After a long wait, iOS 26 is set to roll out to millions of iPhones tonight. This major update was initially revealed back in June at Apple’s WWDC Developers Conference and is now ready for widespread release, with Apple confirming that iOS 26 will be accessible starting from September 15.
The new software update brings a range of features, including a fresh Liquid Glass appearance, an updated Lock Screen with a dynamically adjusting clock, and Spatial scenes that enhance wallpapers with a clever 3D effect.
iOS 26 also introduces functionalities like blocking spam calls, real-time language translation, and enhancements to Messages, Photos, Maps, and more.
This update is free to download, but not all users currently on iOS 18 will be able to upgrade. Periodically, Apple discontinues support for older devices that cannot handle the demands of the latest iOS versions.
Owners of the following devices will miss out on iOS 26:
– iPhone XS
– iPhone XS Max
– iPhone XR
To access iOS 26, users will need to switch to a newer device. Below is the complete list of iPhones compatible with iOS 26:
– iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max
– iPhone 16 Plus
– iPhone 16
– iPhone 16e
– iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max
– iPhone 15 Plus
– iPhone 15
– iPhone 14
– iPhone 14 Plus
– iPhone 14 Pro
– iPhone 14 Pro Max
– iPhone 13
– iPhone 13 mini
– iPhone 13 Pro
– iPhone 13 Pro Max
– iPhone 12
– iPhone 12 mini
– iPhone 12 Pro
– iPhone 12 Pro Max
– iPhone 11
– iPhone 11 Pro
– iPhone 11 Pro Max
– iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Once iOS 26 is available, expected around 6pm BST, users can locate it in the Settings menu. It is recommended to have a stable Wi-Fi connection nearby due to the likelihood of a large download size. Installation times may be longer on launch night due to high demand, so waiting a few days could result in a faster experience.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, praised iOS 26, stating, “iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful. 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.”