Apple has officially announced the release of the iOS 26 update, a major upgrade to the iPhone operating system packed with new features, interface changes, and enhanced artificial intelligence integration.
With the public beta now available, users can preview the changes before the final rollout, which is expected to coincide with the iPhone 17 series launch later this year. So you read our article on the iPhone 17 Colours confirmation.
From an all-new visual style to deeper personalization and smarter apps, the iOS 26 update aims to redefine how users interact with their devices. This article covers everything you need to know, including the public beta release date, a full list of supported devices, and the most exciting features coming your way.
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Public Beta Release Date
The iOS 26 update entered its public beta phase in late July 2025, following several weeks of developer testing. This release allows general users to experience the system and provide feedback while Apple continues refining it for its final release.
The stable version is expected to be rolled out in September 2025, aligning with Apple’s traditional software release cycle during the annual iPhone launch event. By offering a public beta ahead of time, Apple allows users to report bugs, test compatibility, and explore the system’s new features early.
If you’re eager to try out the new features, the public beta can be downloaded through Apple’s Beta Software Program. However, it’s best to install it on a secondary device, as pre-release software can sometimes contain bugs or stability issues.
List of Supported Devices
The iOS 26 update supports iPhones powered by the A13 Bionic chip and newer. Here’s a complete list of devices eligible for the update:
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
- iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series (upcoming)
- iPhone 17 series (launching with the final iOS 26 update)
Devices older than the iPhone 11, such as the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, will no longer receive this update. Also, while many new features will be available to all supported devices, some AI-related features will be exclusive to iPhones with the A17 Pro chip and newer due to hardware requirements.
Top Features of iOS 26
The iOS 26 update introduces numerous changes, both cosmetic and functional. Apple has worked extensively to enhance usability, performance, and intelligence across the entire system.
Let’s explore the standout features:
1. Liquid Glass Design
One of the most eye-catching updates is the new Liquid Glass design. This fresh interface style brings animated transparencies, fluid movement, and a more dynamic visual identity to the home screen, lock screen, widgets, and Control Center.
Icons now subtly shift with motion, the notification shade appears semi-translucent, and interface elements feature more depth, giving the OS a sleeker, more modern appearance.
2. Apple Intelligence (AI Features)
iOS 26 heavily integrates Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools designed to improve productivity and personalization. Key AI features include:
- Smart notifications that summarize emails, articles, and messages
- Genmoji, which allows users to create custom emojis using AI
- Image Playground, a tool to generate visuals from text prompts
- Smart replies, which suggest complete, contextual message responses
- Live language translation within calls and messages
These tools operate mostly on-device, preserving user privacy while offering impressive intelligence. However, full functionality requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
3. Improved Messages App
The Messages app has received several new features in the iOS 26 update, including:
- Chat polls for quick group decisions
- New sticker and emoji reactions
- Custom message themes and backgrounds
- Improved filtering of unknown senders
- Typing indicators for group chats
With these additions, messaging becomes more fun, organized, and interactive—perfect for social and work conversations alike.
4. Updated Phone App
Apple has overhauled the Phone app in iOS 26 with smarter call features and a more streamlined design. The updated app includes:
- Call Screening, which uses AI to identify spam or unwanted calls in real time
- Hold Assist, which listens on your behalf during hold music and alerts you when a human agent returns
- Unified call history and voicemail tabs for easier access
This makes daily phone use far more convenient and efficient.
5. Safari Redesign and Smart Features
Safari in iOS 26 now supports:
- A cleaner tab layout
- AI-generated content summaries
- Improved Private Browsing, with Face ID authentication
- Enhanced Reader View, providing article highlights and estimated reading times
With speed and privacy enhancements, Safari continues to be a reliable choice for mobile browsing.
6. Photos and Camera Enhancements
Photos and Camera have been upgraded with:
- 3D effects for select images
- Improved search filters
- AI-assisted photo sorting
- Manual exposure and focus controls in the Camera app
These improvements make content creation more professional and organization easier.
7. Apple Games Hub
The iOS 26 update introduces a new Games app that serves as a central hub for Apple Arcade and Game Center activities. Users can manage games, achievements, and friend activity from one location—streamlining the gaming experience.
8. Smarter Battery Management
Battery health is a common concern, and Apple addresses it with:
- A new Adaptive Power Mode, using AI to adjust background tasks and screen brightness
- A redesigned Battery Dashboard, showing detailed usage insights and health data
- Alerts for battery-draining apps
This feature helps extend daily use and improve long-term battery health.
9. Control Center Customization
Control Center is now fully customizable. Users can:
- Resize tiles
- Rearrange functions
- Add third-party app shortcuts
- Create widget stacks with swipeable panels
This enables more efficient control over common settings and actions.
10. Siri 2.0
Siri has been redesigned with better voice recognition and contextual understanding. New Siri features include:
- Offline functionality for core actions
- Conversational memory for follow-up questions
- Integration with the Apple Intelligence platform
Siri can now assist with multi-step tasks, such as planning events or setting up reminders based on real-time information.
11. Enhanced Accessibility
Accessibility continues to be a focus in iOS 26, with new features like:
- Eye-tracking controls
- Personal Voice 2.0, allowing users with speech disabilities to create realistic digital voices
- Adaptive audio feedback
- Simplified interface modes for users with cognitive disabilities
These tools make the iPhone more inclusive than ever before.
12. CarPlay and Maps Upgrades
CarPlay now features:
- More responsive dashboard controls
- Enhanced support for Live Activities like food deliveries or ride-hailing
- New Maps features, including detailed EV charging station info and pedestrian navigation improvements
These upgrades improve the in-car iOS experience, making it smarter and safer.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 26 update is one of Apple’s most ambitious software releases to date. From its striking Liquid Glass design to its AI-driven Apple Intelligence features, it brings a new level of personalization and performance to the iPhone.
Users with newer devices—especially those powered by the A17 Pro chip—will benefit the most from these changes. However, even older supported devices will see noticeable improvements in speed, usability, and aesthetics.
With the public beta already in user hands and the final release just around the corner, the iOS 26 update promises to elevate how users experience their iPhones in 2025 and beyond.