Apple has released the most-awaited smartphone series of 2025, the iPhone 17 series. The company unveiled the portfolio of iPhone 17 series including the standard iPhone 17, a thinner and more lightweight iPhone 17 Air, as well as the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and the flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max. During the event, Apple has officially announced that iOS 26 will launch on September 15. The update introduces a major visual overhaul with a new design language, “Liquid Glass,” which adds a glossy, glass-like finish to different elements across the operating system.
iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Release Date
During the iPhone 17 series launch event, the tech giant announced that iOS 26 will be available as an over-the-air (OTA) software update on September 15. Apple highlights that some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability might vary due to local laws and regulations. Similarly, the global stable version of watchOS 26 will also be rolled out on September 15. The operating system will be available for Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) or newer, and all Apple Watch Ultra models. Notably, to pair the smartwatch, users will require an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26.
iOS 26 and Liquid Glass
Apart from the iPhone 17 series, of which pretty much everything is known. Let’s focus on the other Apple launch everyone is excited about the iOS 26 and Liquid Glass feature. The biggest upgrade of iOS 26 is undoubtedly the new look, which Apple calls the Liquid Glass interface. This new design language features a translucent, fluid look that, according to Apple, gives iOS a more dynamic, immersive, and polished aesthetic. The design flows across lock screens, notifications, widgets, and system apps, making the software feel fresher and more fluid.
“iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most. And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever.”.
How to Download and Install the iOS 26 Beta:
To access the beta version, sign in with your Apple ID through the Apple Developer Program, which is free to enroll in. Once registered, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates, and select “iOS 26 Developer Beta.” Before proceeding, it’s strongly recommended to back up your device, as beta versions may contain bugs or cause system instability.
Which devices will not receive iOS 26?
– iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR will no longer support iOS 26.
Which iPhones will receive iOS 26?
– 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 SE (2nd and 3rd Generation)
– iPhone 16e
Which iPhones support Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 26?
– iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
– iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max
– iPhone 16e
What new features will iOS 26 offer?
iOS 26 is set to introduce a host of new functionalities and enhancements, with Apple Intelligence taking center stage. Users can expect features like intelligent summaries, context-aware visual actions, and enhanced real-time translation integrated across various apps.
The Messages app is also getting a major overhaul, including options for personalized backgrounds, in-chat polls, individual conversation themes, typing indicators for group messages, and seamless Apple Cash support.
The Phone app will see notable improvements such as call screening and a new Hold Assist feature that stays on the line until a human representative becomes available. Additionally, Apple Music and Maps are both expected to receive practical upgrades aimed at simplifying everyday tasks.