Release Details
Apple officially released iOS 26 on September 15, making the update available globally, including in India. The new operating system was first announced at WWDC 2025 in June, followed by several developer and public beta releases. While the company didn’t specify an exact launch time, past updates have gone live at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST). Today’s rollout comes ahead of the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, which ship with iOS 26 preinstalled on September 19.
Supported Devices
iOS 26 is compatible with all iPhones that participated in the beta programme and received subsequent beta updates. The full list of supported models includes:
- iPhone 17 series
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
Apple Intelligence features such as Live Translation and Call Screening require an A16 Bionic chip or later, limiting them to the iPhone 15 and newer models.
How to Install iOS 26
- Open Settings and tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Wait for your iPhone to check for updates.
- Tap Download & Install, review the terms, then agree.
- Allow the update to download and install.
Pro tips:
- Back up your device to iCloud or a computer before installing.
- Ensure at least 50 percent battery or connect to a charger during the update.
Top Features in iOS 26
- Liquid Glass Design that refracts light for a cohesive look across devices
- Expanded lock screen and home screen customization, including a new Clear icon style
- Overhauled Camera app interface with streamlined mode switching
- Separate Library and Collection tabs in Photos for easier browsing
- Live Translation in Messages and FaceTime using on-device AI
- Call Screening powered by Live Voicemail to preview caller intent
- AutoMix and Lyrics Translation in Apple Music
- New Apple Games app for unified game discovery and tracking
- Visited Places feature in Maps to revisit past locations
- Dedicated actions in Image Playground and Writing Tools
What’s Next
After updating, explore the new customization options in Settings → Wallpaper & Style to tailor your home and lock screens. Check out Live Translation by launching Translate or placing a FaceTime call with a foreign-language contact. Keep an eye out for iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11, which are also expected to arrive later this fall with complementary features for seamless Apple device interoperability.
