After a lengthy wait, iOS 26 is set to roll out to millions of iPhones starting tonight. The much-anticipated release was initially unveiled in June at Apple’s WWDC Developers Conference and is now ready for widespread distribution, with Apple confirming the availability of iOS 26 from September 15.
The new software update introduces a range of exciting features, such as a fresh Liquid Glass aesthetic, an updated Lock Screen displaying a clock that adjusts based on screen space, and Spatial scenes that animate wallpapers with a clever 3D effect. Additionally, iOS 26 includes functionalities like blocking spam calls, real-time language translation, and enhancements to Messages, Photos, Maps, and more.
This update will be offered as a free download, but not all users on the current iOS 18 platform will be able to transition to iOS 26. Apple periodically discontinues support for older devices that struggle to meet the performance requirements of the latest iOS versions.
Owners of iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR models will miss out on the iOS 26 upgrade unless they switch to a newer device. The following iPhones are compatible with iOS 26:
– iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max
– iPhone 16 Plus
– iPhone 16
– iPhone 16e
– iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max
– iPhone 15 Plus
– iPhone 15
– iPhone 14
– iPhone 14 Plus
– iPhone 14 Pro
– iPhone 14 Pro Max
– iPhone 13
– iPhone 13 mini
– iPhone 13 Pro
– iPhone 13 Pro Max
– iPhone 12
– iPhone 12 mini
– iPhone 12 Pro
– iPhone 12 Pro Max
– iPhone 11
– iPhone 11 Pro
– iPhone 11 Pro Max
– iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Once iOS 26 becomes accessible, typically around 6 pm BST, users can locate it in the Settings menu. Due to its expected large size, it is advisable to connect to Wi-Fi before initiating the download. Installation times may be prolonged on launch night due to high demand, so waiting a few days may result in quicker downloads.
Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, praised iOS 26 for its stunning design and meaningful feature enhancements that aim to make the iPhone even more user-friendly. The update promises more expressive and personalized experiences across various functions, with new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated throughout the system to facilitate smoother task completion.