By Malik 
September 12, 2025: Apple has officially announced that iOS 26 will roll out to the public on September 15, 2025, at around 10:30 PM IST. The announcement came during Apple’s much-anticipated 2025 event, where the company introduced the iPhone 17 series and the ultra-thin iPhone Air, both shipping with iOS 26 pre-installed.
For users with older iPhones, this update will be available as a free download. Apple has already released the Release Candidate (RC) version to beta testers, marking the final step before the public release.
List of iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Note: Apple Intelligence features will only be available on iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Top iOS 26 Features
1. Liquid Glass Interface
A new, fluid design language with translucent elements for a more immersive, polished look.
2. Smarter Siri
Better context awareness, improved natural language understanding, and deeper on-screen integration.
3. New Call Features
Live voicemail, call screening, and enhanced call controls.
4. Redesigned Photos App
Customisable collections, carousel-style highlights, and a more powerful search experience.
5. New Passwords App
A central hub to manage passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi logins, and shared credentials.
6. Messages Upgrades
Emoji/sticker tapbacks, scheduled messages, text effects, and expanded satellite messaging.
7. iPhone Mirroring on Mac
Full iPhone control from a Mac, including audio support.
8. Tap to Cash in Wallet
Instantly transfer money by simply holding two iPhones together.
9. Mail App Improvements
Automatic sorting into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions tabs.
10. Journal Updates
Entry search, insights dashboard, and writing goals to boost journaling habits.
11. Game Mode
Optimises gaming performance and reduces latency for smoother gameplay.
12. Accessibility Enhancements
Eye tracking, vocal shortcuts, music haptics, and motion cues for improved usability.
Why This Update Matters
iOS 26 is Apple’s most ambitious update yet, focusing on design, AI integration, and seamless cross-device experience. From iPhone mirroring on Mac to Tap to Cash for quick money transfers, this update aims to make your iPhone smarter, faster, and more connected than ever.