iOS 26 and what we know about iPhone update, when it will launch

• Apple’s new mobile operating system, iOS 26, will be released as a free update on Monday, Sept. 15.
• Apple is changing its OS naming convention to match the year, skipping from iOS 18 to iOS 26.

iPhone 17 this, iPhone 17 Air that. What about those of us who aren’t due for an upgrade this year? Well, you still have something to look forward to.

Apple officials announced when many of its iPhone users will be able to get the new iOS 26 update during their Sept. 9 event. The techonology giant says iOS 26 will make “apps and system experiences more expressive and delightful, bringing greater focus to content.”

Here’s what you need to know about when the operating system will drop, which iPhones will be supported, and some of iOS 26’s most significant new features.

But first, we had IOS 18 last year. Why is IOS 26, not IOS 19?

Those who kept up with Apple’s iOS annoucements might be confused why we skipped to iOS 26 instead of iOS 19.

According to technology blog Tom’s Guide, all of Apple’s OSes are now named after the year they’ll mostly cover as of 2025.

“So after iOS 18 comes iOS 26, and after watchOS 11 comes watchOS 26, rather than iOS 19 or watchOS 12, as we initially assumed,” the blog shares. “The one small exception is macOS 26 Tahoe, which still gets its California-inspired name alongside its number.”

What features are included in iOS 26?

The company shared that its operating system will have upgrades to its Apple Intelligence features, including expanded live translation capabilities. Visual intelligence also will be updated as users can screenshot and search on the iPhone.

The new “Liquid Glass” interface design will have a glassy, translucent quality that will shift in appearance and color depending on what’s displayed on the screen. Apple said in a news release that the update will transform how the phone looks to users.

A new call screening feature will give people more power to block spam and other unwanted calls by automatically answering the call and asking for the caller’s information, which is then passed to the user to decide whether they want to take it. iOS 26 will also come with “Hold Assist,” a feature that keeps a user’s spot in line while waiting to speak to a live person, and then notifies them when it’s time to pick up the phone.

CarPlay will also see updates, including support for “Live Activities,” which include frequently updated information users can see at a glance, such as the time remaining on a food-delivery order, the score of a live basketball game, and other event information, according to Apple’s website. 

What phones will support iOS 26? Not every phone is compatible

These Apple devices are compatible with iOS 26, according to the company:

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• 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

Is iOS 26 out yet? When to expect launch

Not yet. iOS 26, Apple’s operating system for mobile devices, will be released on Monday, Sept. 15, as a free update, according to the company’s website.

What is the latest iOS version today?

The latest version of iOS is currently iOS 18.6.2, which was released in August 2025.

Here’s how to update to iOS 26 when it launches

Before doing any sort of update to your iPhone, make sure to back up your phone. This allows you to keep your data safe by making a copy and saving the information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Once you have backed up your phone, Apple advises you to plug your phone into power and connect to the Wi-Fi. Then you can follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
• If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.
• Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now

What iPhone did Apple just release? See iPhone 17 models, prices

Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 line at its “Awe Dropping” event:

• The iPhone 17 will be priced at $799 and come in black, white, steel gray, light blue, green, and purple colorways
• The iPhone 17 Air will be priced at $999 and is set to come in black, white, light gold, and sky blue.
• The Pro and Pro Max models will be priced at $1,099 and offered in blue, orange and silver.

The iPhone 17 line is set to be available for pre-order Friday, Sept. 12. The iPhone 17 line will launch later on Friday, Sept. 19.

Contributing: James Powel, USA TODAY