The next major iOS release, iOS 26, was announced at Apple's WWDC on June 9, 2025, and is set to launch in mid-September 2025, likely around September 16, alongside the iPhone 17 series. Here's a quick rundown based on the latest info:
Liquid Glass Design: iOS 26 introduces a bold "Liquid Glass" redesign, featuring translucent, glass-like elements with rounded corners and dynamic visuals that adapt to motion and content. It’s the most significant visual overhaul since iOS 7, extending to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and apps like Camera and Safari.
New Features:
Apple Intelligence: Enhanced AI with live translation for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime, plus improved Genmoji and Image Playground with ChatGPT integration.
Phone & Messages: Call Screening for spam, Hold Assist, and new polls and backgrounds in Messages.
CarPlay Updates: Compact call views, Tap backs, and Live Activities for safer driving.
Apple Music & Maps: Auto Mix for seamless song transitions, Lyrics Translation, and more intelligent route alerts in Maps.
A hub for tracking and discovering games.
Compatibility: iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and newer (with an A13 Bionic chip or later). Older models, such as the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, will not receive the update. Advanced Apple Intelligence features require an A17 Pro chip or newer.
Beta Access: The developer beta is now available, with the public beta expected around July 23, 2025. Be cautious, as early betas may have bugs.
Why iOS 26? Apple skipped to iOS 26 to align version numbers with 2026 (the year it’ll be used most), matching macOS 26, iPadOS 26, etc., for consistency.
If you’re curious about specific features or would like tips on joining the beta, please let me know!
The next major iOS release, iOS 26, was announced at Apple's WWDC on June 9, 2025, and is set to launch in mid-September 2025, likely around September 16, alongside the iPhone 17 series. Here's a quick rundown based on the latest info:
Liquid Glass Design: iOS 26 introduces a bold "Liquid Glass" redesign, featuring translucent, glass-like elements with rounded corners and dynamic visuals that adapt to motion and content. It’s the most significant visual overhaul since iOS 7, extending to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and apps like Camera and Safari.
New Features:
Apple Intelligence: Enhanced AI with live translation for Messages, Phone, and FaceTime, plus improved Genmoji and Image Playground with ChatGPT integration.
Phone & Messages: Call Screening for spam, Hold Assist, and new polls and backgrounds in Messages.
CarPlay Updates: Compact call views, Tap backs, and Live Activities for safer driving.
Apple Music & Maps: Auto Mix for seamless song transitions, Lyrics Translation, and more intelligent route alerts in Maps.
A hub for tracking and discovering games.
Compatibility: iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and newer (with an A13 Bionic chip or later). Older models, such as the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, will not receive the update. Advanced Apple Intelligence features require an A17 Pro chip or newer.
Beta Access: The developer beta is now available, with the public beta expected around July 23, 2025. Be cautious, as early betas may have bugs.
Why iOS 26? Apple skipped to iOS 26 to align version numbers with 2026 (the year it’ll be used most), matching macOS 26, iPadOS 26, etc., for consistency.
If you’re curious about specific features or would like tips on joining the beta, please let me know!