iOS 26 Release Date: What’s New And Compatibility
iOS 26, the annual upgrade to Apple’s mobile operating system, will be available in the autumn for your iPhone. iOS 26, which is available for free to all iPhone owners with a supported device, represents a departure from Apple’s nomenclature convention and introduces a new aesthetic to your iPhone.
The following information is essential.
You could be excused for assuming that iOS 18 would inevitably transition to iOS 19, but the subsequent release will be iOS 26. We have omitted five complete version numbers due to Apple’s decision to standardize its software version nomenclature convention by transitioning to years.
For the year 2026, that corresponds to iOS 26. In the future, Apple will employ the same naming convention for all of its software releases. This should facilitate memory retention, provided that the iPhone released in 2025 is actually operating the software release named after 2026, which is also being released in 2025.
iOS 26 Design
Apple’s WWDC 2025 presentation was dominated by the announcement that the company is implementing a new design for iOS 26, the first significant redesign since iOS 7. Apple employs the term “Liquid Glass” to characterise the new design, which includes numerous transparent elements and some visually appealing glass effects, such as light refraction.
The new design seamlessly transitions between light and dark, with icons and interface elements tinted using the customization options that Apple introduced in iOS 18 last year. A new “clear” appearance mode is also available for minimalists and individuals who wish to emphasize their background image. The appearance is fluent and impressive; however, some commenters and staff members at How-To Geek have expressed apprehensions regarding the readability of the lighter elements.
VIDEO COURTESY BY APPLE
Apple claims that the new appearance is exclusively as a result of improvements in processor design, particularly the power of the GPU. The durability of these effects on older devices is yet to be determined. Apple appears to have enhanced the functionality of the operating system, which is a relief, as the redesign extends beyond a mere reskin.
On-screen elements that have been redesigned float above the content and expand and contract as you navigate up and down. Apple observed that iOS 18 continued to rely significantly on a design language that was a holdover from the era of rectangular screens and that the new approach prioritises the rounded edges of contemporary iPhones.
Apple also demonstrated modifications to the context menu that appears when text is highlighted. iOS 26 eliminates the necessity of scrolling horizontally to locate features such as text formatting controls. Instead, the menu is expanded to facilitate the rapid selection of the desired item.
The new design is consistent across all devices, as is becoming a recurring theme. This implies that the Mac and other devices, such as the Apple Watch, receive it.
iOS 26 Features
Apple will be introducing a variety of new features and modifications to existing apps and services with iOS 26, in addition to a new design that will also alter the way you use your iPhone.
Enhancements to the Lock and Home Screen
The iOS 26 home interface features a new design that is consistent with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. The clock now exhibits a glassy appearance that responds to the inclination of your device. Additionally, it adjusts to the background image you select, expanding and contracting in size. This occurs when you navigate through your notifications, as the focal point of your background image (such as a face) moves and the clock is resized.
Safari that is more immersive
Safari is an application that appears to be significantly enhanced by Apple’s recent Liquid Glass design. Apple has successfully eliminated the boxy appearance of iOS 18 that results in the content being cut off at the top and bottom, allowing webpages to run edge-to-edge perpetually.
Safari URL bar. Apple iOS 26The tab bar at the bottom has been redesigned to float above the content, shrinking as you navigate down and reappearing as you scroll up. Although the refresh button and website options buttons, as well as the back button, are still accessible, all other functionality is concealed beneath the “More” button to achieve a more organized appearance.
CarPlay undergoes an overhaul
CarPlay has been neglected by Apple in recent iOS releases; therefore, it is a source of solace to observe that things are improving in iOS 26. It is crucial to note that the majority of the modifications are applicable to all users, not just those who possess high-end vehicles that are equipped with the new CarPlay Ultra interface (although there are enhancements in this regard)
First, the glassy appearance is extended to CarPlay components. This design decision has resulted in some beneficial side effects, such as a new, smaller, and more compact incoming call notification window. This feature allows users to accept or decline calls without the incoming call screen occupying the entire display.
Your pinned conversations now appear in the Messages app on your car’s display, just like they do on your iPhone, and Messages in CarPlay receive Tap backs for fast reactions that don’t require a significant amount of your attention. This feature has been long overdue.
Apple has stated that the widgets that are intended for use with the iPhone are also included in CarPlay. Additionally, Apple is integrating Live Activities into your vehicle to display pertinent information. Apple provided the example of a flight tracker; however, it could be applied to other applications, such as food deliveries or sports events.
The high-end CarPlay Ultra will receive all of these enhancements, which include improved customization of the layout and design in iOS 26.
The phone application implements call screening and holds assistance.
The iPhone now has the ability to answer calls on your behalf, as well as to determine the identity of the caller and the reason for the call. It will then ring you while displaying a message that elucidates the nature of the call, similar to the functionality of Live Voicemail in iOS 18. The feature is intended to reduce spam and is activated automatically for unknown callers.
Apple iOS 26 Call Screening.
In the same vein, Hold Assist is a feature that enables you to place your phone down and silence hold music for the duration of your call. A chime will be heard when the operator is prepared to accept your call. Apple has even stated that you are permitted to store your phone during this period.
Darin Adler, Apple’s VP of Internet Technologies, also introduced a new unified view to the app, which users can “choose.” It is possible that Apple is incorporating lessons from the Photos mishap. It features floating sections for Calls, Contacts, and Keypad and prioritizes your most frequently used contacts at the top, followed by a list of your most recent contacts (which includes voicemail messages that can be played with a single tap).
Modifications to Messages.
The ability to screen unverified senders is a spam-prevention feature that Messages has, similar to Call Screening. Rather than clogging up your conversation list, these messages will now be displayed in their own folder, which can be accessed by clicking a button in the top-right quadrant of the screen.
Apple has stated that time-sensitive messages, such as two-factor authentication codes and table reservations, will continue to be delivered in the usual manner. Everything else will be concealed from view and will not be displayed as a notification.
Apple has finally implemented customizable backgrounds for iMessage conversations. This includes its own dynamic options, as well as the ability to select or generate your own. These are directed towards all participants in the discussion.
Messages backgrounds for iOS 26.
Apple is also incorporating polls into iMessage group conversations to resolve multiple-choice questions. Anyone has the ability to contribute options. Apple Intelligence will also identify instances in which a poll may be beneficial and recommend its implementation.
The capacity to share Apple Cash with multiple individuals and typing indicators are two small group messaging enhancements.
Visual Intelligence Is Finally Prepared.
Visual Intelligence was introduced with iOS 18.2, but it was limited to objects that were visible to the user’s camera. Apple is expanding the functionality of the feature to encompass all elements on the screen in iOS 26, a feature that functions similarly to Google’s Circle to Search feature on Android.
The feature employs the same combination of controls that are utilised for screenshots, including the side button and the volume up or down buttons. The new “Image Search” option in the bottom-right can be accessed by touching it, or you can use your finger to highlight objects to narrow down your search.
iOS 26 Visual Intelligence and Ask ChatGPT. Apple
Additionally, you will receive context-appropriate suggestions inline, such as an “Add to Calendar” icon that appears beneath the screenshot when an event is detected in the frame. A new “Ask” button is located in the lower-right corner of the screen, which can be used to ask ChatGPT enquiries about the content that is currently displayed.
This functionality is compatible with other applications, such as Pinterest or Etsy, which enables you to refine your search results. And, indeed, the recognizable screenshot tools are still located at the top of the screen (phew).
A New Live Translation Feature.
Live Translation, another Apple Intelligence feature, provides on-device translation capabilities to FaceTime, Phone, and Messages. This functionality is available offline; however, it necessitates an iPhone 15 Pro or later (and, when paired with a phone that supports Apple Intelligence, the Apple Watch).
The feature in Messages can automatically translate to a language of your choosing as you compose, with incoming messages being translated back to your own language. FaceTime video calls display a live translation in text above the spoken word, allowing you to hear the other individual.
Your iPhone is capable of translating your spoken words audibly (and back again) during standard phone calls. The other party does not require an iPhone for this to function, as it occurs on your device. Developers can incorporate the Live Translation API into their own communication applications.
The feature’s purview is restricted at launch, as anticipated. At present, it is limited to the following languages: Chinese (Simplified), English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). It is reasonable to anticipate that Apple will gradually introduce additional languages, typically in minor iOS updates, as has been the case in the past.
Apple has made some improvements to the Photos app.
Craig Federighi stated during Apple’s iOS 26 WWDC presentation that “many of you missed using tabs in the Photos app,” which may be the biggest understatement of the year. Apple is restoring categories to the camera app for Library and Collections, which is a relief. The library provides a comprehensive overview of all content, whereas Collections enables you to rapidly access your favorites, albums, and search.
iOS 26Camera View Simplified.
The Camera app has been slightly updated to include a larger viewfinder and a greater emphasis on the fundamental Photo and Video modes, which are the only two mode controls that are always visible on the screen. You have the option to swipe left and right to access additional modes, such as Slo-Mo and Portrait, or swipe up to access all of your other camera settings.
Apple has introduced a new camera interface in iOS 26.
An entirely new gaming applicationA Games app is a new feature in iOS 26, and it appears to be a redesigned version of Game Centre. Therefore, it is imperative that Apple does not abandon it. The app is intended to simplify the process of accessing and discovering games by displaying the current game on the primary screen, as well as a summary of the latest additions. Additionally, you will receive suggestions that are tailored to your preferences.
iOS 26 new games app. Apple.
Additionally, there are options for Apple Arcade and a library that consolidates all of the games installed on your iPhone in a single location. Lastly, the Play Together tab is intended to enhance the social aspect of iPhone gaming by providing quick access to your peers, enabling you to view what they are playing, compare scores, and send invitations to a new challenge mode.
Enhancements to Apple Music.
Apple Music also receives live translation features, including the capacity to automatically translate lyrics and subtitles to assist in the proper pronunciation of lyrics (Apple provided the Romanized pronunciation of Korean K-pop lyrics as an example).
iOS 26 Apple Music Automix. Apple.
Automix, a DJ feature that employs time-stretching and beat-matching to transition from one recording to the next, is also a recent addition. It will be necessary to determine the extent to which this concept can be advanced; however, it is an intriguing concept. Finally, the Music app now offers enhanced customization capabilities, including the capacity to attach your preferred playlists, artists, and albums to the top of the Library tab.
Additional Modifications.
The FaceTime app has been enhanced with new floating UI elements that automatically hide, as well as a new landing page that allows users to rapidly access frequent contacts and video messages (which now auto-play). Additionally, there are smaller changes that are also noteworthy.
Apple has implemented an update to Genmoji that enables users to merge two emojis into a single image and modify attributes such as expressions and tresses when employing their contacts as source material. In the same vein, Image Playground has implemented new ChatGPT image styles and added support for ChatGPT-generated images. A new Image Playground API is also available for developers to incorporate into their own applications.
Maps now record the locations you have visited as “Visited Places,” allowing you to review your location history. Apple underscored that this is end-to-end encrypted and that you have the ability to expunge your history at any time. Maps also learns your preferable routes and provides them as suggestions, rather than merely determining the most efficient route from A to B. If your favoured route is likely to result in a delay due to factors such as traffic, you will receive notifications.
A new Digital ID is being added to the wallet, which will be able to verify identity and age and be used for U.S. domestic travel. This ID will not replace your passport, but it will be able to support additional vehicle keys and driving licenses (ultimately).
Enhanced digital boarding permits enable you to promptly access maps for airport navigation, Find My for AirTags, and share flight status. Finally, rewards can be utilised when purchasing online with Apple Pay, while points can be utilised when making in-person payments. Apple Intelligence has been integrated into the Wallet app to enable order monitoring for Apple Pay purchases. This feature allows users to monitor the location of their packages.
iOS 26 Release Date
The official release date of iOS 26 has not yet been disclosed by Apple. However, the previous three releases were released on September 12, 18, and 16. This implies that mid-September is a reliable prediction.
A public beta will be accessible to all individuals prior to that date. The public beta of iOS 18 was released on July 15, 2024. The developer beta is currently accessible; however, it is frequently unstable and deficient in numerous features (the beta from last year, for example, was devoid of Apple Intelligence capabilities).
In order to gain access to the developer preview, you will need to register with Apple Developer. Upon completion, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and select “iOS 26 Developer Beta” using the “Beta Updates” option.
Compatibility with iOS 26
The iPhone 11 and second-generation iPhone SE or later will be compatible with iOS 26. To access Apple Intelligence features, you will require an iPhone 15 Pro or later. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max models will be bidding farewell with the release of iOS this year.
The full list of supported devices is:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 and 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 and 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
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