Марія Бровінська Gadgets 15 September 2025, 12:16

Apple will introduce an updated iOS 26. How to check device compatibility and update

Today at 8:00 PM, Apple will introduce the updated iOS 26. What do you need to know?

iOS 26 is the 19th major version of iOS (after iOS 18), but Apple changed the numbering scheme: versions are now named by release year (like car models) to synchronize with other OSes (iPadOS 26, macOS 26, etc.). Therefore, iOS 18 was immediately followed by iOS 26, not iOS 19.

The operating system was announced on June 9, 2025, at the WWDC 2025 conference. Apple CEO Tim Cook called it «the most extensive software design update in history.»

The first developer beta was released the same day (June 9), with a patched version on June 13 for iPhone 15/16. The public beta is from July 24, 2025 (later than usual). Today, September 9, 2025, is the final release date.

iOS 26 will be available for download from Settings → General → Software Update on compatible iPhones.

The update is expected to start around 8:00 PM Kyiv time.

If you are using a beta version, you don’t need to change anything: as a rule, a Release Candidate is a version that is quite close to a public release.

What will change?

The main visual change is the new Liquid Glass design language: transparent, translucent elements, light refraction, interaction dynamics, floating appearance of menus, icons, widgets and navigation bars. In previous betas, Apple adjusted the transparency level to ensure readability — especially in Control Center and navigation bars.

Also among the new features is Apple Intelligence / Live Translation — support for real-time translations in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.

Messages will have new backgrounds for chats, the ability to create polls in group chats, and better filtering of unknown contacts.

Phone / Call Screening will receive features for new calls from strangers: for example, asking who is calling and why; call hold / reminder when the operator answers.

Adaptive Power Mode is a new mode that helps preserve battery life when it’s low by reducing non-critical performance. MacRumors+1

The new «Games» program collects games, achievements, and leaderboards in one place.

Users also expect improvements in CarPlay, notifications about dirty camera lenses, Wallet and Maps management functions.

How to update

iOS 26 will be available on iPhone 11 and newer models. Older devices like XR/Xs/Xs Max are currently excluded from the support list.

Some features, especially those related to Apple Intelligence or Live Translation, may require newer models with better chips.

To update the OS, you need to:

Make sure you have enough space for the update.
Make a backup via iCloud or a computer.
See which features will work on your iPhone. Some of the «new features» may not be available due to hardware limitations.

The update is available via Settings > General > Software Update for compatible iPhones. Initial release is at 8:00 PM Kyiv time.