Apple has officially announced that the iPhone 17 launch event will happen on September 9. This is also when iOS 26 will finally be available. Apple has already released iOS 26 Public Beta 5, which gives users a sneak peek at what's to come, even though the final version will be out soon after the event. iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of Apple's best updates yet, with a bold new Liquid Glass design and smart updates to Phone, Messages, FaceTime, and Photos.
Apple is changing the way it names things by going straight from iOS 18 to iOS 26. This makes version numbers match the calendar year. Instead of big changes to AI, the update coming in September 2025 will make things better for users. It focuses on making Phone, Messages, Photos, and the overall interface easier to use, as per a report by Engadget.
The Liquid Glass design is what makes iOS 26 stand out. This see-through, adaptable look changes the home and lock screens with floating buttons and light and dark modes that change. Some people said it looked like older versions of Windows, but Apple has improved the transparency based on early feedback. The new design is important because it works on all Apple operating systems, such as macOS Tahoe 26 and iPadOS 26, to make everything feel more connected, as per a report by Engadget.
There are a lot of useful new features in iOS 26:
Redesign of the phone app: It now shows contacts, call logs, and voicemail all on one screen, and it has a "Hold Assist" feature that lets you know when a representative picks up, as per a report by Engadget.
Live Translation: Phone, FaceTime, and Messages all have real-time translations so you can talk to people in different languages without any problems.
Group chat polls: Make plans easier by making polls right in Messages.
Spam filtering: Messages from unknown senders and junk texts are automatically split up.
The Library and Collections tabs are back in the Photos app.
Visual Intelligence: Lets you find and buy things in your photos or screenshots.
FaceTime Communication Safety: If nudity is found, the video automatically freezes to keep kids safe.
You can change the look of your lock screen by adding new clock styles, 3D wallpapers, widgets, and focus settings.
With resizable app windows, a new menu bar, and the same Liquid Glass look, iPadOS 26 adds real multitasking. The latest updates for AirPods include the ability to record audio in studio quality, control a camera, and possibly live translation and heart rate monitoring for the new AirPods Pro, as per a report by Engadget.
ALSO READ: Apple’s iPhone 17 event is here, and 6 popular products may be killed off for good
iOS 26 works with most modern devices, starting with the iPhone 11 series (2019) and newer, like the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are the only ones that aren't included.
How to get the iOS 26 beta right now?
You can get iOS 26 Public Beta 5 by signing up for the Apple Beta Software Program and then going to Settings > General > Software Update.
But Apple says you shouldn't install it on your main device because beta software could still have bugs.
When will iOS 26 be available for download?
The iPhone 17 event will be on September 9, and iOS 26 is expected to come out a week later.
What iPhones can run iOS 26?
All iPhones made after 2019, starting with the iPhone 11 series, work with this.
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What is iOS 26, and how is it different?
Apple is changing the way it names things by going straight from iOS 18 to iOS 26. This makes version numbers match the calendar year. Instead of big changes to AI, the update coming in September 2025 will make things better for users. It focuses on making Phone, Messages, Photos, and the overall interface easier to use, as per a report by Engadget.
What is the new design for Liquid Glass?
The Liquid Glass design is what makes iOS 26 stand out. This see-through, adaptable look changes the home and lock screens with floating buttons and light and dark modes that change. Some people said it looked like older versions of Windows, but Apple has improved the transparency based on early feedback. The new design is important because it works on all Apple operating systems, such as macOS Tahoe 26 and iPadOS 26, to make everything feel more connected, as per a report by Engadget.
What are the new features in iOS 26?
There are a lot of useful new features in iOS 26:
Redesign of the phone app: It now shows contacts, call logs, and voicemail all on one screen, and it has a "Hold Assist" feature that lets you know when a representative picks up, as per a report by Engadget.
Live Translation: Phone, FaceTime, and Messages all have real-time translations so you can talk to people in different languages without any problems.
Group chat polls: Make plans easier by making polls right in Messages.
Spam filtering: Messages from unknown senders and junk texts are automatically split up.
The Library and Collections tabs are back in the Photos app.
Visual Intelligence: Lets you find and buy things in your photos or screenshots.
FaceTime Communication Safety: If nudity is found, the video automatically freezes to keep kids safe.
You can change the look of your lock screen by adding new clock styles, 3D wallpapers, widgets, and focus settings.
How about AirPods and iPadOS 26?
With resizable app windows, a new menu bar, and the same Liquid Glass look, iPadOS 26 adds real multitasking. The latest updates for AirPods include the ability to record audio in studio quality, control a camera, and possibly live translation and heart rate monitoring for the new AirPods Pro, as per a report by Engadget.
ALSO READ: Apple’s iPhone 17 event is here, and 6 popular products may be killed off for good
What iPhones work with this?
iOS 26 works with most modern devices, starting with the iPhone 11 series (2019) and newer, like the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are the only ones that aren't included.
How to get the iOS 26 beta right now?
You can get iOS 26 Public Beta 5 by signing up for the Apple Beta Software Program and then going to Settings > General > Software Update.
But Apple says you shouldn't install it on your main device because beta software could still have bugs.
FAQs
When will iOS 26 be available for download?
The iPhone 17 event will be on September 9, and iOS 26 is expected to come out a week later.
What iPhones can run iOS 26?
All iPhones made after 2019, starting with the iPhone 11 series, work with this.
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