iOS 26: Full Details on Release Date, Supported Devices, Features, and Naming Change

Why iOS 26 and Not iOS 19?

Apple has changed its iOS version naming strategy. Instead of sequential numbering, the version number will now match the release year. Hence, iOS 26 is being launched in 2025. This change applies to macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS as well.

iOS 26 Release Timeline

Announced at WWDC: June 10, 2025
Developer Beta 1: Available now
Public Beta 1: Launching on July 15, 2025
Stable Release: Expected on September 16, 2025
India Rollout: Same day as global release

Supported iPhones for iOS 26

iOS 26 will support devices with an A13 Bionic chip or newer, including:

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
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 (including iPhone 16e)
iPhone 17 series (expected at launch)

Not supported: iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max

Key Features of iOS 26

Liquid Glass Interface
- A redesigned, translucent UI with soft icons and motion effects
- Updates to system apps like Photos and Camera
- Refreshed lock screen, widgets, and notification styles
Apple Intelligence (AI Features)
- Enhanced Writing Tools
- Genmoji and Image Playground for creative tasks
- Smarter Siri with possible Gemini AI integration
- AI-based battery optimization based on daily usage