If you are an Apple user or a fan, you must have heard about the iOS 19 update. But guess what? That’s history now! Because Apple is here with iOS 26! It’s a huge shift in naming an iOS and a bold move from Apple ahead of the launch. It has new features, design changes, and other things that Apple has worked hard on improving.
This name shift is due to the complete UI design change with the Android 16 beta. In this article, we are going to explore all the details about iOS 26. We are going to talk about the features, AI enhancements, eligible devices, and other interesting rumours! So, let’s get started!
Also Read: Apple’s WWDC25 5-Day Event Confirmed: Check All Details!
Why iOS 26: What’s Wrong With iOS 19?
So when I woke up this morning, I got to know about the iOS 26 news. I was like, “Woah, Apple is really making this change. It’s bold!”. Fast forward to now, Apple is here with the iOS 26 which comes with the liquid glass design.
Now, the ecosystem is more aligned with a year-based naming of OS. This includes iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 for the year 2026. This way, people are associating better with the software updates. Overall, iOS 26 surely brings major changes in the overall ecosystem.
Also read: Everything About iOS 18.5: Release Date, Features, And More!
iOS 26 Launch Date – Announced!
iOS 26 was announced at Apple’s WWDC event on June 10, 2025. The beta version is also released now. If you are waiting for the final version, it’s coming on September 16, 2025, along with the iPhone 17 models. These models include iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max.
This update brings major updates. However, Advanced Siri has been postponed and will be introduced later in iOS 26.2, scheduled for March 2026.
Here’s a quick glance for you:
| Event | Date | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 26 Announcement | June 10, 2025 | Apple showed new iOS 26 features at WWDC25. |
| iOS 26 Beta Release | June 12, 2025 | Test versions of iOS 26 released for developers and the public. |
| iOS 26 Stable Release | September 16, 2025 | Final version of iOS 26 released with iPhone 17. |
| Advanced Siri Update | March 2026 | Smarter Siri features added in iOS 26.2 update. |
Also read: How To Use Check In On iPhone With iOS 17?
Eligible Devices For iOS 26
If you are on iPhone XS or a previous variant, you won’t get the iOS 26 update. Here’s the official list of supported iPhones, confirmed at WWDC25:
| iPhone Generation | Models Included |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11 Series | iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max |
| iPhone 12 Series | iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max |
| iPhone 13 Series | iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max |
| iPhone 14 Series | iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max |
| iPhone 15 Series | iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max |
| iPhone 16 Series | iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e |
| iPhone 17 Series | iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max (shipped with iOS 26 pre-installed) |
If you want to check the full and final list, you would have to wait for confirmation during the WWDC25!
Key Features of iOS 26
iOS 26 is a new update that will make your iPhone better. It may look different, feel smarter, and be easier to use. Here’s what you might get:
1. Revamped User Interface Design
iOS 26 will feature a visionOS-like aesthetic with translucent menus, glassy effects, and simplified navigation.
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Rounded App Icons | App icons now have smooth, curved edges that look more modern. |
| Floating Tab Bar | A menu bar floats at the bottom of the screen to help you switch between apps easily. |
| Control Center 2.0 | You can change the buttons in Control Center and use swipes to open it faster. |
| Stage Manager for iPhone | Lets you use more than one app at the same time with movable app windows. |
2. Apple Intelligence Enhancements
When the world is going crazy over AI, how can Apple not embrace it? The Apple Intelligence is getting better towards perfection with the upcoming iOS 26. There are so many enhancements like:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Siri | Smarter, gives helpful tips, better at tasks. |
| Cross-Device Sync | Keeps settings the same on all Apple devices. |
| AI Health Coach | Gives health tips using Apple Watch data. |
| Real-Time Collaboration | Work on files across devices and see changes instantly. |
Also Read: 10 iPhone 15 New Features We Bet You Did Not Know!
3. Health and Fitness
Apple has always put high features as a priority, and this time too, it’s no different. These are a few things to look forward to for precise health tracking in your beloved Apple device.
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring | iPhone and Apple Watch can check blood sugar without needles (needs special hardware). |
| Mental Wellness Suite | Mindfulness app helps with meditation and stress using AI and Apple Vision. |
| Fitness+ Integration | Start workout on iPhone, continue on Apple TV, and track on Apple Watch. |
| Family Health Sharing | Share health info like goals or heart rate safely with family. |
4. Connectivity And Accessibility Features
iOS 26 shows much focus on seamless integration. Let’s check out connectivity features:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Ultra-Wideband (UWB) 2.0 | AirDrop is faster and helps find AirTags better. |
| Universal Control 2.0 | Easily move stuff between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision. |
| Accessibility | Videos have spoken descriptions, fonts can change size, and Voice Control can translate languages live using AirPods. |
Also Read: iOS 16 Vs iOS 17: Is It Worth Upgrading Your iPhone?
5. Third-Party Integration
The iOS 26 will open new avenues for third-party developers. It is something new for Apple, and was earlier more acceptable for Android. Here’s what you get:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| App Intents API | Siri works better with apps like Notion and Slack. |
| Cross-Device Extensions | Widgets work on all your devices at the same time. |
| Gaming Support | Play Xbox games on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. |
| HomeKit Expansion | More smart home devices can be controlled by Siri. |
6. AI-Powered Battery Management Mode
For the first time, Apple introduced AI-powered battery management. This will help people analyse their battery usage patterns so that they can better adjust them to save more energy. Here are a few things you can expect.
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Charging | Learns when you use your device to keep battery healthy. |
| Cross-Device Sync | Shows battery for iPhone, Watch, and AirPods in one place. |
| Lock Screen Widget | Shows battery charge and tells you when full. |
| Eco Insights | Gives tips to save energy and help the planet. |
Also read: What Is RCS Support For iOS And Android? The Latest Messaging Service By Apple!
7. Other Interesting Features
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Dedicated Gaming App | Comes pre-installed for easy gaming on Apple devices. |
| Live Translations in AirPods | Translates languages during calls with AirPods Pro 2 or newer. |
| Privacy Dashboard | Helps you check and control app permissions. |
iOS 18 Vs iOS 26: Ultimate Comparison
Let’s check out the comparison with the previous version to get a rough idea about iOS 26 update.
| Feature | iOS 18 | iOS 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Name Style | “iOS 18” (Sequential) | “iOS 26” (matches the year 2026) |
| Look and Feel | Has Dynamic Island, widgets you can change, better lock screen | New look with blurry backgrounds, round icons, new font, floating menu, and multitasking |
| AI Features | Smarter Siri, better typing corrections, simple app suggestions | Much smarter Siri, gives personal tips, helps with health and teamwork |
| Battery Features | Normal battery saving, charges smarter over time | AI helps save battery, shows charge on lock screen, shares battery info across devices |
| Apps from Others | Only some features for outside apps, basic smart home support | More support for outside apps like Notion, better Siri use, supports games |
| Health & Fitness | Works with Fitness+ and Apple Watch, basic health info | AI coach, checks blood sugar (without needle), better Mindfulness app, family health sharing |
| Device Connection | Lets you move tasks between devices (like copy/paste), AirDrop with UWB | New version of Universal Control, faster AirDrop, smoother task switching between devices |
| Accessibility | Voice Control, screen magnifier, basic tools | Describes what’s happening in real time, adjusts text size, voice control in many languages |
| Gaming | Apple Arcade, simple Game Center | Special app for games, can stream from Xbox, works with more game controllers |
FAQ
Why did Apple jump to iOS 26?
Apple changed the name to iOS 26 to match the year 2026.
Will my iPhone XS work with iOS 26?
Probably not. If you have an iPhone XS or an older model, it may not be compatible with iOS 26.
How does iOS 26 compare to Android 16?
Android 16 is all about letting you customise your phone to a great extent. iOS 26 focuses more on smart features using AI and making it easier to use your Apple devices together.
When will Advanced Siri be available?
You can expect the new, smarter Siri after March 2026 in one of the updates to iOS 26.
In A Nutshell
In the end, I can say that iOS 26 is entirely new, bold, and unique in its own way. It will feature a revamped UI, AI enhancements, and practicality, with year-based naming. We’ll have to wait for the WWDC25 to get the full details. Till then, one thing is for sure! Apple is going to redefine the iPhone experience with this launch.
Stay tuned for more details as we get close to WWDC25!
Also read: Apple iPhone 16 Vs iPhone 15: Expected Features And Upgrades!
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