Apple is gearing up for its next big software release, iOS 26, with the final rollout expected in mid-September. The update, which has been in public beta since WWDC 2025, will be detailed at Apple’s ‘Awe-Dropping Event’ on September 9, when the iPhone 17 lineup will be unveiled.
Although Apple hasn’t announced the specific date, its previous release pattern gives a good indication of the iOS 26 rollout. iOS 18 came out on September 16, and iOS 17 hit the market on September 12, both around a week following their corresponding iPhone releases.
This indicates iOS 26 might come on September 15–16, initially targeting the latest models, followed by older iPhones.
iOS 26 is a significant change in versioning. Rather than going in sequence, Apple jumped from iOS 18 to this newer model to align its mobile operating system with iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The figure now matches the next calendar year, 2026, making it more uniform in naming across devices.
With improved Apple Intelligence, the upgrade will be one of Apple’s most ambitious in years. Expect:
More brilliant writing and image-generation capabilities
A more responsive, context-aware Siri
Interactive widgets on home and lock screens
More control over privacy and data visibility
Seamless cross-device continuity between iPhone, iPad, and Mac
New features in Messages, including polls and customisable chat backgrounds
One of the main features is the Liquid Glass design language, which adds fluid, glassy visual effects throughout the UI. Unlock animations, for example, will be like lifting a sheet of glass or seeing water droplets move. Users can even customize transparency levels, giving the experience a personalized feel.
iOS 26 will support a broad base of devices, including:
iPhone 16 series (including iPhone 16e)
iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 series (mini models included)
iPhone 11 series
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
The future iPhone 17 series will come with iOS 26 pre-installed.
Also Read: iPhone 16e Price Plunge Ahead of iPhone 17 Launch: Grab Rs. 10,900 Savings Now!
Head to Settings > General > Software Update to check for the upgrade. Apple tends to stagger updates so that some users might get them later than others.
iOS 26 brings together clean design tweaks, a fusion of AI-driven features, and privacy improvements, which will redefine the iPhone experience, particularly as Apple prepares to introduce its new-generation products.