iOS 26: Release timeline, compatible iPhones, features, and everything you need to know

Called Liquid Glass, Apple says the new design language introduces a “new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings” and changes the way users navigate and access controls.

iOS 26 features

The biggest change coming to iOS 26 is design. The upcoming operating system introduces a new design language called “Liquid Glass”, which is inspired by the translucent interface from visionOS.

Apple has changed the look of user elements like menus, options, notifications, Control Center and several first-party apps like Messages, Phone and Camera. Another thing to note is that menus, options and notifications are also getting a visual overhaul.

Talking of the lockscreen, iOS 26 brings a redesigned time and date widget along with a new dynamic widget that changes the lock size according to the wallpaper. Also, users will be able to create spatial scenes which give a sense of depth when you move the phone. As for the homescreen, Apple now lets you change the look of the icons and even make them translucent.

The much-anticipated update will also bring a ton of other changes like a redesigned camera app, live translation powered by Apple Intelligence, AI-generated call summaries, a brand new Games app and enhancements to Visual Intelligence, to name a few.

Which iPhones will get the iOS 26 update?

Any iPhone powered by the A13 or newer chip is said to be eligible for the iOS 26 update, which means the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max may miss out on the Liquid Glass design. Below is a list of devices that are expected to get the iOS 26 update.

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16e

iOS 26 expected rollout date

Apple typically releases new iOS versions a few days after iPhones go on sale, and now the tech giant has confirmed that the iOS 26 update will be rolling out starting September 15. However, it might take sometime before it is avaiable on your device.

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