Although we are still in an era with iOS 18, the next big update – as IOS 19 is called iOS 26 – has been revealed on WWDC 2025.
As such, we now know what to expect, and for Intrepid among you it is even possible to download a beta version of the software and try it ourselves.
It can also be tempting, because as well as a new name, iOS 26 also has a whole new look, among several new and improved features.
Below you will find everything you need to know about this software update, including all its main features, and when it starts to roll out.
Cut to the hunt
- What is it? The next big update for iPhone’s Operating System
- When is it out? Advertised on June 9, probably rolled out in September
- Who gets it? All models from iPhone 11 onwards will be compatible
iOS 26: Release date
IOS 26 was announced on WWDC 2025 on June 9, and it’s available in Beta now. If you would like to grab it yourself, we have a guide that covers how to download iOS 26 developer Beta.
However, the finished version is probably only launched in September 2025, where it probably lands with the expected iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and possible iPhone 17 Air.
As it has been announced, we still know what to expect, so read on to learn all about iOS 26.
iOS 26: Compatibility
While iOS 26 is not out yet, we know the full list of phones compatible with iOS 26.
In short, if you have a model in the iPhone 11 series or later or an iPhone SE (2020) or later, you can download iOS 26.
This means that almost every phone that can get iOS 18 will also be able to get iOS 26, with the exception of iPhone XS, iPhone XS MAX and iPhone XR.
iOS 26: A new design
While there are plenty of new features in iOS 26, the biggest change in the appearance of the operating system is where Apple has given it a complete renewal.
This is the biggest redesign for the iPhone software experience as iOS 7 was launched with the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, so it’s a massive change and it’s focused on a digital ‘material’ called Liquid Glass.
What this means in practice is a lot of rounded and transparent elements inspired by Visionos along with a new clear theme that you can choose free instead of light or dark.
This should freshen up the interface, and a version of this new style is also used for most of Apple’s other operating systems, so there will be more device across devices.
iOS 26: New features
IOS 26 includes a variety of useful new features ranging from oversighted apps to Apple Intelligence improvements, details you will find below.
A new camera -App
iOS 26 has a redesigned camera app that streamline photo and video states to make them easier to use.
When you launch the app, the only settings you want to see under the shutter button, ‘Photo’ and ‘Video’, are rather than the large number of settings present in iOS 18.
Other menus within the camera have also been reorganized to make them clearer and more intuitive, so navigating the camera app must be very slick with iOS 26.
Apple Intelligence Improvements
Siri still doesn’t have the chatgpt-like overhaul we wait for, but iOS 26 includes some Apple Intelligence Improvements.
There is live translation that translates text and audio across the phone app, messages and FaceTime and Visual Intelligence have been upgraded to allow you to get help with something on your screen.
The shortcuts app has also been improved with a new set of shortcuts available that have been enabled by Apple Intelligence, and Genmoji and Image Playground now allows you to combine emoji, genmoji and descriptions for all new creations.
Apple games
Apple Games is a new app that takes the place of Game Center, but unlike the Game Center, you can manually launch this and you will be able to find and start games from the inside.
You will also find leaderboards here and are able to track results and the same app comes to macOS, which adds the feeling of device between these operating systems.
A revised phone app
The phone app has also had a lot of attention in iOS 26, where this now has a simpler layout that puts favorites, recents and voicemail all on a screen.
More exciting However, it also now has a call screening feature that allows you to hear what a call is about before deciding to pick up. There is also help that will notify you when you are no longer on wait.
Battery increases
Your phone’s battery life can also be improved with iOS 26 as a new adaptive power mode will make changes to the background to reduce the battery drainage for the price of things like screen lighting and performance, so this will be useful when your battery runs low.
There is also a new estimate of charging time that will predict how long it will take for your battery to charge, and you will see more in -depth battery statistics in the battery section of the setting app.
Better aircraft functions
Frequent flyers should appreciate iOS 26, as Apple has done, so if you’ve got a boarding pass hidden in the wallet, you can see related live activities and give real-time updates during the flight.
This improved boarding pass experience also provides shortcuts to the airport mapping and to find my luggage.
Other small updates
In addition to the big new features above, there are also some smaller features in iOS 26.
These include text translation and pronunciation tools in Apple Music, a new visitor locations in Apple Maps, the opportunity to pay in installments for purchases in the store made with Apple Pay, warnings when your phone’s camera lenses are dirty and additional background sound settings.
IOS 26 will also filter messages from unknown senders so that they do not clog your inbox and you can create polls in apps apps.
Plus, CarPlay also has a new design and features – such as a tapback tool in messages – as part of iOS 26.
