Update: Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 will be released on Monday, September 15.
The update is expected to roll out at 10 AM PDT.
The next big update for iPhone, iOS 26, is right around the corner. Excited to try out Liquid Glass? Here’s when to expect the iOS 26 release.
If you can’t wait, you can always install the iOS 26 Developer Beta or Public Beta. The recent beta builds have gotten stable enough to run on your daily iPhone without too much worry.
Why iOS 26? Shouldn’t it be iOS 19?
Quick answer: Starting now, Apple’s going to number all their OS versions by the year.
So here’s what’s changing:
- iOS 19 → iOS 26
- iPadOS 19 → iPadOS 26
- watchOS 12 → watchOS 26
- macOS 16 - > macOS 26
- tvOS 19 → tvOS 26
- visionOS 3 → visionOS 26
As you can see, it’s way easier to keep track now since all the versions line up with each other.
iOS 26 Features
Unlike previous iOS updates, iOS 26 is considered the biggest upgrade since iOS 7 in terms of both user interface and features. It introduces a brand-new design language that Apple calls Liquid Glass — a transparent material that behaves like real glass.
Beyond giving the iPhone a fresh and stunning new look with Liquid Glass, iOS 26 also brings a host of new features, including:
- Adaptive Clock on the Lock Screen
- A redesigned Safari
- A revamped Camera app
- Lots of new ringtones
- Live Translation in communication apps
- AutoMix in Apple Music
And many more features you can explore in the posts below 
- What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 1?
- What’s New with Apple Intelligence in iOS 26?
- What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 2?
- What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 3?
- What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 4? Liquid Glass is Back!
- What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 5?
- What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 6? New App Open Animation, More New Ringtones
iOS 26 Compatibility
iOS 26 has dropped support for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Here’s the full list of supported devices for iOS 26:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 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 or later)
Expected iOS 26 Release Date
As usual, iOS 26 will roll out in September, just a few days after the new iPhone lineup goes up for preorder.
Here’s how past releases looked:
| Versions | Public Release Date | RC Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 18 | Monday, September 16, 2024 | Monday, September 9, 2024 |
| iOS 17 | Monday, September 18, 2023 | Tuesday, September 12, 2023 |
| iOS 16 | Friday, September 12, 2022 | Wednesday, September 7, 2022 |
| iOS 15 | Monday, September 20, 2021 | Tuesday, September 14, 2021 |
There’s a pattern I’ve noticed: the RC version usually comes out on the same day Apple announces the new iPhones, and about a week later the official release rolls out to everyone.
Apple has confirmed it will hold the “Awe Dropping” event on September 9 to launch the new iPhone, and we may see a release timeline similar to last year’s iOS 18.
I predict iOS 26 RC (Release Candidate) will drop right after the September 9 keynote wraps up. Since the keynote usually lasts around two hours, iOS 26 RC could be released between 12 PM and 1 PM PDT. And iOS 26 may launch to the public at 10 AM PDT on September 15–16, 2025, though it could come a day or two earlier or later.
What’s Next?
Once iOS 26 is released to the public, Apple will likely follow up pretty quickly with iOS 26.1 Beta for developers.
Last year, iOS 18.1 Beta dropped on July 29, 2024, but it was limited to iPhone 15 Pro and newer. I’d call that an exception since Apple wanted more feedback on Apple Intelligence. It wasn’t until iOS 18.1 Beta 4 that other iPhone models could install it, so I’ll use that as the real reference point.
Here’s the past release timeline:
- iOS 18.1 Beta 4: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 (which was just 1 day after iOS 18 was released)
- iOS 17.1 Beta 1: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (which was 9 day after iOS 17 was released)
- iOS 16.1 Beta 1: Wednesday, September 14, 2022 (which was just 2 day after iOS 16 was released)
- iOS 15.1 Beta 1: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 (which was just 1 day after iOS 15 was released)
Looking at the past schedule, iOS 26.1 Beta 1 will probably drop about 1–2 days after iOS 26 is released.
Make sure to check BetaProfiles.com often since I’ll keep updating the iOS Beta release timeline there.
And finally, follow @BetaProfiles on X or Threads to stay up to date on the next beta release dates.