All that you should know about iOS 26: news, liquid glass, compatible iPhone, release date and much more

Your experience with iPhone going to change sharply from hand iOS 26Field new operating system Apple He appeared in society on WWDC 2025 and brought with him a complete update of his graphic interface with the language Liquid glassThis design is currently part of all the latest versions of software created by Cupertino versions, offering more homogeneous experience through its devices.

The aesthetic update was the most outgoing IOS 26 announcement point, although this does not mean that there are no other news that needs to be taken into account. The next version of the iPhone also provides changes in some of the most used local applications, such as phone, camera and safari. He also introduces new functions of artificial intelligence promoted by Apple Intelligence.

That is why we want to use this article to view everything that you should know about iOS 26 before its official debut in the market. We are going to talk about its most important characteristics compatible iPhone models and how to try them right now, among other edges.

Since there are several months to launch a stable version of iOS 26, We regularly update this content How new details appear through beta versions.

Why iOS 26, not iOS 19?

The first large change, which is accompanied by the next generation of software for the iPhone, is in the nomenclature. Apple decided to move away from the scheme that you used earlier and Equate denomination Through all the operating systems of its ecosystems. Thus, the correlation with previous names was abandoned, and the versions were selected using the year after its debut.

Since the new iOS will increase the compatible iPhone in the 2025-2026 cycle, Apple decided to call it iOS 26. The same applies to the iPados 26, MacOS 26, Tvos 26, Visions 26 and Watchos 26. At the same time, this is a scheme that California will use to determine the evolution of their software provision. So in 2026 we will have iOS 27; In 2027, it will be iOS 28, and so on. And this will be the same for the platforms for iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and Apple Watch.

Liquid glass, new interface design

As we indicated at the beginning, the most sociable novel in the first main house WWDC was the introduction Liquid glassWe are talking about a new design language that, as its name indicates, is inspired by glass to focus on translucent elements that reflect and refract what is around it.

This new appearance is not exclusive for iOS 26, but will also be available in updates to other Apple operating systems. One of the most attractive elements of liquid glass is that it responds dynamically to movement and is displayed in real time.

In the case of the iPhone, the introduction of liquid glass will say in all areas of iOS 26. From the smallest to the most sadly known. This means that we will see a new design language used in buttons, sliding control elements, text fields, tabs, contextual menu, main screen and blockade, control center, notifications, etc.

Although the native Apple applications will be updated to the design inspired by the Vision Pro interface, it will be interesting to see what is happening with those from third parties. The positive point is that the developers who use the integrated graphic structure of the Apple interface will see how their applications are automatically updated to a new design, Without touching the codeThe field all that they must do is compile it with the help of Xcode 26.

iOS 26 brings improvements in the phone, camera and much more

The update to iOS 26 comes with improvements in some of the most important applications in the system. IN CameraFor example, Apple decided to present a simplified graphic interface that benefits from taking liquid glass as a design language. Safari It also takes on a new appearance and stands out in order to allow the visualization of websites to occupy the entire screen, but maintaining quick access to fast control elements.

IN TelephoneMeanwhile, the most interesting and declared modifications are observed by users. At the design level, the application combines the sections of recent calls, favorites and voice emails. Introducing two key functions for working with suspended and undesirable messages.

First Keep helpwho works as an assistant to wait for attention to the expected call. With iOS 26, the iPhone will be responsible for calling the call and user notification when a person is finally available for visiting it. Bye Call screening It is activated when the call is received from an unknown number. This function prevents the launch of the phone and collects information from the person you call, using an automatic voice; Then he offers data in the form of text so that the user decides whether he wants to be present or reject communication.

The update for iOS 26 also brings improvements in other applications. Some of the most famous will be visible in Apple Music, messages, Apple and Apple maps. While those of Cupertino also presented games, a new application aimed at becoming a kind of game center. AND Carplay He also makes fairly requested improvements, such as a reduced idea of ​​incoming challenges so that they do not prevent the visualization of cards or other appropriate tools. In addition, the automotive system introduces widgets and live events, as well as other optimization.

Apple intelligence and the absence of new Siri

Unlike what happened in 2024, Apple decided to be much more careful when I spoke about Apple Intelligence in WWDC 2025. The main intellectual tools that were presented were much less than Rimbombantes and stood out mainly for deeper integration with iOS 26 and other company platforms.

The most interesting was Living translationA function that uses AI to translate a conversation or in a text format in real. This function is integrated into a telephone application, as well as in messages and Facetime.

Another sadly known change is associated with Visual intelligenceA field from iOS 26 This function, a kind of Google -an object with steroids, also works with the fact that it appears on the iPhone screen. Previously, his use was limited to what he could see through a mobile phone cameras.

From now on, users can take advantage of this to mark the object on the screen and find it on the Internet, in a circle to search for Google. You can also recommend actions in accordance with what you are looking at. Thus, for example, if you see something related to the event, you can offer to add it to the calendar.

The great absence of iOS 26, at least when it officially debuts, will be the absence of a new Siri With Apple intelligence. Craig Federet, Vice -President of Apple Software Engineering, explained the problems that they encountered to develop them. The company remains firm for its purpose to launch the evolution of the assistant at some moment in 2026, but still not offering a certain date.

According to the recent report by Mark Gurman, the Siri update will be launched next spring. More specifically, From the hand of iOS 26.4Field

What iPhone models are compatible with iOS 26?

As usual, Apple plans to transfer iOS 26 to the range of fairly wide iPhone models. With the exception of the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, which are not compatible, Supported devices These are the same ones that can be updated to iOS 18. Of course, some SA characteristics will not work on the oldest models. This explanation, equipment that can use it has been made, is: it is:

• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11
• iPhone se (3rd generation 2022)
• iPhone se (2nd generation 2020)

We must add to these models of the iPhone 17 family that will appear this year, and this will be, in fact, the first to be a wounded iOS.

When does iOS 26 come out?

IOS 26 debut is scheduled for a month SeptemberWhen the iPhone 17 reaches the market. In general, an update for compatible models is available The next Monday for a presentation event.

Of course, the launch of the iPhone 17, which, according to rumors this year, which will include a new model called Air, has no official date. Apple has the habit of launching its new mobile phones in the first or second week of September, so we will have to wait until late confirmation.

How to try iOS 26 right now

If you want to check the new IOS 26 characteristics and its updated liquid glass, You do not need to wait until SeptemberYou can try new software, not expecting some compatible iPhone thanks to the beta -version of Cupertino.

As soon as the first main report WWDC 2025 ended, Apple launched the first beta -version for iOS 26 developers. This can be established by everyone who is registered in the program Apple developerKeep in mind the field, however, that this is software at the preliminary stage, so it usually has various errors and instability.

The first public beta version of iOS 26 will be launched in July for the program participants Apple Beta SoftwareAnd it is expected that it will be a little more stable than the version of the developer. Regardless of what you have chosen, it is recommended not to install software on the iPhone for primary or daily use. So continue your own risk.

If you want to try iOS 26 right now, you must register your Apple account in Apple Developer at this link. Make sure your iPhone is a compatible model and is updated to iOS 18.5. In addition, it is very important that you make a backup copy of your data in ICLUD in case it comes out badly. You can do this from Settings> Your profile> icloud> copy in iCloudField

Then go to the Apple developer and register in the program. The next step will be access with iPhone to Settings> General> Software Update> Beta -ConnuesYou will have to choose a field there iOS 26 developer beta And press the installation button now or update now. As soon as the process ends, you will be ready to test the new Apple operating system.

If you wait, while July will use public beta -version, the procedure is mostly the same. The only difference is that you should register in the program Apple Beta SoftwareputationAs final recommendations, make sure that your iPhone has enough free space for loading iOS 26, and do not start the process with less than 20 % of the available battery. In fact, it is always proposed to connect the device to the charger. Now enjoy iOS 26 and liquid glass!