Although we are still in the era of iOS 18, the next great update, which instead of iOS 19 is called iOS 26, has been presented at WWDC 2025.
As such, we now know what to expect, and for the intrepids among you, it is even possible to download a beta version of the software and try it yourself.
That could also be tempting, because in addition to a new name, iOS 26 also has a completely new appearance, among numerous new and improved features.
Next, you will find everything you need to know about this software update, including all its main features and when it will begin to be implemented.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The next important update of the iPhone operating system
- When is it out? Announced on June 9, probably implementing in September
- Who will receive it? All iPhone 11 models onwards will be compatible
iOS 26: Release date
IOS 26 was announced on WWDC 2025 on June 9, and is now available in Beta. If you want to get it yourself, we have a guide that covers how to download the developer beta iOS 26.
However, the finished version will probably not launch until September 2025, where it is likely to land along with the expected iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the possible iPhone 17 Air.
Even so, since it has been announced that we already know what to expect, so keep reading to learn everything about iOS 26.
iOS 26: Compatibility
While iOS 26 is not yet outside, we do know the complete list of phones that are compatible with iOS 26.
In summary, if you have a model in the iPhone 11 or later series or on an iPhone SE (2020) or later, then you can download iOS 26.
That means that almost all phones that can obtain iOS 18 can also obtain iOS 26, with the exception of the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR.
iOS 26: a new design
While there are many new characteristics in iOS 26, the greatest change is the aspect of the operating system, and Apple has given it a complete renewal.
This is the largest redesign for the iPhone software experience since iOS 7 launched together with the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C, so it is a massive change, and focuses on a digital ‘material’ called Liquid vidretes.
What this means in practice are many rounded and transparent elements inspired by the visos, along with a new clear theme, which can optionally choose instead of light or dark.
This should refresh the interface, and a version of this new style is also being applied to most other Apple operating systems, so there will be more unit on all devices.
iOS 26: New features
iOS 26 includes a series of new useful features, ranging from Apple intelligence improvements, details that you will find below.
A new camera application
iOS 26 presents a redesigned camera application, which speeds up the photo and video modes so that they are easier to use.
When the application starts, the only options that will see under the shutter button are ‘photo’ and ‘video’, instead of the large number of options that are present in iOS 18. Then, once you select one of them, you can see other options related to a slide to the left or the right.
Other menus within the camera have also reorganized to make them clearer and more intuitive, so navigating the application of the camera should be much more skilled with iOS 26.
Apple intelligence improvements
Siri still does not have the review similar to Chatgpt that we are waiting for, but iOS 26 includes some Apple intelligence improvements.
There is a live translation, which will translate text and audio into the application of the phone, messages and facetime, and visual intelligence has been updated to allow you to get help with anything on your screen.
The application of shortcuts has also been improved, with a new set of available shortcuts that have been enabled by Apple Intelligence, and Genmoji and Image Playground now allow you to combine emoji, genumji and descriptions, for new creations.
Apple games
Apple Games is a new application that occupies the place of the game center, but unlike the game center, you can launch this manually, and you can find and start games from it.
You will also find classification tables here, and you can track the achievements, and the same application is reaching macOS, which adds to the sensation of unity between these operating systems.
A revised telephone application
The application of the phone has also received a lot of attention in iOS 26, since it now has a simpler design that puts favorites, recent and voice mail on a screen.
However, more exciting, now it also has a call detection function that allows you to hear what a call is about deciding whether to collect. There is also assistance, which will notify you when you are no longer waiting.
Battery increases
The battery life of your phone could also be improved with iOS 26, since a new adaptive feed mode will make changes in the background to reduce battery drainage at the expense of things such as brightness and screen performance, so this will be useful when your battery is running out.
There is also a new estimate of load time, which will predict how long it will take to load its battery, and you will see more battery statistics in the battery section of the configuration application.
Better flight features
Frequent flyers should appreciate iOS 26, since Apple has done so that if you have a boarding pass in the wallet, you can see related live activities, providing real -time updates on the flight.
This improved shipping pass experience also provides shortcuts for mapping to the airport and to find my luggage tracking.
Other small updates
In addition to the large previous characteristics, there are also some smaller characteristics in iOS 26.
These include translation and pronunciation tools in Apple Music, a new screen of places visited in Apple Maps, the option to pay in purchases for shopping in the store made with Apple Pay, alerts when the camera lenses of your phone are dirty and additional background sound options.
iOS 26 will also filter messages of unknown semitagers so that they do not obstruct your inbox, and you can create surveys in messages.
In addition, Carplay also has a new design and characteristics, such as a tapback tool in messages, as part of iOS 26.
