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Apple announced major changes in the operating system of the iPhone as part of iOS 26 during WWDC 2025 in June – and it is now widely available to iPhone users. After introducing a much awaited iPhone 17 lineup earlier this month, including the thinnest iPhone with 17 air, Apple also confirmed that the general release of iOS 26 would be on Monday, 15 September.
Most iPhone users will receive a free software update to upgrade iOS 26, although availability may vary depending on the carrier, area, and local rules. The iOS 26 is the successor of iOS 18, which is the current widely available operating system for iPhones. Instead of launching iOS 19 to iOS 18 to iOS 19, Apple resumed its OS versions to reconcile when users would use them the most.
Also: Comparison of each iPhone 17 model: Should you buy base model, air, Pro or Max?
In this case, iOS 26 has already been launched for general availability, but will continue to roll out many features updates 2026. It is mentioned here how to install iOS 26 on your compatible iPhone.
How to install iOS 26
what you need: You will need a compatible iPhone that is running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones support iOS 26, you will also need a new model compared to the iPhone 11.
After agreeing to download and install iOS 26, you can wait to install updates for your iPhone. Then you are ready to enjoy your liquid glass interface, preview app and more Apple Intelligence Integration.
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When was iOS 26 released?
The iOS 26 was widely made available on September 15, 2025 as a free software update. Developer Beta was released during the WWDC in June 2025, while the public beta was released in July.
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of equipment supported with iOS 26, so no one is compatible with new operating systems including iPhone 11 or new iPhone SE.
Too: Each iPhone model that can be updated to iOS 26 (and who do not support it)
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