Apple unveils iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, bringing a major redesign and powerful AI features. Check the full list of supported iPhones, release dates, and why Apple skipped directly from iOS 18 to iOS 26.
Apple has officially announced iOS 26 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, marking a significant leap in design and technology. This new update introduces a fresh design language called “Liquid Glass” and next-gen AI tools under the Apple Intelligence brand. In a surprising move, Apple skipped iOS versions 19 to 25 and aligned the version number with the year of its public release, similar to the naming convention used by car manufacturers.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about iOS 26—its global and India release dates, compatible iPhones, standout features, and the logic behind the name change.
Why Apple Skipped to iOS 26 Instead of iOS 19?
One of the biggest surprises in Apple’s announcement was the version jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26. Apple confirmed this change was intentional and part of a new naming strategy. Going forward, the version number will align with the calendar year of public release—so iOS 26 corresponds to 2026, macOS 26 to the same, and so on.
This simplification will help consumers better understand the release timeline and updates across devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches.
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iOS 26 Release Date Globally and in India
Following Apple’s usual schedule, the final public release of iOS 26 is expected on September 16, 2025. This will come shortly after the launch of the iPhone 17 series, giving users early access to the new software.
As for India, iOS 26 is expected to be released on the same date globally, although Apple has yet to confirm a specific India rollout time. Historically, iOS updates have rolled out simultaneously worldwide.
iOS 26 Developer and Public Beta Release Timeline
Here’s the official iOS 26 rollout schedule as shared during WWDC:
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Developer Beta 1: Released immediately on June 10, 2025
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Public Beta 1: Scheduled for July 15, 2025
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Stable Release: Expected by September 16, 2025
Apple encourages developers and curious users to sign up for the beta testing program via their developer portal. However, it’s recommended to use a secondary device to avoid stability issues during testing.
iOS 26 Supported Devices: Full List of Compatible iPhones
Apple has raised the minimum hardware requirements for iOS 26. Devices with A13 Bionic chips or newer will be eligible. This means some older models—like iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max—will not support iOS 26, though they will continue receiving security updates on iOS 18 for a limited time.
Here is the confirmed list of iPhones compatible with iOS 26:
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iPhone 17 series
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iPhone 16 series
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iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max)
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iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
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iPhone 13 series (13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
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iPhone 12 series (12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
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iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
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iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Devices using A12 Bionic chips—like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max—are now officially off the list for this update.
iOS 26 Design: Meet the “Liquid Glass” Interface
Apple is introducing a new design language in iOS 26 called Liquid Glass, marking its first major visual overhaul since iOS 7.
Key highlights of the new design include:
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Translucent system menus and widgets
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Softer app icons with rounded edges
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Dynamic lock screen and notification layout
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Enhanced visual depth and motion across the UI
This refined design gives iOS 26 a more modern and immersive feel while maintaining the familiarity of the classic home screen layout.
New iOS 26 Features: AI-Powered Apple Intelligence
A standout feature of iOS 26 is the deep integration of Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered framework designed to enhance user productivity and system intelligence.
Some of the key AI upgrades in iOS 26 include:
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Advanced Siri Capabilities: Apple is reportedly in discussions with Google to integrate Gemini AI into Siri, offering smarter and more contextual voice interactions.
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Writing Tools: AI will assist in rewriting, summarizing, and generating text across apps like Mail and Notes.
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Genmoji: Users can now create custom emojis based on text prompts.
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Image Playground: Generate images directly in Messages or other apps using on-device AI.
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Battery Management: AI will monitor user habits and optimize battery usage, which could benefit thinner models like the expected iPhone 17 Air.
Apple Intelligence: Limited to Newer iPhones
While many iPhones will receive the update, full Apple Intelligence capabilities will be limited to devices with at least an A17 Pro chip.
This means the following devices will get the complete suite of AI features:
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iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
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iPhone 16 Pro models
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iPhone 17 series (likely all models)
Older compatible models will still enjoy the new design and performance enhancements, but without the advanced AI capabilities such as content summarization or image generation.
How to Install iOS Developer or Public Beta
Users interested in trying out iOS 26 early can join the beta testing programs. Here’s how:
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Developer Beta Access:
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Register on the Apple Developer website
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Download the beta profile and install it via Settings > General > Software Update
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Public Beta Access (from July 15, 2025):
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Sign in with your Apple ID
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Enroll your iPhone and follow the prompts to install the update
Note: Beta versions may contain bugs and performance issues. Always back up your device before proceeding.
Apple is setting the stage for the future of its mobile platform—one where design meets intelligence. From the all-new Liquid Glass interface to powerful on-device AI tools, the update offers a compelling experience for newer iPhone users. While older devices are left behind in terms of cutting-edge AI, they still benefit from improved stability, aesthetics, and system app upgrades.