Apple is preparing to roll out its most ambitious iPhone update in years. iOS 26 is on the way with a bold new design that has the tech world buzzing. Some users are excited, while others are skeptical about such a major shift.

Mark it down: the official release date is September 15, 2025.

When Will iOS 26 Launch?

Apple rarely strays from its yearly schedule, and this year is no exception. The company has locked in its “Awe Dropping” event for September 9, 2025, where the new iPhone 17 lineup will debut.

Here’s the rollout timeline based on Apple’s established pattern:

• Apple Event: September 9, 2025 (iPhone 17 revealed)
• Release Candidate Build: September 8–9, 2025 (developers only)
• Public Release: September 15, 2025

This rhythm is consistent with previous years:

• iOS 18 – September 16, 2024
• iOS 17 – September 18, 2023
• iOS 16 – September 12, 2022
• iOS 15 – September 20, 2021

Developers get the near-final Release Candidate first, while the general public gains access roughly a week after the iPhone event. If you’re already running iOS 26 Beta (Public Beta 4 or Developer Beta 7), you’ll seamlessly move to the public release version.

The “Liquid Glass” Design Shift

The headline feature of iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass interface : Apple’s most daring visual overhaul since iOS 7 in 2013. Inspired by visionOS, it’s a design rethink from top to bottom.

What’s new:

• Transparent, glass-like panels woven throughout the system
• 3D app icons that look like they’re crafted from real glass
• Lock screen clock stretching across the full width of the display
• Subtle refractive animations that respond to device movement
• Safari with a floating tab bar that seems to hover
• Camera redesigned with a more focused, minimal layout

There’s also a “Clear” theme that pushes the transparency even further, making icons and screens appear alive when scrolling or tilting.

Early reactions are polarizing. Enthusiasts call it revolutionary, with one user on X describing it as “black magic from Apple.” But many testers aren’t convinced. Some claim they’ll stick with iOS 18 rather than adjust to such a dramatic change.

One recurring complaint is Apple’s refusal to let users tweak animation speed. For years, the lack of customization in iOS transitions has been a sore spot, and Liquid Glass has reignited that frustration.

Apple Intelligence: AI At The Core

Beyond looks, iOS 26 pushes deep into artificial intelligence. Branded Apple Intelligence, the system brings privacy-focused AI features that run on-device whenever possible.

Siri Reinvented

• Conversations feel more natural and contextual
• You can type to Siri instead of speaking every time
• Remembers earlier requests for smoother interactions
• Can perform tasks inside apps, such as drafting emails or organizing files
• New, human-like voice that sounds far less robotic

Breakthrough AI Features

• Live Translation: Real-time translation through AirPods Pro 2, ideal for travelers
• Genmoji: Create one-of-a-kind emojis from text prompts
• Image Playground: AI image generation with styles like anime, sketch, or watercolor
• Visual Intelligence: Identify books, landmarks, or art instantly by pointing your camera
• Writing Tools: Rewrite emails or notes in different tones (professional, casual, witty)

Apple emphasizes privacy as its differentiator. Data is processed either on your iPhone or through its Private Cloud Compute, which encrypts information and never stores it permanently.

iOS 26 Compatibility: Which iPhones Are Supported?

Apple is extending support to most modern models but officially drops some older ones.

Supported Devices:

• iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• 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 (all models)
• iPhone 17 series (ships with iOS 26 pre-installed)

Dropped Support:

• iPhone XR, XS, XS Max (A12 Bionic chip no longer supported)

For installation, you’ll need 8–20GB free storage, 50%+ battery, Wi-Fi, and 30–45 minutes for the update.

Note: Apple Intelligence requires newer hardware. Only iPhone 15 Pro models and above get the complete AI suite.

Updates To Core Apps

iOS 26 also enhances key built-in apps:

Messages:

• Filters spam into a hidden vault
• Typing indicators in group chats
• In-chat polls and dynamic wallpapers

Phone:

• Smarter spam call detection
• “Hold Assist” waits on hold until a real agent joins

Photos:

• Natural language search (e.g., “beach photos from last summer”)
• Automatic AI organization by themes and faces

Public Reactions

Social media shows a mixed response:

The Positives:

• Visual effects described as stunning
• AI tools praised as actually useful
• Privacy-first AI is winning support

The Pushback:

• Frustration with fixed animation speeds
• Mixed reviews of Always-On Display updates
• Some find the design too overwhelming

How To Update On Release Day

On September 15, 2025, you can update by:

1. Opening Settings → General → Software Update
2. Tapping Download and Install
3. Ensuring at least 50% battery and Wi-Fi connection

Tip: Always back up your iPhone before a major update.

Battery & Performance Enhancements

Apple has added intelligent battery features in iOS 26:

• Adaptive Power: Preserves energy without crippling apps
• Battery Insights: Pinpoints which apps drain the most power
• Charging Estimates: Shows how long until fully charged on the lock screen

Final Take

iOS 26 is Apple’s boldest step forward since iOS 7 shook up the interface more than a decade ago. The Liquid Glass design will split opinion, but paired with Apple Intelligence, this release is more than cosmetic – it changes how your iPhone works day to day.

If you enjoy fresh features and don’t mind change, iOS 26 will feel like owning a brand-new phone. If you prefer stability, you might want to hold off and see how others adjust.

Either way, September 15 is the key date. Your iPhone is about to undergo its biggest transformation in years.