Apple’s biggest event of 2025 has concluded, and alongside the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series and the ultra-thin iPhone Air, the company confirmed the global rollout of iOS 26. While the new iPhone 17 lineup will ship with iOS 26 pre-installed, older iPhones will receive the update via public release on September 15, 2025, starting around 10:30 PM IST. Apple also released the Release Candidate (RC) version to beta testers, marking the final pre-release version before the official rollout.
When Will iOS 26 Release for iPhones?
Apple has scheduled the public release of iOS 26 on September 15, 2025. All compatible iPhones will receive the update simultaneously. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
List of iPhones Eligible for iOS 26
Here’s the complete list of iPhones that will get the iOS 26 update:
- iPhone 17 series (pre-installed)
- iPhone Air (pre-installed)
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series (including Pro and Pro Max)
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
The advanced Apple Intelligence features will be limited to newer devices, specifically all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, due to hardware requirements.
Key Features of iOS 26
Apple has packed iOS 26 with a variety of design updates, AI improvements, and functional enhancements. Below are the most exciting new features:
1. Liquid Glass Interface
A futuristic translucent design with fluid animations for a polished, immersive look that adapts to your environment.
2. Smarter Siri
Siri now offers enhanced context awareness, deeper on-screen integration, and more natural language processing for seamless multi-step commands.
3. New Call Features
Includes live voicemail, call screening, and updated call controls for a more streamlined communication experience.
4. Redesigned Photos App
A fresh layout with customizable collections, carousel-style highlights, and smarter search functionality.
5. New Passwords App
A secure, centralized hub for managing passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi logins, and shared credentials.
6. Messages Upgrades
Features like emoji and sticker tapbacks, scheduled messages, text effects, and expanded satellite messaging add more flexibility to conversations.
7. iPhone Mirroring on Mac
Seamlessly control your iPhone from a Mac, complete with audio support and full navigation.
8. Tap to Cash in Wallet
Instant money transfers between iPhones by simply holding them close together.
9. Mail App Improvements
Automatic sorting into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions for clutter-free inbox management.
10. Journal App Updates
New tools like an insights dashboard, entry search, and writing goals to help users stay consistent.
11. Game Mode
Reduces latency and optimizes performance for a smoother mobile gaming experience.
12. Accessibility Enhancements
Innovations like eye tracking, vocal shortcuts, music haptics, and motion cues improve inclusivity and usability.
The iOS 26 update represents one of Apple’s most feature-rich software rollouts yet. With its blend of AI-powered improvements, design upgrades, ecosystem integration, and accessibility tools, the update enhances iPhone usability across all supported models. While older devices like the iPhone 11 and SE (2nd gen) will benefit from the redesign and functional features, the cutting-edge Apple Intelligence tools remain exclusive to the latest iPhone 16 Pro and above.
For millions of iPhone users worldwide, September 15 marks the beginning of a smarter, faster, and more connected iOS experience.
