After months of waiting and wild rumors, iOS 26 is finally available for compatible iPhones. The final rollout coincides with the launch of the iPhone 17. If you want to install the update, we’ll explain how to do that for the iPhone 17.
After several months of beta testing, iOS 26 is now available in its final version for compatible iPhone users. Naturally, this major update comes pre-installed on all new 2025 models, including the base iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. It also applies to the iPhone Air, which recently performed well in a benchmark against the Galaxy S25 Edge on Geekbench.
Here’s how to install iOS 26 on your compatible iPhone
To install iOS 26, you need to own at least an iPhone 11. It’s worth noting that this update skips from iOS 18 to iOS 26, as Apple has bypassed iOS 19 to align with the current year. If you want to install iOS 26 on your iPhone, simply follow these steps:
- Open “Settings.”
- Go to “General” > “Software Update.”
- Tap “Download and Install.”
- Enter your passcode if prompted and accept the terms.
- Allow your iPhone to restart until the installation is complete.
It’s important to remember that you do not need to own an iPhone 17 to enjoy iOS 26. Several older generations are compatible and now have access to this updated version of Apple’s operating system, extending their support for another year for these phones, which continue to be popular among millions of users. The iPhones compatible with iOS 26 include:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air
- iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation)
All in all, the release of iOS 26 is excellent news as Apple signs off on a successful return, highlighted by the unveiling of its smartphones and the introduction of AirPods Pro 3 with their real-time translation feature, as well as the Apple Watch Series 11 and its hypertension detection. There’s no doubt that iOS 26 will be quickly installed by users eager to enjoy the much-talked-about Liquid Glass design that attracted attention prior to its official availability.
