iOS 26.0.1 and iPad OS 26.0.1 which are the first updates for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are now available for Apple users globally. Although the new software iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 were live earlier this week. Apple had announced the new software updates for the iPhones and iPads earlier this year. Many users were excited to use the new liquid glass feature announced by the company prior to iOS and iPad OS 26 launch.
According to Apple’s release notes for the update, iOS 26.0.1 addresses a bug that could cause aberrations in photos captured with the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro models. It also fixes ongoing cellular and Wi-Fi issues that iPhone 17 owners have been dealing with, and addresses a bug with tinted icons. Apple’s release notes are below.
There are a plethora of changes and features that Apple users will get through these updates. Although Apple has started releasing the Beta versions of iOS 26 and iPad OS 26 months before their launch. Both of these were made available for global markets. The important thing to note is that the updates will be delivered to compatible devices and bring a host of visual and functional changes. So let’s dive into what features and upgrades the iOS 26 and iPad OS 26 bring for users.
Liquid Glass: New Design Language
The most striking change in iOS 26 and iPad OS 26 is the introduction of a new design language called Liquid Glass. This glossy, translucent interface gives devices a fresh and modern look, with fluid animations and depth effects that flow across the lock screen, widgets, notifications, and system apps. Apple describes Liquid Glass as a way to make the operating system feel more immersive and personal, enhancing the visual experience without compromising usability. It’s a bold aesthetic shift that sets iOS 26 and iPad OS 26 apart from previous versions.
Apple Intelligence Features
iOS 26 and iPad OS 26 also debut Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features designed to make everyday tasks easier and more intuitive. These tools include intelligent summaries of messages and notifications, context-aware actions that adapt to your activity, and real-time translation integrated across apps. However, these advanced capabilities require powerful hardware and are only available on select devices: the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, the entire iPhone 16 lineup, and the newly introduced iPhone 16e. Meanwhile, the latest iPads are only supportive of it too.
Messages and Phone Apps Upgrades
Apple has revamped the Messages app with several new features aimed at making communication more expressive and interactive. Users can now customize chat backgrounds, create in-chat polls, apply themes to individual conversations, and see typing indicators in group chats. Apple Cash is also integrated directly into messages, allowing for seamless peer-to-peer payments.
The Phone app receives two standout features: Call Screening, which uses AI to block spam and unwanted calls, and Hold Assist, a clever tool that stays on the line for you during long customer service waits until a human representative is available. These additions make the core communication apps more powerful and user-friendly.
Improvements Across Other Apps
Beyond Messages and Phone, iOS 26 and iPad OS 26 bring updates to several other apps. Apple Music now offers smarter playlist recommendations and improved navigation. Maps has been refined to simplify location sharing and route planning. The Camera app features a redesigned interface with adaptive controls, making it easier to capture the perfect shot. A new Games app acts as a central hub for Apple Arcade and Game Center, streamlining access to titles and achievements.
What devices are iPad OS 26, supported?
iPad Pro (M4 and 3rd generation or newer)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad (8th generation and later)
iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Any iPad other than this list won’t get the latest iPadOS 26 update.
What are the steps to download iOS 26.0.1 and iPad OS 26.0.1?
Step 1. Back Up Your iPhone and iPad- Use iCloud or Finder (Mac) / Apple Devices app (Windows) to back up your data.
Step 2. Encrypt the backup if you want to save health data.
Step 3. Free Up Space
Step 4. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage and remove unused apps or large files.
Step 5. Connect to Wi-Fi & Charge
Step 6. Ensure your device is plugged in or has enough battery.
Step 7. Install the Update
Step 8. Go to Settings → General → Software Update
Step 9. Tap Download and Install when iOS 26 or iPad OS 26 appears.
iOS 26: Device Compatibility and End of Support
Apple confirmed that iOS 26 will not be available for the iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and XR, marking the end of support for these older models. However, a wide range of devices will receive the update, including the iPhone 11 through iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and the new iPhone 16e. This ensures that most users can enjoy the new features and design improvements without needing to upgrade immediately.