Apple Sets iOS 26 Release Date for September 16

Apple confirmed today at its “Awe-Dropping” event in Cupertino that iOS 26 will be available to all compatible iPhones on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The announcement aligns the software launch with the upcoming iPhone 17 series debut and marks the shift to Apple’s unified year-based OS numbering.

Why It Matters iOS 26 introduces Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, deeper integration of Apple Intelligence, and major upgrades to Phone, Messages, Maps, and more-reinforcing Apple’s push for a seamless hardware-software ecosystem for millions of users.

Key Details

Release Date & Availability

  • General release on September 16, 2025, one week after today’s event.
  • Available as a free over-the-air update via Settings > General > Software Update.

Eligible Devices

  • iPhone 11 and later (including iPhone SE 2nd gen onwards)
  • Excludes 2018 models (iPhone Xs, Xs Max, XR) dropped this cycle.

Major New Features

  • Liquid Glass: Translucent UI elements that reflect and refract surroundings for a fresh look.
  • Apple Intelligence: System-wide AI for summaries, visual actions, and contextual help.
  • Messages Overhaul: In-chat polls, conversation themes, and enhanced tapback reactions.
  • Phone Improvements: Call Screening, Hold Assist to stay connected until human support arrives.
  • Redesigned Apps: Revamped Photos, Passwords app, mirrored iPhone-to-Mac connectivity.

Rollout Timeline

  1. Today: iOS 26 Release Candidate seeded to developers and public beta testers.
  2. Sept 16: Public launch for all supported iPhones.
  3. Late 2025: Parallel releases of iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

How to Prepare

  • Back up your iPhone via iCloud or Finder before updating.
  • Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program to test pre-release builds.
  • Verify device eligibility in Settings > General > About > Model.

With today’s release date reveal, Apple closes the loop on its year-ahead OS naming strategy and sets the stage for a broad rollout of fresh design and AI-powered features across its mobile platform.