After a long wait, iOS 26 is set to roll out to millions of iPhones tonight. The highly anticipated release was initially announced in June at Apple’s WWDC Developers Conference and is now ready for widespread availability, as Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 will be accessible starting September 15.
This software update introduces a range of new features, such as a fresh Liquid Glass aesthetic, an updated Lock Screen with a dynamically adjusting clock based on display space, and Spatial scenes that animate wallpapers through a clever 3D effect.
iOS 26 will enhance user experience by blocking spam calls, enabling real-time translation of foreign languages, and providing enhancements to Messages, Photos, Maps, and more.
The update is free to download, but not all users on the current iOS 18 operating system will be able to upgrade. Periodically, Apple discontinues support for older devices that struggle to meet the performance demands of the latest iOS versions.
Unfortunately, users of iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will miss out on iOS 26 unless they upgrade to a newer device. The following iPhones are compatible with iOS 26:
– iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max
– iPhone 16 Plus
– iPhone 16
– iPhone 16e
– iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max
– iPhone 15 Plus
– iPhone 15
– 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)
Once iOS 26 is available, expected around 6 pm BST, users can find it in the Settings menu. Due to its size, it is advisable to download the update over Wi-Fi. Installation times may be longer on launch night due to high demand, so waiting a few days might result in faster downloads.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, praised iOS 26 for its new design and improved features that enhance everyday user interactions, making the iPhone even more useful and personal. The update introduces new Apple Intelligence capabilities that streamline tasks for users.
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