iOS 26 Rolls Out: Everything You Need to Know—Features, Compatibility & Update Guide.

What is iOS 26?

iOS 26 is Apple’s forthcoming significant enhancement for the iPhone. It was announced during WWDC 2025 (Worldwide Developers Conference) on June 9. Alongside the iPhone 17 series, Apple is launching this update to introduce a variety of visual, intelligent, and usability enhancements.

Some of the key updates include:

• A revamped interface named “Liquid Glass”—featuring increased translucency, glass-like effects, refractions, and depth in user interface elements.
• In this update, Enhanced Apple Intelligence (AI) capabilities—real-time translation in Phone & Messages, smarter recommendations, and upgrades to Reminders, among others.
• Improvements to essential applications: Phone, Messages, Wallet, Maps, CarPlay, and Apple Music.
• New gaming features: the Apple Games app to unify gaming experiences.
• User interface adjustments on both the lock screen and home screen: greater customization, spatial scenes that create a sense of depth, translucency in icons, and more.

When and How It Will Be Released

• Release date of iOS 26:The public availability of this update, iOS 26, is set for September 15, 2025.
• Prior to this, Apple had provided the Release Candidate (RC) version to beta testers.
• The update will also be extended to iPads (as iPadOS 26), Apple Watches (watchOS 26), macOS Tahoe 26, and more.

Which Devices Will Receive iOS 26 (and Which Won’t)

Compatible iPhones include:

• iPhone 11 and later models (including SE 2nd generation and newer) * All new iPhone 17 models will come with it pre-installed.

Devices Not Supported:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will not receive iOS 26. These models operate on the A12 Bionic chip, and Apple is now discontinuing support for this release.

Key Features Explained Further

Here are some noteworthy enhancements beyond the visual overhaul:

• Real-Time Translation: You will have the ability to translate conversations in real-time in Messages & Phone.
• Visual Intelligence upgrades: For instance, utilizing screenshots as input for intelligence, recognizing objects, and inquiring about what you observe.
• Adaptive Power Mode: This feature helps maximize battery efficiency by adjusting performance during heavy usage. However, be aware that some functionalities are exclusive to newer iPhones.
• Revamped Phone & Messages: Improved call screening, a more intuitive layout, and fewer distractions.
• Changes to Lock & Home Screen: New widgets, dynamic widgets, spatial scenes that create depth/motion, options for translucent icons, etc.

Also read: Google Launched Affordable AI Plus Subscription Plan, Access to Veo 3 Fast.

What to Keep in Mind Before Updating.

• Some advanced UI and AI functionalities of this update of iOS 26 may only operate fully (or optimally) on the latest iPhones. Older device users will benefit from many enhancements but may lack some features.
• Always create a backup before updating—it’s a wise precaution, mainly with major releases.
• Verify your storage: significant updates combined with new assets (wallpapers, design components) may require additional free space.
• Some applications may require updates to function seamlessly with the new design. Occasionally, older apps may appear slightly off until they are updated.
• Early performance might exhibit bugs or glitches—Apple usually addresses these issues quickly, so keeping up with minor updates is beneficial.