iOS 26 Release Date Revealed: Rollout Schedule, Supported iPhones, and Key Features

Apple has officially confirmed the rollout of iOS 26 starting September 15, 2025. First announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025), the update has undergone extensive developer and public beta testing before its final release. The iPhone 17 series will ship with iOS 26 out of the box, while a wide range of older iPhone models will receive it as a free software update.

Here’s everything you need to know about the iOS 26 rollout, supported devices, and its biggest features.

iOS 26 Rollout Timeline

• Release date: September 15, 2025
• Availability: Free software update for compatible iPhones

iOS 26 Supported iPhones

The new update will be available for the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 17 series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Air
• iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e
• iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

iPhone 17 Series Exclusive Features

While iOS 26 brings new capabilities across all supported devices, the iPhone 17 lineup enjoys a few exclusive upgrades:

• A19 chip efficiency: Improved all-day battery life with smarter power management.
• ProMotion boost: Adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz with enhanced energy savings.
• Adaptive Power Mode: Predicts low battery situations and optimizes performance.
• On-device foundation model: Core of Apple Intelligence, ensuring privacy-first AI functions even offline.

What’s New in iOS 26

Refreshed User Interface

• Liquid Glass design: Transparent layers, fluid animations, updated app icons, and a dynamic lock screen clock.
• Homescreen & Lock screen: Floating dock, customizable widgets, and new wallpapers.
• Safari redesign: Transparent bottom bar that hides while scrolling for seamless browsing.
• Camera app update: Two main modes (Photo/Video) with swipe gestures for quick access.
• Photos app: Streamlined two-tab layout (Library & Collections) with improved search and spatial image conversion.
• Preview app on iPhone: Edit, mark up, and save files as PDFs just like on macOS.

Apple Intelligence Upgrades

• Live call translation: Real-time audio translation with animated overlays and transcripts.
• Visual intelligence: Take action on content directly from screenshots.
• Call recording: Save calls and transcripts into the Notes app.
• Hold Assist: Alerts you when a call resumes, with live transcription.
• Image Playground: Generate AI images in styles like Oil Painting, Anime, and Vector.
• Smarter AI tools: On-screen action recommendations, personalized emoji creation, and improved order tracking in Mail.
• Developer integration: Third-party apps can now embed Apple Intelligence securely.

Also Read: iPadOS 26 Release Date, Supported iPads, and Top Features

App and System Enhancements

• Phone app: Unified Recents, Favourites, Voicemails, plus Call Screening and Hold Assist.
• Messages: Adds sender screening, polls, Apple Cash integration, and group typing indicators.
  
• Apple Games app: New hub for Apple Arcade, achievements, and social gaming.
• CarPlay Ultra: Widgets, Live Activities, pinned calls, and conversations.
• Apple Music: Real-time lyrics translation and AutoMix playback.
• Apple Maps: Encrypted location history for enhanced privacy.
• Apple Wallet: Real-time flight and transit updates.
• AirPods: Studio-grade recording, voice isolation, and remote camera shutter control.
• Accessibility: Improved Braille support, Live Listen upgrades, and enhanced Personal Voice.

Final Thoughts

With iOS 26, Apple is blending design changes, AI-driven intelligence, and deeper app integrations to deliver one of its most significant iPhone software updates yet. Whether it’s the Liquid Glass interface, Live call translation, or the new Apple Games app, iOS 26 sets the stage for a smarter, more personalized iPhone experience.

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