Get ready, iPhone users, as the countdown to iOS 26 has officially begun. In a few weeks, your lock screen could appear more polished, group chats might finally include polls, and those annoying spam texts about “unpaid tolls” could disappear into a dedicated folder.
Thanks to the upcoming iOS 26 update, the developer beta 6 is already available, and the public beta is open for testing. According to CEO Tim Cook, it is “by far the most popular developer beta we’ve had.” Apple claims that users are eagerly embracing the update, and for those waiting for the stable release, it can’t come soon enough.
Before diving into what’s new, let’s consider the iOS 26 launch timeline. While Apple hasn’t specified exact dates, the iOS 26 introduction page states it’s “coming later this year.” Given Apple’s tradition of releasing major iOS updates in September, about a week after the iPhone launch event, a similar timeline is expected this year. Last year’s iOS 18 was released on September 16, exactly seven days after the iPhone 16 series was unveiled.
In a break from the usual sequential numbering, Apple is jumping from iOS 18 to iOS 26 this year. This change aims to align version numbers with the upcoming year, similar to car manufacturers, so even though it launches in 2025, it carries the “26” tag.
The standout feature of iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass design, which gives the iPhone’s home and lock screens a translucent makeover. Apps and widgets now appear see-through, with the background subtly adapting between light and dark modes based on your surroundings. While some users love the modern look, others have compared it to the long-gone Windows Vista Aero aesthetic. Apple has already adjusted the transparency following early feedback, but Liquid Glass will be integral to all upcoming Apple operating systems, from macOS Tahoe 26 to iPadOS 26, for a more unified design across devices.
iOS 26 focuses on quality-of-life improvements rather than over-promising on AI. Some highlights include:
– A Phone app overhaul that consolidates Recents, Voicemails, and Favourites on a single screen for easier navigation. A new call screening tool acts as your personal secretary, answering incoming calls, politely asking callers for their identity and purpose, and letting you decide whether to take the call.
– Hold support allows you to set your phone aside and receive a notification when an actual person is ready to speak with you.
– Live Translation now works seamlessly across phone calls and FaceTime chats, enabling real-time conversations without a common language, even if the other person isn’t using an iPhone.
– Spam text filtering will separate annoying scams and spam messages into their folder.
– Visual Intelligence lets you search for something you see on your screen, snap a screenshot of shoes on Instagram, and find them online instantly.
– Photos tabs return, with Library and Collections having their sections for easier browsing.
– Group chat polls allow you to quickly decide on plans like brunch venues or car arrangements directly in Messages.
– FaceTime safety includes a new communication safety tool that pauses calls if nudity is detected, processed entirely on-device for privacy.
– A customizable lock screen offers new clock styles, 3D wallpapers, additional widgets, and subtle focus mode options.
As for AI, Siri won’t receive its significant upgrade just yet. The smarter Siri promised at WWDC 2024 is delayed until “within the coming year.” Rumors suggest Apple may integrate third-party AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude in 2026, alongside its own streamlined chatbot.
Regarding device compatibility, most models from 2019 onwards are supported, but the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not receive iOS 26. Eligible devices include the iPhone SE (2nd gen or later), iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series, and the latest iPhone 16 lineup. Apple’s yet-to-be-announced iPhone 17 (or possibly “iPhone 26”) models will, of course, come with it pre-installed.
