluidly to interaction. Apple Intelligence powers real‑time Live Translation within Messages, FaceTime and Phone, Visual Intelligence for contextual screenshot search, Genmoji, and AI‑driven Shortcuts integration. The Phone app is redesigned with unified call logs, Call Screening for unknown callers and Hold Assist to manage waiting time. The Messages app gains chat backgrounds, polls, Apple Cash transfers in threads, typing indicators, and sender filtering.
Other highlights include Apple Music's AutoMix mode and lyric translation, an all-new Games app, improvements to Apple Maps, Wallet, Safari, Photos, and CarPlay.
