iOS 26: Everything You Need to Know About the iPhone Update Before the Apple iPhone 17 Event

The highly anticipated Apple iPhone 17 event is just around the corner, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. This means we’re only days away from officially learning about the new iPhone 17 lineup, including the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. If you’re eager to catch all the announcements, make sure to tune in!

Beyond the new hardware, this event also marks the traditional timeframe for the public release of Apple’s next major software update, iOS 26. Typically, you can expect to install it about a week after the showcase. However, if you can’t wait, you’re in luck! Apple has already released public beta 6 and developer beta 9, allowing you to test out the new features right now.

The first thing you’ll notice in iOS 26 is a striking new visual overhaul called “Liquid Glass.” This translucent design language brings a fresh, clear look to your apps, lock screen, and home screen. It’s just one of many significant changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and Apple’s entire software ecosystem.

After last year’s ambitious (and perhaps overpromised) AI plans, Apple has shifted its focus for iOS 26 to delivering practical, quality-of-life enhancements. You’ll find multiple valuable additions to core apps like Phone and Messages. For instance, new features will help filter out spam texts and unknown senders, and you’ll even have the option to “Hold Assist” to keep your spot on a phone call while waiting for a representative.

As the betas have progressed, even more improvements have surfaced, such as a potential AirPods live translation feature and fun new bouncy animations on the passcode screen and in Control Center. Good news for many users: most newer iPhone models are eligible for this update, both in beta and for the final release. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all the exciting new features below.

What is iOS 26?
Currently, your iPhone runs on iOS 18, which Apple has been actively updating, with recent releases like 18.6.1 and 18.6.2 addressing issues like Apple Watch blood oxygen monitoring and security vulnerabilities. However, don’t expect an iOS 19. Apple is making a big leap in its naming convention, skipping directly to iOS 26! This new year-based system, similar to car model years, means that while the operating system will be released in late 2025, it’s designated “26” to reflect the year ahead. It’s also reported that iOS 18.7 will be released concurrently to handle any lingering security concerns.

It’s official, we’re moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

What is Liquid Glass design?
Let’s be honest: the “Liquid Glass” design was arguably the star of WWDC this year. After years of relatively static home and lock screen designs (beyond personal widget customization), this new facelift is genuinely refreshing.

So, what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple describes it as a “new translucent material” where apps and widgets appear clear, yet still adapt seamlessly to dark and light modes based on your surroundings. You’ll also spot new “floating” button designs in various apps, such as Phone and Maps. These are intended to be less distracting but remain perfectly visible. While the design has stirred some debate since its announcement, many, including our own Devindra Hardawar, appreciate the new direction, even if it brings a nostalgic nod to Microsoft’s Windows Vista Aero designs from two decades ago.

Apple has been responsive to user feedback; by iOS 26 beta 2, some transparency was already dialed back. While it will continue to evolve, Liquid Glass is here to stay, designed to create a cohesive look and feel across all Apple platforms, including the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?
iOS 26 is packed with an impressive array of new features designed to enhance your daily iPhone experience. Here are some of the most noteworthy:

Phone App Redesign: Finally, you can scroll through your contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages all on a single, streamlined screen. A new “Hold Assist” feature will even notify you when a representative joins your call, so you can ditch the elevator music and multitask.

Live Translation (Phone, FaceTime, Messages): Breaking down language barriers just got easier. iOS 26 brings real-time translation to phone calls and text messages, allowing you to converse with someone speaking a different language. Apple’s demonstrations showed a somewhat stop-and-go interaction, but the potential is huge.

Polls in Group Chats: Say goodbye to endless scrolling through group messages trying to make a decision! Soon, you and your friends can create polls directly in group chats for everything from choosing a brunch spot to planning a road trip.

Filtering Unknown Senders in Messages: For those plagued by spam texts, iOS 26 offers relief. Annoying messages about unpaid tolls or other scams will now be neatly filtered into a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Imagine a reverse Google image search, but for anything on your iPhone screen. This powerful new feature lets you screenshot an item—like a pair of shoes in an Instagram photo—and use Visual Intelligence to find similar items online.

Photos Tabs are Back: Good news for anyone frustrated with last year’s Photos app changes: your beloved Library and Collections tabs are returning! This means less endless scrolling and easier navigation to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Camera App Updates: The Camera app is getting a significant simplification. All buttons and menus are now placed in more convenient spots, reducing swiping and making photo-taking a breeze. Plus, a new feature will even tell you if your lens needs cleaning!

FaceTime “Communication Safety”: A thoughtful addition to iOS 26 is the FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature. Designed with child safety in mind, it can pause communications if nudity is detected, using on-device processing to protect your privacy.

New Lock Screen Options: Your iPhone’s lock screen is becoming even more personalizable. Expect a cooler clock, dynamic 3D wallpaper effects, more widget options, and improved focus mode settings.

New Alarm Setting: No more being stuck with the standard 9-minute snooze! You’ll now have the flexibility to adjust your snooze time anywhere from one to 15 minutes.

Screenshots Look Different: Taking a screenshot will reveal several new features. You’ll find “highlight to search,” the option to directly search your image on Google, and even ChatGPT integration for any questions you might have about the image content.

Apple’s Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

New changes coming to iPadOS 26
Your iPad isn’t being left behind in this wave of updates! Here’s what’s headed your way this fall:

Multitasking and Real Windowing: Prepare for a major productivity boost! With iPadOS 26, you’ll be able to run multiple apps on your screen simultaneously. Apps will open normally, but you’ll gain the ability to resize and move them freely across your display, making room for other applications. This feature is completely optional, so you can turn it off if it’s not for you.

Visual Update: Just like its iOS counterpart, iPadOS 26 embraces the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This sleek new look will grace your lock and home screens, as well as drop-down menus, bringing visual cohesion across your Apple devices.

New Menu Bar: A new menu bar will appear when you swipe down on your screen, offering familiar options like File, Edit, and Windows, alongside a handy search function for specific tasks.

There’s even more to discover, so be sure to check out our initial impressions of iPadOS 26 for all the details.

What about AirPods?
Your AirPods are also getting a significant upgrade with iOS 26, enhancing their functionality in several key ways:

Enhanced Audio Recording: Apple is introducing “studio-quality” audio recording, promising much clearer sound, even in noisy environments. This will be a game-changer for calls and voice memos.

Camera Remote Control: Capture photos or start/stop video recording with a simple press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you’ll get a convenient three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

Live Translation Feature: While not officially confirmed, strong evidence from the iOS 26 beta suggests a long-rumored live translation feature for AirPods is on its way. A system asset in the beta shows a gesture (pressing both earbud stems simultaneously) alongside words in various languages, hinting at real-time translation capabilities.

Heart Rate Monitoring (Rumored): According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, new AirPods Pro earbuds expected this year might include heart rate monitoring, integrating with Apple’s Health app and other fitness trackers.

Will Siri get an update?
Siri is currently in a holding pattern for its major overhaul. Apple previously announced that a “smarter, more personal” Siri, initially promised at WWDC 2024, is delayed until sometime “in the coming year.” So, don’t expect dramatic changes in the current iOS 26 betas. However, reports suggest Apple is planning a significant “brain transplant” for Siri, potentially integrating third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude. This could make 2026 a pivotal year for Apple’s voice assistant. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly developing its own “stripped-down” AI chatbot to compete with offerings like ChatGPT.

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?
While many iPhones will be getting the iOS 26 update, a few older models—specifically the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max—will not be compatible. If you have an iPhone from 2019 or later, you’re in luck! Here’s the full list of eligible devices:

iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16e

And, of course, the four rumored iPhone 17 models, which are expected to be announced and released in September, will also ship with iOS 26.

How to install iOS 26 beta
Eager to try out iOS 26 right now? The public beta is available to download through the Apple Beta Software Program. If you’re not already a member, simply visit beta.apple.com and sign up for free using your phone number or email address.

Once you’re enrolled, you can install the beta by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and selecting “iOS 26 public beta.”

A crucial word of caution: it’s generally not recommended to install beta software on your primary iPhone, as it may contain bugs or stability issues that could affect your daily usage. Proceed at your own risk!

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?
The final version of iOS 26 is expected to be released to the public this fall. Traditionally, this happens in September, usually within about a week of the main Apple iPhone event. Last year, for example, iOS rolled out to users on September 16, exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced. With the iPhone 17 event scheduled for September 9 this year, it’s highly possible that iOS 26 downloads will hit our phones around September 16.

For those curious about Apple Intelligence features, you can dive into everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS, and more during WWDC. Also, explore how iOS 26 screenshots might offer an intriguing glimpse into Apple’s delayed Siri rework.