iOS 26 is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be Apple’s most ambitious update in years.

From design changes like Liquid Glass to new AI-powered features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, a lot is being promised — and even more is being speculated. With every major iOS update, there’s always the same rush of questions: What’s new? When is it coming out? Will my iPhone support it? Should I update straight away?

This article brings you clear, up-to-date answers to all of that.

You’ll learn exactly what’s included in iOS 26, how it’s different from iOS 25, which devices will be compatible, and when you can get your hands on it. Whether you’re waiting to try the public beta or just want a practical breakdown of the new features, this guide covers everything you need to know in one place.

When is iOS 26 Being Released? (iOS 26 Release Date Explained)

Apple is expected to officially release iOS 26 in September 2025, following its traditional launch pattern alongside the new iPhone lineup — likely the iPhone 17. This mirrors the usual cycle, where the final version becomes available to the public just days after the annual Apple event.

Already accessible to registered developers, the iOS 26 developer beta provides early access. It will be live as of June 2025. Scheduled to begin in July 2025, the public beta will provide more access to consumers who want to try the upgrade before it is entirely available.

Based on past releases, here is the expected schedule:

If you’re interested in trying iOS 26 early, the public beta will be the most accessible route — and we’ll cover exactly how to get it in a later section.

iOS 26 Developer vs Public Beta: What’s the Difference?

Normally releases two early versions of Apple's big iOS upgrades—the developer beta and the public beta—before the ultimate launch. Though both let users access new features early on, their target audience and stability differ significantly.

iOS 26 Developer Beta:

This version is aimed at registered Apple developers. It’s the first to launch — usually in June — and is often less stable, containing bugs and incomplete features. Designed to let developers test compatibility ahead of the public release and update their apps, it is also intended to help them. You need an Apple Developer account to get to it, which costs annually.

iOS 26 Public Beta:

This version is released a few weeks later, typically in July, and is free to download. It’s more stable than the developer beta, but it still may have performance issues. It’s aimed at general users who want to try new features early and provide feedback to Apple.

How to Get the iOS 26 Beta

Installing the public beta of iOS 26 requires signing up with your Apple ID via the Apple Beta Software Program. Once you are registered, you may get the beta profile and install the update straight from your device's settings under General > Software Update.

Note: Before installing any beta version, it is highly advised to back up your iPhone.

Which iPhones Will Support iOS 26? (iOS 26 Supported Devices List)

Usually, Apple supports iPhones for five to six years following their release; however, some older models are left behind with each new iOS version. IOS 26 keeps dropping support for several older devices while also following this trend by matching compatibility with most of the current models.

Expected to run iOS 26 are these iPhone models in full:

iPhones Compatible with iOS 26

1. iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max
2. iPhone 15 / 15 Plus
3. iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max
4. iPhone 14 / 14 Plus
5. iPhone 13 Pro / Pro Max
6. iPhone 13 / 13 Mini
7. iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max
8. iPhone 12 / 12 Mini
9. iPhone 11 Pro / Pro Max
10. iPhone 11
11. iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

Devices Likely Dropped from Support

1. iPhone X
2. iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
3. iPhone SE (1st generation)

So, does your iPhone support iOS 26?

If your device is listed above in the supported section, then yes, you’ll be able to download and run iOS 26. However, some of the more advanced features, like Apple Intelligence, may be limited to models with newer chips (e.g., A17 Pro or later).

What Are the New Features in iOS 26? (What’s New in iOS 26)

iOS 26 brings a mix of visual upgrades, AI-powered tools, and subtle system enhancements that together make it one of the most feature-rich iOS updates in recent memory. Here's a quick look at the top features included in the update:

1. Liquid Glass Design
2. Apple Intelligence (AI Integration)
3. Live Translation During Calls
4. Smarter Messaging & AI Suggestions
5. Animated Album Artwork on Lock Screen
6. New Lock Screen Widgets
7. Adaptive Power Mode & Battery Insights
8. Stage Manager for External Displays

Now let’s break down each feature in more detail.

Liquid Glass Design: A More Immersive UI

The Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 is more than just a visual update — it's a complete rethink of how the interface feels. Inspired by layered materials and responsive lighting, this new aesthetic brings depth and softness across the system.

Menus, backgrounds, and buttons now respond dynamically to touch, motion, and ambient light. The result is a UI that feels alive and reacts to your environment.

You’ll notice:

1. Transparent panels that shift as you scroll.
2. Rounded edges and fluid transitions.
3. Adaptive shading that matches lighting conditions.

Whether you’re navigating apps, managing notifications, or using Control Centre, everything feels more connected. This design also enhances accessibility, offering better visual clarity and motion control for sensitive users.

In short, Liquid Glass iOS makes your iPhone look and behave in a way that feels more human, elegant, and intuitive.

Apple Intelligence: On-Device AI Gets Smarter

Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 introduces a new level of contextual smartness. Unlike cloud-based assistants, this system works on-device for faster responses and better privacy.

You’ll see AI embedded throughout your apps, helping you save time and reduce mental load. For example:

1. Generate summaries of long emails or articles.
2. Suggest responses in Messages based on your writing style.
3. Pull highlights from notes, reminders, or Safari tabs.
4. Prioritise notifications based on your current activity.

It’s fast, secure, and device-aware — meaning the AI adapts to how you use your iPhone, not just what you use.

Importantly, Apple Intelligence doesn’t upload your personal data to external servers, keeping everything local. That makes it both practical and privacy-forward.

In short, these new AI features in iOS 26 are subtle but powerful — they don’t shout for your attention, but they’re working behind the scenes to help you focus on what matters.

Live Translation During Phone Calls

With iOS 26, you can have real-time multilingual conversations directly through your iPhone, thanks to Apple Intelligence live translation.

This feature is built into the Phone and FaceTime apps, allowing you to:

1. Speak in your language and hear translated replies.
2. View live subtitles mid-call.
3. Automatically detect and switch between supported languages.

It’s seamless and doesn’t require any third-party apps. Whether you're travelling, working across borders, or calling family abroad, iOS 26 makes real-time translation accessible — and automatic.

Translations happen on-device, which means no noticeable delay and more security. You can also toggle this feature on/off mid-call.

In typical Apple fashion, the design is clean, and the translations feel natural, not robotic. With live translation, iOS 26 becomes your pocket interpreter, eliminating communication barriers in day-to-day calls.

Smarter Messaging with AI Suggestions

Messaging in iOS 26 is getting a serious productivity upgrade. With AI messaging tools, your iPhone now understands the flow of your conversations and helps you respond faster and smarter.

Here’s what’s new:

1. Auto-suggested replies based on tone and context.
2. One-tap message summaries for long group threads.
3. AI-powered drafts with multiple style options (professional, casual, etc.).
4. Message scheduling and reminders to follow up later.

Notifications are also smarter, filtered based on your behaviour and focus mode. For example, social media pings might be silenced during work hours, while urgent alerts like deliveries or calendar changes come through.

These upgrades aren’t just about speed — they reduce mental clutter and help you stay on top of conversations.

Whether it’s a quick “yes, sounds good” or a detailed reply with context, iOS 26 AI messaging keeps your communication efficient and stress-free.

Read more: Top Programming Languages for iOS App Development in 2025: Which One Is Right for You?

Animated Album Artwork on the Lock Screen

The lock screen in iOS 26 now supports animated full-screen album artwork, bringing music to life in a visually immersive way.

When listening via Apple Music, your album cover can expand and animate across the entire lock screen, blending with the Liquid Glass design. It reacts to:

1. The genre and tempo of the song.
2. Your interactions (like pressing pause or skip).
3. The ambient lighting of your environment.

This update is more than aesthetic — it transforms the lock screen into a dynamic audio-visual experience.

And if you prefer a simpler view, you can toggle it off in settings or minimise the artwork to keep notifications front and centre.

These small but thoughtful touches give your iPhone a premium feel and turn everyday moments, like unlocking your phone to check a song, into something beautiful.

New Customisable Lock Screen Widgets

In iOS 26, lock screen widgets become more than static previews — they’re interactive tools that keep you in control without even unlocking your device.

You can now:

1. Tap to complete tasks (e.g., mark a reminder done).
2. View live fitness stats or delivery updates.
3. Customise widget positions and styles per focus mode.
4. Assign widgets to specific apps or routines.

These new widgets are also context-aware, adapting to the time of day or your location. For example, in the morning, you might see calendar events and weather, while in the evening, it could shift to relaxation or health-focused info.

All of this happens seamlessly, and everything is configurable directly from the lock screen settings. It’s more personal, more useful, and blends into your daily rhythm.

iOS 26 lock screen widgets aren’t just glanceable — they’re actionable.

Partner with a trusted iOS development company to stay ahead of Apple’s updates. From strategy to deployment, we help you deliver seamless, high-performance apps tailored for the iOS 26 ecosystem.

Adaptive Power Mode and Battery Insights

Battery life has always been a concern for iPhone users, and with iOS 26, Apple finally addresses it head-on with adaptive power mode.

Instead of toggling low power manually, your iPhone now adjusts its behaviour based on how you use it throughout the day. It learns when you need full performance and when to conserve energy.

Here’s what it can manage:

1. Background refresh frequency.
2. Screen brightness and animations.
3. Processor load during idle moments.
4. Smart scheduling of updates.

You’ll also get battery health insights that include:

1. Usage-based lifetime predictions.
2. Charging habits and optimisation tips.
3. Alerts if an app is draining power excessively.

Together, these features give you more control — and better results — without having to think about them. For anyone struggling with daily charging cycles, iOS 26 improves battery life in meaningful ways.

Stage Manager Now Supports External Displays

iOS 26 introduces full Stage Manager support for iPhones, allowing you to turn your device into a multitasking machine when connected to an external display.

This feature, previously limited to iPadOS, gives you:

1. Multiple resizable app windows.
2. Drag-and-drop between apps.
3. Dedicated display layouts (mirrored or extended).
4. Keyboard and mouse support with seamless transition.

It’s perfect for power users who want more from their phone, whether that’s working on a presentation, editing a document, or using their iPhone as a portable workstation.

Stage Manager on iOS 26 is a serious step forward in blurring the line between mobile and desktop. With just one cable or wireless connection, you can extend your screen and unlock new levels of productivity.

It’s not just about doing more — it’s about doing it with the device already in your pocket.

How to Install iOS 26 Beta Right Now

If you're eager to try out the new features before the official release, you can install the iOS 26 beta — either through the developer or public beta program. Here’s how to get started, safely and step-by-step.

Step 1: Choose the Right Beta

There are two types of iOS 26 beta versions:

1. Developer Beta – Available now to registered Apple Developers.
2. Public Beta – Expected in July 2025. Free and more stable than the developer version.

Step 2: Back Up Your Device

Before installing any beta, make a full backup via iCloud or Finder. Beta software can be buggy and may cause unexpected issues.

Step 3: Enrol and Download

For the public beta:

1. Visit beta.apple.com
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Enrol your iPhone
4. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
5. Select “Beta Updates” and choose iOS 26 Public Beta.

The update will then download like a normal iOS update.

A Few Reminders:

1. Betas can affect performance and battery life.
2. Some features may be incomplete or unstable.
3. You can revert to the stable version, but it requires a full restore.

Trying the iOS 26 beta is the best way to explore its new features early — just be sure to proceed with caution.

iOS 26 Compatibility: Will It Slow Down Older Devices?

One of the biggest concerns with every new iOS update is whether it will slow down older iPhones. Apple claims iOS 26 is optimised for performance, but your experience will vary depending on your device’s hardware.

iOS 26 Works on:

1. iPhone XR
2. iPhone XS / XS Max
3. iPhone 11 series and newer
4. iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen)

These devices can run iOS 26, but may not support all advanced features, especially those tied to Apple Intelligence, which requires newer chips (A17 Pro or later).

Performance on Older iPhones:

1. General UI responsiveness remains stable.
2. Animations and transitions may appear slower.
3. Some background processes (like AI summarisation) are disabled.
4. Battery usage may increase during early beta stages.

So, does iOS 26 slow down older iPhones? Not significantly, but don’t expect the same smoothness as newer models. If you're using an iPhone XR or earlier, performance will be decent, but not flawless.

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Final Thoughts: Is iOS 26 Worth the Hype?

iOS 26 feels like more than just another annual update — it’s a shift in how Apple is blending design, AI, and usability into the iPhone experience. From the new Liquid Glass interface to powerful Apple Intelligence tools, this release brings both visible and invisible changes that genuinely enhance everyday use.

Whether it’s interactive lock screen widgets, live call translation, or smarter battery management, the features in iOS 26 aren’t just new — they’re useful.

So, should you install iOS 26?

1. If you have a newer iPhone and want early access to AI features.
2. If you value design, performance, and smarter automation.
3. If you use an older device, consider waiting for the final release for better stability.

Overall, iOS 26 is worth paying attention to — not just because of what it adds today, but because of what it signals about where Apple is headed next.