Apple's biggest iOS update arrives Monday with Liquid Glass design, AI features, and compatibility changes for millions of users.
Apple's highly anticipated iOS 26 update officially rolls out worldwide on Monday, September 15, 2025. Thus, marking what the company calls one of its most significant mobile software releases to date. The update arrives alongside the new iPhone 17 lineup, introducing (revolutionary?) design changes and enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities that promise to transform the iPhone experience.
Release Time and Global Rollout
iOS 26 is expected to follow Apple's traditional release pattern, launching at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. The update will become available globally through Settings > General > Software Update. The rollout will occur in waves across different time zones. Presumably, users in the Asia-Pacific regions can see the update first.
For users wondering about the iOS 26 release date and time in India, the update will become available at 10:30 p.m. IST on September 15, while European users can expect to download iOS 26 around 6-7 p.m. local time.
The update follows months of beta testing, with the first developer beta launching moments after WWDC 2025 in June, followed by the public beta in July. Early testers have been evaluating the software's stability and performance ahead of the official release.
Supported iPhone Models
Apple has made some notable changes to device compatibility this year. Unlike last year, a trio of iPhones won't be eligible to download the newest iOS, marking the end of support for several 2018 models.
Devices losing iOS support:
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
Compatible iPhone models include:
- iPhone 17 series (all models)
- iPhone Air (new model)
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
In short, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you're in the clear, according to Engadget's compatibility analysis.
Revolutionary "Liquid Glass" Design
The headline feature of iOS 26 is Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design language, representing the company's most significant visual overhaul in years. Liquid Glass, in Apple's terms, was designed to make all of the company's operating systems more visually cohesive.
The new interface includes redesigned app icons with dark mode and transparent options, along with floating button designs that create a more immersive user experience. This update is set to be one of the biggest iOS releases ever, introducing a stunning glass-inspired interface design.
Key New Features
- Enhanced Phone App: The Phone application receives a major redesign, allowing users to scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages on a single screen. A new "Hold Assist" feature will notify users when a customer service agent comes to the line, eliminating the need to listen to hold music.
- Live Translate: iOS 26 introduces real-time translation capabilities for phone calls and text messages, enabling seamless conversations with speakers of different languages.
- Advanced AI Integration: Enhanced system apps, a revamped CarPlay experience, and next-level Apple Intelligence features, including expanded Visual Intelligence AI tools that can understand and analyze what's on your screen are among the update's standout capabilities.
- Camera App Improvements: The Camera app features a simplified navigation design with conveniently located buttons and menus, plus a new feature that alerts users when their lens is dirty.
- Lock Screen Customization: Users gain access to more customizable lock screen options, including new clock designs, 3D wallpaper effects, additional widgets, and improved focus mode settings.
Installation Guidelines
To ensure a smooth update process, Apple recommends users:
- Back up their device using iCloud or Finder
- Free up at least 10GB of storage space
- Charge their phone to at least 50% or keep it plugged in
- Update all apps to their latest versions
- Use a stable Wi-Fi connection during download
If you don't see the update right away, swipe down to refresh or wait a few hours. Updates often appear gradually by region and model.
