iOS 26 is Here! What You Need to Know About the Latest iPhone Software Update

The future of your iPhone just landed! Apple officially unveiled iOS 26 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025. This isn't just another incremental update; it marks a significant leap in design and functionality, with a strategic shift in Apple's software naming convention – jumping from iOS 18 directly to iOS 26 to align with its 2025-2026 release year.

When Can You Get Your Hands on iOS 26?

If you're eager to try out the new features, the public beta for iOS 26 is expected to launch in July 2025. For everyone else, the official public release of iOS 26 is slated for mid-September 2025. This aligns perfectly with Apple's traditional release schedule, typically arriving shortly after the unveiling of the new iPhone lineup (likely the iPhone 17 series). So, mark your calendars for a major software refresh!

What's New in iOS 26?

iOS 26 brings a host of exciting changes, with a notable "Liquid Glass" redesign that promises a fresh, modern look for your iPhone. Expect to see:

A brand-new Liquid Glass design overhaul with floating and pop-out menus.
A streamlined Camera app for an even better photography experience.
Dedicated "Games" and "Preview" applications.
Enhanced communication features, including updates to Genmoji and Image Playground.
New tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist.

While many features are launching with the initial release, some advanced functionalities, such as live translation via AirPods and seamless public Wi-Fi login syncing across devices, might arrive in subsequent point updates like iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2 later this year.

Will Your iPhone Support iOS 26?

Apple is known for its impressive software support lifecycle, offering updates to iPhones for many years. However, with each new iOS version, some older models eventually reach their end of support.

Here's a breakdown of which iPhone models are expected to receive the iOS 26 update:

iPhone 16 Series (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e)
iPhone 15 Series (iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max)
iPhone 14 Series (iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max)
iPhone 13 Series (iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max)
iPhone 12 Series (iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max)
iPhone 11 Series (iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max)
iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Which iPhones will NOT get iOS 26? Unfortunately, iOS 26 will mark the end of major software updates for the following models:

iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR

These models will remain on iOS 18 as their last major operating system update.

It's also worth noting that while older supported iPhones will receive iOS 26, some of the more advanced, AI-driven features (Apple Intelligence) might be exclusive to newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and the upcoming iPhone 17 series, which boast the latest chip technology.

Get ready to experience your iPhone in a whole new way with iOS 26!