After previewing iOS 26 at WWDC and releasing a public beta this summer, Apple has now released its newest mobile operating system to the public.
Apple says iOS 26 is the biggest update to the software since iOS 7 in 2013. The most obvious change is the way it names its OSes. Like a car’s model year, every version of Apple software will now indicate the release year as opposed to the version number. (It presumably went with 26 over 25 since it will be available for nine months in 2026 versus three in 2025.)
One of the update’s biggest talking points is a new “Liquid Glass” UI makeover. Inspired by visionOS, the theme adds translucent backgrounds for menus and a floating magnifier over items you swipe across. Liquid Glass will also expand and contract as you scroll and adapt seamlessly across light and dark themes.
There’s also a new dedicated Games app that brings all gaming-centric features to one location. The Messages app gets new ways to filter messages, mute messages from unknown numbers, and conduct polls. The Phone app, on the other hand, gets a nifty Hold Assist feature that will hold the call for you until a human on the other side is ready to talk.
Developers already got an early look at these exciting features with the developer preview, while a public beta offered early adopters a first look this summer. Now, anyone with a compatible device can try out iOS 26 as well as iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. Here’s how you can get the software on your iPhone right now.
Can My iPhone Run iOS 26?
Even if your old iPhone is still up and running, it can’t necessarily handle the latest software update. Sorry, iPhone X owners. Here’s a list of every iPhone model that supports iOS 26:
How to Download and Install iOS 26
(Credit: Apple)
A general or stable release allows every compatible iPhone to run iOS 26. However, before downloading the software, ensure you have enough storage. An iOS download file may require up to 10GB of space. (the iOS 26 download alone is 5.97GB.)
Once confirmed, head to Settings > General > Software Update to upgrade. Here, you may have to wait for a few seconds to see the Download button for iOS 26. If you need to use your phone during the day, there’s also the option to Install Tonight, which will do exactly that—install iOS while you sleep, provided your device is charging.
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You can also turn on automatic updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Your iPhone will update to the latest version of iOS overnight when it’s locked, plugged in, and connected to Wi-Fi.
How to Check Out Developer Betas
If you want to be the very first to try out software updates from Apple, you need to install developer betas. Anyone with an Apple Account can sign up to test out Apple’s OS beta releases. For deeper access, including the ability to distribute apps on the App Store, you’ll need to pay $99 per year. (Nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities can request a fee waiver.) Non-developers can probably stick to the public beta, but if you want a first crack at updates or are looking to prepare for iOS 27, here’s how to join:
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Head to developer.apple.com.
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Tap Account and enter your Apple Account credentials. Follow the instructions to finish signing up.
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Once you agree to the terms, you might be directed to a payment screen. You don’t need to proceed; you can back out and complete the registration.
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Restart your iPhone. Ensure it’s running the latest OS.
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Go to Settings > Software Update > Beta Updates.
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Select iOS 26 Developer Beta when available.
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Return to the previous page. Wait for it to fetch details and then select Update Now
Chandra Steele contributed to this story.
