iOS 26 introduces smart summaries, enhanced Messages, call screening, and a new Apple Games app.
The update supports iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPhone 12 series and newer, excluding iPhone 11 and older models.
Public beta for iOS 26 is expected to begin on July 23, with the final release coming later this year.
Apple has already introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, which includes a massive liquid glass design overhaul and new features. The new update, popular as the most significant upgrade since iOS 7, includes translucent, light-adaptive surfaces in both native and third-party apps, as well as some AI improvements.
SurveyApple has already released iOS 26 Beta 3 and will launch the Public Beta as soon as next week. While the official release date is unknown, here’s everything we know, including features, compatible iPhones, and more.
iOS 26 public beta and release timeline
According to the reports, the iOS 26 public beta is expected to roll out on July 23, as per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The iPadOS 26, macOS 26 and watchOS 26 public beta are also said to roll out on the same date.
Speaking of the iOS 26 stable release, it could roll out after the iPhone 17 series launch in September. However, the official date remains under the wraps at the moment. If you cannot wait and want to sign up for the update, the users can head to Settings and opt for developer beta.
Also read: Apple accuses former employee of stealing Vision Pro secrets before joining Snap
iOS 26 features
The iOS 26 will bring along a lot of new features and upgrades including Apple Intelligence. The users may find smart summaries, contextual visual actions, and improved live translations across apps. On the other hand, Messages app will get support for custom backgrounds, polls, conversation-specific themes, typing indicators in group chats, and Apple Cash integration.
The Phone application is also said to get some great upgrades including the call screening and Hold Assist, which waits on hold for users until a live agent joins. Apple Music, Maps will also get some key upgrades that may come handy in performing day to day tasks.
Apple will also be bringing a dedicated Apple Games app, a more streamlined Game Center. Small updates like adaptive power mode for battery efficiency, charge time estimates, custom alarm snooze durations, full-screen album artwork on the lock screen, Spatial Scenes in Photos that add 3D effects to 2D image will also come to the iPhones.
iOS 26 supported devices:
iOS 26 will be available for:
iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer)
iPhone 12 series and above
iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 series
The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup will ship with iOS 26 pre-installed.
Older models like the iPhone 11 and earlier are not expected to be eligible.
Follow Us
Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
