Apple has officially released iOS 26, marking the most dramatic refresh of the iPhone’s operating system since iOS 7. Leading the update is the Liquid Glass interface, a translucent design language that reshapes app icons, widgets, and controls. It makes menus feel alive and adds depth to the home screen without abandoning the familiar iOS layout.
Alongside the visual overhaul, iOS 26 introduces Call Screening, which lets unknown callers announce themselves before you pick up, and Hold Assist, which waits on hold and alerts you when a real person joins. Messages gains new conversation backgrounds, polls for group chats, and an “Add Contact” shortcut.
On supported hardware, Apple Intelligence powers features such as Live Translation inside FaceTime and Messages, on-device visual search, and smarter suggestions throughout the system. Music fans can try AutoMix, which blends tracks like a DJ, while the Camera and Photos apps receive simpler layouts and search upgrades.
Which iPhones support iOS 26
Apple is cutting off a few older models this year. To install iOS 26, you’ll need an iPhone with an A13 Bionic chip or newer. That includes:
- iPhone 17 lineup (ships with iOS 26)
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020 and 2022)
Devices from 2018, such as the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, remain on iOS 18. iPadOS 26 also launches today for recent iPad Pro, Air, mini, and standard iPad models.
Prepare your iPhone
Major updates run smoothly when you prepare in advance:
Free up storage: iOS 26 needs roughly 3-6GB of free space. Delete unused apps, clear large videos, or move photos to iCloud or a computer.
Back up your data: Use iCloud Backup (Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or connect to a Mac/PC and create an encrypted backup in Finder or iTunes.
Charge up: Keep your battery above 50 percent or leave the phone plugged in.
Connect to Wi-Fi: A Stable connection avoids interruptions and data charges.
How to update to iOS 26
Once your iPhone is ready:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- Wait while your device checks for updates. When iOS 26 appears, tap Download and Install.
- Agree to Apple’s terms, then let the update download.
- When prompted, tap Install Now or wait for automatic installation.
Your phone will restart several times. Keep it charging and don’t interrupt the process.
After the installation
On the first boot, you’ll see Apple’s “Hello” animation in multiple languages. Right after that, the Tips app will introduce what’s new in the update. During the initial minutes, your device may feel slightly sluggish as it finishes indexing photos and messages in the background.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories! 💡
Comments