iOS 26 introduces a redesigned Liquid Glass interface with translucent elements and icon changes.
Key features include AI smart summaries, call/message screening, and Game Center updates.
iPhones from iPhone 11 series onward, plus SE 2nd gen, will support the update; XR and XS series are dropped.
Apple has already grabbed eyeballs during the WWDC for its new upcoming software update, iOS 26. While it is still beta, the fans are already expected to try it on their older iPhones and why not? It’s the first ever major design overhaul after the iOS 7. The fans will get to see a new Liquid Glass design with much-anticipated features like Call Screening and AI tweaks.
SurveyThe new Liquid design gives the interface a translucent look. It also includes changes to icons, widgets, and other in-app designs such as Music, News, and Camera. The question remains: when will iOS 26 be available, and which devices are eligible? This is what we know.
iOS 26 release timeline:
Usually, Apple rolls out its latest software update a week after launching its flagship iPhones. For instance, the company launched the iPhone 16 series on September 9 and the iOS 18 was introduced on September 16.
The report suggests that the iPhone 17 series may launch in between September 8 to 12. So we can speculate that the iOS 26 may rollout to the older iPhones in between September 15 to September 19.
However, it must be noted that the company has neither announced the iPhone 17 launch date nor the iOS 26 release date at the moment. But it is likely that the iOS 26 update will rollout in mid September.
iOS 26 supported devices
As per reports, the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Plus, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Plus, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2nd gen will get the update.
Also read: Apple Q3 earnings 2025: Record iPhone 16 sales, AI investments and more
However, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR will not receive the update.
iOS 26 features
The iOS 26 will offer some new features like smart summaries, contextual visual actions, and enhanced Live Translation. The call and message screening along with updates to Messages, Maps, Apple Cash support and more are also incoming. The company has also introduced a dedicated Game Center.
Furthermore, Safari and Camera will also get new features and an improved user interface.
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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
