iOS 26 release date, features, and how to update

Summary

Apple launched iOS 26 on 15 September 2025, rolling out globally at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PDT). The update brings a refreshed visual style Apple calls “Liquid Glass” — smoother, more translucent UI elements — alongside new on-device AI under the Apple Intelligence banner. Core additions include Live Translation, Visual Intelligence for context-aware actions, Genmoji/Image Playground, and Adaptive Power Mode. Support is limited to iPhones with the A13 Bionic chip or newer (models from 2019 onwards), while the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max are no longer supported. Some advanced AI features are reserved for iPhone 15 Pro and later.

Key Points

Official public release: 15 September 2025 at 10:00 a.m. PDT (global, synchronised rollout).
Supported devices: iPhones from 2019 onward (minimum A13 Bionic). iPhone XR, XS and XS Max dropped.
Liquid Glass: a smoother, translucent redesign across Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Centre and apps.
Apple Intelligence: on-device AI (Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, Genmoji, Adaptive Power Mode) — full features limited to iPhone 15 Pro and newer.
Communication and productivity upgrades: Call Screening, Hold Assist, Messages backgrounds, group polls and unknown-sender filtering.
App updates: Photos (Library vs Collections), smarter Maps routing, Wallet with digital passport support and better boarding passes, a Games hub.
Pre-install checklist: back up (iCloud or computer), free 3–5 GB (20 GB recommended), charge to 50%+, use stable Wi‑Fi and update apps first.
Installation options: Over-the-air via Settings > General > Software Update, or via Finder/iTunes on a computer.
Update timing: early adopters get new features and security fixes; cautious users may wait 2–4 weeks for bug-fix updates (e.g. iOS 26.1).

Why should I read this?

Quick and to the point: if your iPhone is from 2019 or later, this update matters. You get a fresh look, neat on-device AI tricks (handy live translation!), and better core apps — but some flagship AI is gated to the newest Pro models. Read this so you know whether to hit Update now or wait a couple of weeks for the first patches. We skimmed the long release notes so you don’t have to.

Pre-install checklist (brief)

Back up your phone (iCloud or computer). Free up at least 3–5 GB (ideally ~20 GB). Charge to 50%+ and use Wi‑Fi. Update apps beforehand to avoid compatibility issues.

How to update (quick steps)

Over-the-air: Settings > General > Software Update → Download and Install.

Via computer: connect iPhone with USB → Finder (macOS 10.15+) or iTunes (older macs/Windows) → Check for Update → Download and Update. Keep device connected until complete.

Should you update now?

If you like new features and don’t rely on your phone for urgent work, go ahead. If the device is mission-critical, wait 2–4 weeks for stability fixes. A balanced approach: update a secondary device first, then your main phone after early bugs are ironed out.