When is Apple’s new iOS 26 available? See new features, release date
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When is Apple’s new iOS 26 available? See new features, release date
Apple announced iOS 26 at its WWDC 2025 keynote. The developer beta became available immediately for registered Apple Developers. The public beta will roll out in July 2025 and will be available to all iPhone users through the Apple Beta Software Program. The official stable version of iOS 26 is expected to launch globally around September 2025, alongside the new iPhone 17 series. Other operating systems for Apple devices include macOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. For more information on iOS 26, visit Apple’s website.
With the announcement of the new iOS at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9, features include a new lock screen design, camera and messaging updates, improved translation features, and more.
Here’s what to know about the official iOS 26 release date and when Apple consumers can test the beta version of it.
What is iOS 26?
iOS 26 will be the next operating system for the iPhone, according to multiple reports. Other operating systems for Apple devices include macOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
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When will the beta version of iOS 26 be released?
Apple announced iOS 26 at its WWDC 2025 keynote. The developer beta became available immediately for registered Apple Developers. The public beta will roll out in July 2025 and will be available to all iPhone users through the Apple Beta Software Program. The official stable version of iOS 26 is expected to launch globally around September 2025, alongside the new iPhone 17 series.
What new features are on iOS 26?
Here are some of the standout features that Apple announced during the Worldwide Developers Conference:
Liquid glass design : Apple’s latest design language was introduced with iOS 26 and other platforms. It creates a translucent, reflective, and dynamic interface that adapts to its surroundings, making apps and system elements feel more immersive.
: Apple’s latest design language was introduced with iOS 26 and other platforms. It creates a translucent, reflective, and dynamic interface that adapts to its surroundings, making apps and system elements feel more immersive. Live translation : Real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls.
: Real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls. Enhanced Apple Intelligence : Improved AI-powered shortcuts, smarter suggestions in Messages and Reminders, and better visual intelligence across the screen.
: Improved AI-powered shortcuts, smarter suggestions in Messages and Reminders, and better visual intelligence across the screen. Revamped Camera & Photos apps : A simplified Camera interface and a redesigned Photos app for easier navigation
: A simplified Camera interface and a redesigned Photos app for easier navigation Smarter battery features: iOS 26 now estimates how long it will take to charge your battery fully and introduces adaptive power mode.
-USA TODAY Network Mike Snider contributed to the report.
iOS 26 Release Date: Apple Set to Roll Out Bold New Update in USA, September 2025
Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26, its next-generation iPhone software. The update will begin rolling out in the USA starting mid-September 2025, aligning with the launch of the iPhone 17 series. Developer Beta 1 is already available, while the Public Beta is set to launch on July 15, 2025. iOS 26 will be available on all devices with A13 Bionic chips or newer, which includes:iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series. iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)iPhone 17 series (expected)Note: Older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not support iOS 26 but will continue to receive critical security updates on iOS 18.
The announcement came during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, where the company revealed a sweeping overhaul of the iOS interface along with powerful new features under the umbrella of Apple Intelligence—a privacy-first, on-device AI system.
When Will iOS 26 Be Available in the US?
Apple follows a consistent update cycle, and the iOS 26 stable release is expected on or around September 16, 2025, the Tuesday after Apple’s annual iPhone event. Developer Beta 1 is already available, while the Public Beta is set to launch on July 15, 2025 for users who opt in via Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
Why iOS 26—What Happened to iOS 19?
Apple is skipping sequential version numbers and moving to a year-based naming system. That means what might have been iOS 19 is now iOS 26, in line with the 2026 fiscal year. This strategy will now apply across Apple’s ecosystem, including macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS.
Features Coming in iOS 26
Liquid Glass Design: A visually stunning interface update that makes menus, app icons, and tabs appear fluid and translucent—bringing a minimalist, futuristic aesthetic across the system.
Apple Intelligence: This system-level AI feature enables intelligent actions directly on the device without cloud processing. Features like Live Translation, AI-powered Writing Tools, Genmoji, and context-aware suggestions in apps are part of this rollout.
Smarter Safari and Phone App: A redesigned Safari hides the tab bar when scrolling and brings controls into a floating bubble, while the new Phone app merges favorites, recents, and voicemails into a single unified layout.
Improved Battery Performance: iOS 26 introduces AI-based battery optimization that adapts to daily usage patterns, particularly useful for slimmer models like the expected iPhone 17 Air.
Live Translation & Visual Intelligence: Translates audio and text in real-time in apps like Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. It can also understand what’s on your screen and suggest helpful actions.
iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
iOS 26 will be available on all devices with A13 Bionic chips or newer, which includes:
iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series
iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iPhone 17 series (expected)
Note: Older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not support iOS 26 but will continue to receive critical security updates on iOS 18.
Not All iPhones Will Get Full AI Features
While many devices can install iOS 26, Apple Intelligence features will be exclusive to devices with the A17 Pro chip or newer, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. Features like on-device image generation, content summarization, and advanced personal assistant tools will only be available on these models.
With iOS 26, Apple is not just offering a visual refresh but also embedding intelligent capabilities into everyday iPhone use. The combination of a sleek new interface and AI-powered enhancements positions iOS 26 as one of the most forward-looking updates in years. As the September 2025 release approaches, U.S. users can expect an iPhone experience that is not just more beautiful—but also smarter.