iOS 26 Release Date, Features, Beta, Compatibility & Apple Intelligence AI at WWDC 2025

Apple iOS 26 vs iOS 18

iOS 18 came out in 2024. It focused on speed and performance improvements. It also added Apple Intelligence, a new Passwords app, satellite messaging, and better home screen customization. Apps opened 15–20% faster than in iOS 17. It also made multitasking smoother.

iOS 26, also called Apple iOS 26, is coming in 2025. Apple changed the name from iOS 19 to iOS 26 to match the year. It will be shown at WWDC 2025. This new update brings a fresh design, more AI, and better speed. It’s part of the iPhone software update 2025.

Design and Interface

iOS 18 kept the same look as before. Only small UI changes were made.

iOS 26 has a new design. It uses a glass-like UI and adds a floating tab bar. This update brings the biggest iOS 26 design changes since iOS 7. The design will match other Apple systems like macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This is part of the new Apple OS rebranding.

AI and Intelligence

iOS 18 introduced Apple Intelligence with a smarter Siri and basic AI features.

iOS 26 AI features are much better. Siri AI is now smarter and can do more with apps. AI also helps improve battery management, the calendar app, and the Health app.

Performance and Stability

iOS 18 made apps faster and multitasking smoother. But some users saw battery drain and heating.

iOS 26 improves this with smart background activity control, better thermal management, and longer battery life.

New Features in iOS 26

• Stage Manager is improved for better use on external displays
  
• A new floating tab bar helps you move around apps faster
  
• AirPods live translation lets you hear other languages in real time
  
• eSIM transfer to Android is now simple
  
• More tools added to help people with disabilities
  
• Version number “26” now used for tvOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26

Release and Availability

iOS 18 is already available and stable.

iOS 26 developer beta will be released after WWDC 2025. The public beta will come next. The official release date is expected in September 2025 with the new iPhones.

iOS 26 vs iOS 18: Full Feature Comparison with Apple Intelligence and UI Changes

Feature/Aspect	iOS 18	iOS 26
Release Year	2024	2025
Design	Small changes	Glass-like UI, floating tab bar, big changes
AI Features	Start of Apple Intelligence	Advanced Siri AI, AI in Health, calendar, battery
Performance	Faster, but had heating issues	Better thermal management, smarter power use
Multitasking	Smooth experience	Enhanced multitasking, better split-screen tools
New Features	Passwords app, satellite messaging	Stage Manager, AirPods live translate, eSIM transfer
Stability	Stable version	Beta version with new updates
Release Timing	Released in 2024	Beta after WWDC 2025, full release September 2025

iPhone Software Update 2025 (iOS 26) Explained

The 2025 iPhone software update is called iOS 26. Apple skips normal numbers like iOS 19 and names updates by the year. So after iOS 18, comes iOS 26 in 2025. This helps with iOS 26 release date, iOS 26 update, and iOS 26 download searches.

Apple OS Rebranding Details

Apple changes all its system names to the year. That means iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This makes the iPhone software update 2025 clearer.

The update has a new design called Solarium. It makes devices look and work better together. It improves the iOS 26 new UI, iOS 26 battery management, and iOS 26 AI features with Apple Intelligence.

The new macOS 26, called macOS Tahoe, follows Apple’s California place names. It is the first big macOS change since macOS Big Sur in 2020. It works well with iOS 26 and other Apple OS.

iOS 26 Release Date & Schedule

iOS 26 Release Date Confirmed

Apple will show iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on June 9, 2025. The first iOS 26 developer beta will come soon after the event. The iOS 26 public beta download will start in July 2025. The full iOS 26 public release will be in September 2025 with new iPhone models. Many people will want to do the iOS 26 download and install this big iOS update 2025.

iOS 26 WWDC 2025 Highlights

• Big redesign: New glass-like look with iOS 26 floating tab bar. The design will match on Apple iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.
  
• Better AI: Smarter iOS 26 Siri AI, new AI in iOS 26 battery management, iOS 26 Health app, and iOS 26 calendar app AI.
  
• New features: Live translation for iOS 26 AirPods live translate, easy iOS 26 eSIM transfer to Android, better iOS 26 Stage Manager, and new accessibility options.
  
• Rebranding: Apple will name all systems with the year, like watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This makes the Apple iOS 26 update clearer for everyone.

Watch the iOS 26 WWDC 2025 live to see all the iOS 26 new features explained.

iOS 26 Public Release Timeline

• Developer Beta: Comes right after the WWDC keynote on June 9, 2025. Made for developers to test apps. May have bugs, so not for normal use.
  
• Public Beta: Starts about 2-3 weeks later, in July 2025. More stable for regular users who want early access.
  
• Release Candidate: Comes in late August 2025. This is the last test before full release.
  
• Official Public Release: Expected in September 2025, after the iPhone 17 launch on September 9, 2025. This is the iOS 26 official release date.

iOS 26 Official Release Date in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and Australia

Apple releases iOS updates worldwide on the same day. The iOS 26 official release date in India, United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries will be mid-September 2025. Apple does this so all users get the update at once. The exact date will be near the iPhone launch.

iOS 26 Developer Beta and Public Beta

• Developer Beta: Ready right after the WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9, 2025. Only for developers to test new features and apps.
  
• Public Beta: Comes 2-3 weeks later in early or mid-July 2025. More stable and open to everyone who wants to try iOS 26 new features early.

iOS 26 Features List

iOS 26 update has many new features to make your iPhone and other Apple devices better and faster. The iOS 26 new features include a clear glass-like design, smart Apple Intelligence AI, better Siri AI, improved battery life and heat control, live translation for AirPods, easier multitasking with Stage Manager, simple eSIM transfer to Android, and stronger privacy and security updates. The Health and Calendar apps also have AI improvements, and gaming works smoother.

Apple Intelligence AI in iOS 26

Apple Intelligence AI in iOS 26 runs on your device to give smart help without sharing your data. This AI learns how you use your phone to save battery, manage apps, and send useful alerts. It helps Calendar plan better and changes screen brightness and sound to fit your needs.

iOS 26 Siri AI Upgrades

Siri in iOS 26 is smarter with new AI. It can follow long commands, give personal tips, and work with other apps. Siri can also work offline for common tasks, making it faster and more private. Siri’s voice and understanding are better too.

iOS 26 Health App Updates

The Health app in iOS 26 uses AI to give better health tips. It alerts you about health changes, suggests workouts, and helps track your mood. It works well with Apple Watch and other devices to collect more health data. There is also a new Health Summary to show important info.

iOS 26 Calendar App AI

The Calendar app uses AI in iOS 26 to help you plan. It suggests good meeting times, warns about conflicts, and sends smart reminders based on where you are. It also adds events from Mail and Messages automatically.

iOS 26 Design Changes UI

iOS 26 has a new look with a clear glass-like design inspired by visionOS. The new UI uses frosted glass effects and smooth moves. Icons and buttons look clean and work the same on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Colors change with the light to protect your eyes.

iOS 26 New UI Changes

Besides the new design, iOS 26 UI adds a floating tab bar that stays on screen but does not block view. Widgets are new and let you do more. Multitasking is easier with new gestures. Notifications group better, Control Center is simpler, and the lock screen has more choices with moving wallpapers.

iOS 26 Floating Tab Bar

The floating tab bar in iOS 26 helps you switch tabs easily. It floats over apps, is partly see-through, and you can move it. This helps especially on big iPhones and iPads. You can swipe to change or move tabs fast.

iOS 26 Stage Manager Features

Stage Manager in iOS 26 makes multitasking better. You can open apps in windows you can resize on iPhone and iPad. It has better window snapping, drag and drop, and works with extra screens. You can use keyboard shortcuts and change layouts for work or fun.

iOS 26 Gaming App Performance

iOS 26 update makes games work better with faster graphics and less lag. Game Mode gives more power to games and controls background apps. Controller support is better, and Apple Arcade works smoothly for game downloads and updates.

iOS 26 eSIM Transfer Guide

iOS 26 makes it easy to move your eSIM from iPhone to Android or the other way. Use Settings to make a QR code to scan on the new phone. No need to call your carrier. It supports many eSIMs and keeps your connection safe. This makes changing phones fast.

iOS 26 AirPods Live Translate

iOS 26 adds live translation for AirPods Pro and Max. When used with iPhone and iOS 26, AirPods can translate talk in real-time. Use Siri hands-free to start. It supports many languages and sounds natural.

iOS 26 Battery Management

The battery in iOS 26 is smarter. It learns your habits to charge better and last longer. It changes app activity and screen brightness based on use. Heat control stops your device from getting too hot and helps battery health.

iOS 26 Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are strong in iOS 26. There are better controls for app permissions, AI works on the device to keep data safe, and iCloud backups have stronger encryption. The App Store shows clear privacy labels. iOS 26 security update also adds anti-phishing, Passkeys for login, and malware protection.

iOS 26 Supported Devices

The iOS 26 update will not work on all iPhones. Old iPhones like iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will not get iOS 26. Newer iPhones like iPhone 11 and above will support it.

If you ask, “Can I get iOS 26 on my iPhone?” — check the list below.

iOS 26 compatible devices

iOS 26 compatible devices include iPhones with A13 chip or newer. These phones can run the new Apple Intelligence AI and Stage Manager. Older phones do not have the power to use new features.

iOS 26 supported iPhones and iPads

Here are the iOS 26 supported iPhones and iPads:

iPhone 16 Series (2025)

• iPhone 16 – A18 chip – 2025
  
• iPhone 16 Plus – A18 chip – 2025
  
• iPhone 16 Pro – A18 Pro chip – 2025
  
• iPhone 16 Pro Max – A18 Pro chip – 2025
  
• iPhone 16e – A17 chip – 2025

iPhone 15 Series (2023)

• iPhone 15 – A16 Bionic chip – 2023
  
• iPhone 15 Plus – A16 Bionic chip – 2023
  
• iPhone 15 Pro – A17 Pro chip – 2023
  
• iPhone 15 Pro Max – A17 Pro chip – 2023

iPhone 14 Series (2022)

• iPhone 14 – A15 Bionic chip – 2022
  
• iPhone 14 Plus – A15 Bionic chip – 2022
  
• iPhone 14 Pro – A16 Bionic chip – 2022
  
• iPhone 14 Pro Max – A16 Bionic chip – 2022

iPhone 13 Series (2021)

• iPhone 13 – A15 Bionic chip – 2021
  
• iPhone 13 mini – A15 Bionic chip – 2021
  
• iPhone 13 Pro – A15 Bionic chip – 2021
  
• iPhone 13 Pro Max – A15 Bionic chip – 2021

iPhone 12 Series (2020)

• iPhone 12 – A14 Bionic chip – 2020
  
• iPhone 12 mini – A14 Bionic chip – 2020
  
• iPhone 12 Pro – A14 Bionic chip – 2020
  
• iPhone 12 Pro Max – A14 Bionic chip – 2020

iPhone 11 Series (2019)

• iPhone 11 – A13 Bionic chip – 2019
  
• iPhone 11 Pro – A13 Bionic chip – 2019
  
• iPhone 11 Pro Max – A13 Bionic chip – 2019

iPhone SE

• iPhone SE (2nd generation) – A13 Bionic chip – 2020
  
• iPhone SE (3rd generation) – A15 Bionic chip – 2022

iOS 26 supported iPads will include models that work with iPadOS 18 and newer.

iOS 26 compatible devices list

Device Category	Supported Models (Expected)
iPhone 16 Series	iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e
iPhone 15 Series	iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Series	iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Series	iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Series	iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Series	iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE	2nd generation and 3rd generation

iOS 26 Dropped Devices:

• iPhone XS
  
• iPhone XS Max
  
• iPhone XR

These are not in the iOS 26 compatibility list because they have old chips.

iOS 26 download size

The iOS 26 update download size depends on your phone.

• Full update: 3–5 GB
  
• Small update: 1.5–3 GB

iOS 26 system requirements

iOS 26 minimum requirements:

• Hardware: iPhone with A13 chip or newer
  
• Storage: 5 GB free space
  
• Battery: At least 50% charge or plug in
  
• Wi-Fi: Needed for download
  
• Software: Must have iOS 18 or later

iOS 26 Installation Guide

This is how to install iOS 26 on iPhone.

Backup Your iPhone:
Use iCloud or a computer to save your data. This keeps your info safe.

Connect to Wi-Fi and Power:
Make sure your iPhone has internet and is charging.

Go to Settings:
Tap Settings > General > Software Update.

Check for Update:
Wait for iOS 26. Tap Download and Install.

Enter Passcode:
Type your passcode if asked.

Agree to Terms:
Read and tap agree.

Install:
The iPhone will update and restart. Your apps and files will stay.

iOS 26 beta download for developers

Want iOS 26 early? Try the iOS 26 developer beta.

Enroll in Apple Developer Program:
Go to developer.apple.com. You must pay.

Download Beta Profile:
After WWDC 2025, log in and download the iOS 26 beta profile.

Install Profile:
Go to Settings, tap Profile Downloaded, and follow steps. Phone restarts.

Update to Beta:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install.

Complete Installation:
Enter passcode. Agree to install. Your iPhone will now run iOS 26 beta.

iOS 26 public beta sign up

Want to try the public beta of iOS 26?

Visit Apple Beta Software Program:
Go to beta.apple.com and sign in.

Enroll Your Device:
Tap Enroll Your Devices.

Download Beta Profile:
Follow the steps. Restart your phone.

Install Public Beta:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Download and Install.

Precautions:
Beta may have bugs. Use a second phone if possible. Always back up your data.

iOS 26 download and update steps

These are the steps to download iOS 26 and update your iPhone.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and power.
   
2. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
   
3. Tap Download and Install.
   
4. Type your passcode. Tap agree.
   
5. Your iPhone will restart with iOS 26.

Install iOS 26 without computer:
You can update directly on your iPhone.

Install using computer:
Connect iPhone to a Mac or PC with iTunes. Click Check for Update > Update.

iOS 26 update problems and fixes

Here are fixes for iOS 26 update problems.

Update Not Showing:
Restart your phone. Make sure the beta profile is there.

Insufficient Storage:
Free up 5 GB. Delete big apps or videos.

Installation Fails or Stuck:
Check Wi-Fi and charger. Restart iPhone. Try using a computer to update.

Battery Drain or Overheating:
This is normal with beta. Use Low Power Mode, lower screen brightness.

Profile Not Installing:
Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Delete old beta profiles. Try again.

App Compatibility:
Some apps may not work. Wait for updates or use a stable iOS.

iOS 26 Performance

iOS 26 vs iOS 18 performance is a mix. Some users say apps open faster and switching apps is smooth. Others see small lags or slow moves, mostly on older phones. Tests like Geekbench 6 show scores around 3500 (single-core) and 8700 (multi-core). This means iOS 26 is fast, but not always stable. People search for “iOS 26 speed test” and “iOS 26 benchmark” to check phone speed. Overall, iOS 26 performance is close to iOS 25 but still needs small fixes.

iOS 26 speed and battery life

iOS 26 is fast on new iPhones like iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apps open fast. Moving between apps feels smooth. iOS 26 battery life is better over time. At first, screen time is 3 to 6 hours. AI helps save battery by learning how you use your phone. iOS 26 battery test shows it works well. The phone stays cool during use. 

iOS 26 app compatibility issues

Most apps work fine with iOS 26. But some users see app crashes or Bluetooth issues. This happens more on old phones or beta versions. Developers are fixing this. Update your apps to stop bugs. Many search “iOS 26 apps not working,” “iOS 26 beta bugs,” or “iOS 26 Bluetooth problems”. If an app is not working, wait for an update.

iOS 26 gaming performance test

iOS 26 gaming performance is very good. Games like PUBG run smoothly. The iPhone 16 Pro Max was tested with iOS 26 and did better than Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in many games. Game Mode in iOS 26 gives more power to games. It helps the game run with high FPS and less lag. Apple Arcade games also download faster. People search “best iOS version for gaming” and “iOS 26 game test” to check game speed.

Apple Ecosystem: iOS 26 & Other OS

iPadOS 26

iPadOS 26 shares the new glass look from iOS 26 and visionOS. It adds better multitasking with Stage Manager and resizable windows. The interface works the same on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. New AI tools help with scheduling and health insights. iPadOS 26 features focus on smooth multitasking and a fresh design, matching iPadOS 18 and newer.

macOS 26 features

macOS 26 Tahoe brings the glassy, translucent design like iOS 26. It improves window management and Stage Manager support. AI helps with battery life and boosts productivity. The update makes macOS 26 feel closer to iPadOS 26 and iOS 26, with unified controls and a cleaner look.

watchOS 26 updates

watchOS 26 continues health and fitness tracking with AI coaching and personalized insights. The glass-like design creates a modern look. AI also improves battery life and app organization. It syncs well with iOS 26 devices and adds new accessibility options.

tvOS 26 UI changes

tvOS 26 uses the new translucent, glassy style from iOS 26. Navigation is faster and more intuitive with floating menus. It improves Apple Arcade gaming and adds AI-powered content recommendations. The design unifies tvOS 26 with other Apple OS versions for smooth use.

visionOS 26 improvements

visionOS 26 powers Apple Vision Pro and inspired the iOS 26 and macOS 26 redesign. It improves spatial controls, gestures, and animations. AI makes multitasking smarter and apps more interactive. VisionOS 26 matches iOS 26 and macOS 26 in design and system behavior.

iOS 26 Leaks & Rumors

iOS 26 rumors 2025

iOS 26 will have the biggest design change since iOS 7. It will use a glass-like, see-through look from visionOS on Apple Vision Pro. New features include a floating tab bar, better AI called “Apple Intelligence,” and improved multitasking with Stage Manager. Apple will rename all OS versions by year, so iOS 26 fits this new style. 

The first developer beta comes right after WWDC 2025 on June 9. The public beta is in July, and the full release is in September. Many users want the iOS 26 release date and update news.

iOS 26 beta leaks

The iOS 26 beta will be out soon after WWDC 2025. Developers get early access, then the public beta follows. Early leaks show the floating tab bar and stronger AI features.

There may be a new gaming app, better battery management, and live translation for AirPods. Some bugs are normal in beta. The iOS 26 beta download will be easy for testers.

New iOS update features

iOS 26 will include:

• A big UI redesign with glass-like, see-through parts and floating tab bars.
  
• Smarter Apple Intelligence AI for better battery life, Siri, and calendar help.
  
• Live translation for AirPods Pro and Max.
  
• Easy eSIM transfer to Android phones.
  
• A new gaming app for achievements and friends.
  
• More accessibility features and Reader mode.
  
• Better multitasking with Stage Manager on iPad and iPhone.
  
• Apple’s AI tools open to third-party developers with a new SDK.

iOS 26 will bring big design and AI updates. The iOS 26 release date and details will be clear at WWDC 2025. Many users plan to download and install iOS 26 to enjoy these new features on their iPhones.