Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for eligible iPhones and iPads starting September 15, bringing a fresh wave of design changes, new features, and performance improvements to millions of users worldwide. This release comes shortly after the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air, which will ship with iOS 26 pre-installed. For Apple users, this update represents one of the most significant software overhauls in recent years, with a focus on unifying the interface and improving usability.
Supported iPhones for iOS 26
iOS 26 will be available for all iPhones released in 2019 or later, which means most recent users can upgrade for free. The eligible models include:
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iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air
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iPhone 16 series
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iPhone 15 series
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iPhone 14 series
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iPhone 13 series
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iPhone 12 series
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iPhone 11 series
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iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Notably, Apple has officially ended support for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, which were launched back in 2018. These devices will no longer receive major feature updates but will get iOS 18.7, a security-focused update designed to keep them safe from vulnerabilities.
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Supported iPads for iPadOS 26
For iPad users, iPadOS 26 will be rolled out to a wide range of models, including:
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iPad Pro (M4 and 3rd generation or newer)
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iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
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iPad (8th generation and newer)
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iPad mini (5th generation and newer)
Any iPad outside this list will not receive the new update, meaning older models will remain on their current OS versions or only get minor security patches.
Key Features of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
Apple has made sure this year’s update is more than just cosmetic. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 bring a wide range of enhancements, making the overall experience smoother and more intelligent.
1. Liquid Glass UI Design
One of the headline features is the all-new Liquid Glass design language, which delivers a cleaner, more consistent look across all system menus and apps. Apple aims to create a more immersive and fluid user experience, with improved visual transitions and smooth animations that make the OS feel faster and more modern.
2. Performance Improvements
The new updates optimize animations across the system, making app launches and multitasking faster. Users with supported devices will notice a snappier and more responsive interface, even on older iPhones and iPads that support iOS 26.
3. Phone App: Hold Assist
A practical new addition to the Phone app is Hold Assist, which automatically alerts users when a call center agent finally answers a call placed on hold — a small but much-requested quality-of-life improvement.
4. Messaging App Upgrades
Messages now support polls in group chats, making it easier for friends, families, and colleagues to vote on decisions directly in the chat. Additionally, Live Translate gets smarter, offering more accurate real-time translations across a growing list of supported languages.
5. Customizable Lock Screen
Apple continues to expand lock screen customization. Users can now choose from more widget options, fonts, and styles, and set snooze times for alarms anywhere between 1 to 15 minutes — a feature highly requested by those who want finer control over their morning routine.
6. Camera App Redesign
The Camera app receives a cleaner, more intuitive interface with simplified controls, making it easier to switch between photo and video modes quickly.
7. New Games App
A brand-new Games app debuts with iOS 26, consolidating all gaming activity in one place. It displays recent game progress, achievements, and recommendations, offering a hub for casual and hardcore gamers alike.
8. Visual Intelligence and AI Features
Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature gets upgraded to work like Google’s Circle to Search, allowing users to highlight objects in images or videos and instantly search for information. In addition, the new OS includes ChatGPT integration, allowing users to access AI assistance directly from their device for quick answers, summaries, and productivity tasks.
Availability and Installation
The rollout for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 begins today and is available as a free download globally. In India, users can expect the update to go live around 10:30 PM IST, in line with Apple’s typical release schedule.
To update your device:
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Go to Settings > General > Software Update
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Tap Download and Install
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Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery charge before beginning the installation
New iPhones with iOS 26 Pre-Installed
For users planning to upgrade their device, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air are available for pre-orders, with deliveries starting September 19. All these devices will come with iOS 26 pre-installed, ensuring users get the latest experience right out of the box.
Why This Update Matters
This release is significant for Apple’s ecosystem because it sets the tone for the next generation of iPhone and iPad experiences. The Liquid Glass UI, AI integration, and customization options show that Apple is responding to user demands while staying competitive with rivals offering highly customizable interfaces.
For users with supported devices, this update is highly recommended, as it not only enhances functionality but also strengthens security and device performance.