Here’s everything you need to know about the next major iOS update
Though we’re still in the era of iOS 18, the next big update – which rather than iOS 19 is instead called iOS 26 – has been unveiled at WWDC 2025.
As such, we now know what to expect, and for the intrepid among you, it’s even possible to download a beta version of the software and try it out for yourself.
That might be tempting too, because as well as a new name, iOS 26 also sports a whole new look, among numerous new and improved features.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about this software update, including all its major features and when it will start rolling out.Cut to the chase
What is it? The next major update to the iPhone’s operating system
When is it out? Announced on June 9, probably rolling out in September
Who will get it? All models from the iPhone 11 onwards will be compatibleiOS 26: release date
iOS 26 was announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9, and it’s available in beta now. If you’d like to grab it yourself, we’ve got a guide covering how to download the iOS 26 developer beta.
However, the finished version probably won’t launch until September 2025, where it’s likely to land alongside the expected iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and possible iPhone 17 Air.
Still, since it has been announced we already know what to expect, so read on to learn all about iOS 26.iOS 26: compatibility
While iOS 26 isn’t out yet, we do know the full list of phones that are compatible with iOS 26.
In short, if you have a model in the iPhone 11 series or later or an iPhone SE (2020) or later, then you’ll be able to download iOS 26.
That means almost every phone that can get iOS 18 will also be able to get iOS 26, with the exception being the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR.iOS 26: a new design
While there are lots of new features in iOS 26, the biggest change is to the look of the operating system, with Apple having given it a complete revamp.
This is the largest redesign to the iPhone software experience since iOS 7 launched alongside the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, so it’s a massive change, and it’s focused around a digital ‘material’ called Liquid Glass.
