Liquid Glass Design
Makes interactions across iOS more delightful, refracts and reflects content in real time, bringing even more focus to what's on your screen with a fresh new look for app icons.
iOS 26
The world's most advanced mobile operating system.
Featuring Liquid Glass design, enhanced Apple Intelligence, and revolutionary features that transform how you interact with your iPhone.
Released January 2026
Compatible Devices
iOS 26 works on iPhone XR and later models, bringing revolutionary new features to millions of devices.
Check CompatibilityDownload & Install
Update wirelessly or through your computer. We'll guide you through every step.
Installation GuideSecurity Updates
iOS 26 includes important security improvements and bug fixes to keep your iPhone protected.
Security DetailsiOS 26 Features
Visual Intelligence
Learn about content in any app by pressing screenshot buttons. Highlight to search, jump into Google results, find related items from third-party apps, or ask ChatGPT.
Live Translation
Automatically translate incoming Messages, FaceTime captions appear on screen during calls, Phone audio is translated in real time, and AirPods provide hands-free translation.
Enhanced Genmoji
Mix two emoji together or combine with descriptions. Choose expressions for people, modify hairstyles and facial hair. More styles with ChatGPT including Oil Painting and Anime.
Camera Improvements
Streamlined design for easier access to Photo and Video modes. Lens cleaning hints alert you when smudged. Take photos with new AirPods gesture on AirPods 4 and Pro 2.
Call Screening
Screen incoming calls from unknown numbers, getting the caller's name and reason before the phone rings. Hold Assist keeps your place in queues and rings when a live agent is ready.
Messages Enhancements
Screen unknown senders, add backgrounds to conversations, create polls for group decisions, and see typing indicators showing exactly who is about to respond.
CarPlay Redesign
New Liquid Glass design with tab bar navigation, compact incoming calls, Tapbacks in Messages while driving, pinned conversations, and Live Activities on the Dashboard.
Maps Features
Visited Places detects restaurants and shops you visit for easy sharing. Preferred routes learn your frequent drives between regularly visited places like home and work.
Music Enhancements
Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation help understand and sing along to songs in any language. AutoMix transitions songs like a DJ with beatmatching for continuous playback.
Wallet Updates
Updated boarding passes with flight information, order tracking (beta) using Apple Intelligence, and instalment financing options for credit and debit card purchases with Apple Pay.
Apple Games
New all-in-one gaming destination. Challenge friends, track scores in real time, access your entire game library, and get recommendations based on games you love.
Protecting Kids Online
Communication Requests for parents to approve new contacts. Convert existing accounts to Child Accounts. Age-appropriate experiences in apps and Communication Safety for live FaceTime calls.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility Nutrition Labels in App Store, Accessibility Reader for easier text reading, and Braille Access for effortlessly taking notes and reading documents.
Preview App & More
New Preview app for viewing and editing PDFs with AutoFill and document scanner. Reimagined FaceTime landing page, Reminder Suggestions, local capture for podcasts, and adaptive power management.
How to Update to iOS 26
Update Over-the-Air (Recommended)
- Back up your iPhone using iCloud or your computer
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Plug your iPhone into power
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap Download and Install
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Tap Install to begin the update
Download Size: Approximately 3-5 GB (varies by device)
Installation Time: 15-30 minutes
Update Using a Computer
- Back up your iPhone
- Update to the latest version of iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Select your iPhone when it appears
- Click Check for Update
- Click Download and Update
- Enter your passcode if prompted
Best for: Slower internet connections or troubleshooting update issues
iOS 26 Compatibility
iOS 26 is compatible with the following iPhone models:
iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15
iPhone 14 Series
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
iPhone 12 Series
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
iPhone 11 Series
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
Earlier Models
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Note: Some features may not be available on all models. Advanced features like Visual Intelligence and enhanced Apple Intelligence capabilities may require newer iPhone models. For complete feature availability, visit Apple's feature availability page.
Security & Privacy in iOS 26
iOS 26 includes important security updates and is recommended for all users. This update addresses:
- Critical security vulnerabilities across system components
- Kernel-level security improvements preventing privilege escalation
- Enhanced privacy protections including Communication Safety for FaceTime
- Improved app privacy with age-appropriate content controls
- Enhanced encryption and security features throughout the system
Important Security Notice
For your protection, install iOS 26 as soon as possible. For detailed security content information, visit Apple's security page.
Common Update Issues
"Unable to Check for Update"
Solutions:
- Check your internet connection
- Restart your iPhone
- Try updating at a different time
- Update using a computer instead
Update Stuck on "Preparing Update"
Solutions:
- Ensure stable Wi-Fi connection
- Free up storage space (need 5GB+)
- Pause and resume the download
- Delete the update and download again
Not Enough Storage
Solutions:
- Delete unused apps temporarily
- Clear Safari cache and data
- Remove downloaded videos/music
- Update via computer (requires less space)
Battery Draining After Update
Solutions:
- Wait 24-48 hours for indexing to complete
- Check battery health in Settings
- Disable background app refresh temporarily
- Reset all settings if issue persists
iOS Resources
Official Apple Support
Access Apple's official iOS documentation and support articles.
Visit Apple Support