Apple iOS 26 rolls out to iPhones today: What's new
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Apple's iOS 26 launches on Monday, Sept. 15 and brings new features to iPhones. Photo: Courtesy of Apple
Apple's new iPhone 17 lineup lands Friday, but the latest operating system — iOS 26 — rolls out to compatible devices Monday.
The big picture: The free software update brings a new look and deeper integration of AI, what the iPhone maker calls "Apple Intelligence."
- It also upgrades core apps — from Phone and Messages to Photos, CarPlay, Wallet and Music.
iOS 26 release date: When is the update available?
Apple's latest operating system will be available Sept. 15, days before the Sept. 19 launch of the iPhone 17 devices, the company said.
- In past years, the latest software was available at 10am PT or 1pm ET on the first day.
- Apple is also rolling out updates Monday to its operating systems for other devices.
iOS name change moves from sequential numbers
Fun fact: Apple ditched sequential numbering this year — branding the update iOS 26 to match the year, car-model style.
- The shift also brings consistency across its other platforms: iPadOS 26 for iPad, watchOS 26 for Apple Watch, tvOS 26 for Apple TV and visionOS 26 for Apple Vision Pro.
- Macs, meanwhile, keep their California names with macOS Tahoe.
Download iOS 26
How it works: To download the software, go to your iPhone's settings, then "General" and then "Software Update."
- The initial rush to update can lead to longer download times.
iOS 26 features: What's new
Zoom in: The iOS update is an annual fall tradition that brings new features to Apple's smartphones, including:
- Design: New "Liquid Glass" look makes app icons, widgets and screens more dynamic and customizable.
- Phone and Messages: Call screening, "Hold Assist" for customer service, message polls, custom chat backgrounds and Apple Cash in group chats.
- CarPlay: Follow Live Activities and get more information at a glance to "stay connected and focused while you drive."
- Music and Maps: Lyrics translation, Maps that learn your preferred routes and have a history of your "Visited Places."
- Wallet: Create a digital ID in Wallet using your U.S. passport that Apple says can be used at TSA checkpoints. Boarding passes in the Wallet also have access to airport maps, luggage tracking with Find My and shareable Live Activities.
- Clock: Set a snooze duration between 1 and 15 minutes to get more customization of your alarms.
iOS 26 supported devices
iOS 26 works on iPhone 11 and newer. iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) is also supported.
- Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, or M1-and-later iPads and Macs.
Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26
The intrigue: Systemwide AI powers Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages — translating text and audio on-device in real time.
- Visual intelligence lets iPhone recognize what's on screen, suggesting actions like adding events to Calendar or finding products online.
- Apple says users can ask ChatGPT questions about what they're looking at onscreen to learn more.
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