iOS 26 Release Schedule, Compatible Devices, New Features, and All Revealed Details
Preparing for iOS 26: What to Expect
Get ready for an exciting update as Apple prepares to release iOS 26 this fall. Here's a rundown of what you can expect from the latest operating system upgrade.
Compatibility
iOS 26 will support iPhone 11 and newer models, including the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Notably, the update drops support for the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. Devices from the 11 series, 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series, 16 series, and the upcoming 17 series will be compatible, as well as the iPhone SE 2nd generation and later.
| Supported iPhones for iOS 26 | Not Supported | Apple Intelligence Exclusive Features Available On | |-----------------------------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 series (all models) | | 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 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | | | | iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) | | |
New Features
iOS 26 is packed with new features, including Live Translation, Call and Message Screening, and a few updates to Messages. A dedicated Game Center will be available for gamers, and some advanced capabilities, like richer AI image generation, require paid access.
Users can also generate text, solve problems, and get visual intelligence features without extra apps with iOS 26. The update may also bring enhanced Siri, writing tools, and call screening.
iPhone 17 Series
The iPhone 17 series is expected to be released on September 8 or September 9, and will ship with iOS 26 pre-installed at launch.
Release Dates
Reports strongly suggest that the iOS 26 update for last-generation iPhones will be released in mid-September, while the update for the iPhone 17 series can be expected to roll out between September 15 and September 19.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
iOS 26 will be available for iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, in addition to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 series. The update is associated with the new design, features, and user interface of the update.
Integration of GPT-5
iOS 26 will integrate GPT-5 into Siri and Writing Tools on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 series, as well as iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26. The update is expected to debut with the iPhone 17 series globally.
App Upgrades
The Apple Maps, Wallet, and Camera app are said to get significant upgrades with iOS 26. Advanced AI image generation in iOS 26 requires paid access, and the update may include enhanced ChatGPT integration backed by the GPT-5 model.
Stay tuned for more updates on iOS 26 as Apple continues to share more details about this exciting new operating system.
- Users of smartphones from the iPhone 11 series, including the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, can anticipate enhanced features in iOS 26, such as Live Translation, Call and Message Screening, and a Game Center.
- In addition to iPhones, the new operating system, iOS 26, will also be available for iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, offering features like GPT-5 integration with Siri and Writing Tools.
