iOS 26 (not iOS 19) is the latest version of Apple’s ecosystem for iPhones. It was officially released on September 15, 2025, just a few days after the announcement of the iPhone 17 and Air. It introduces a number of new features, including the highly anticipated Liquid Glass. However, not all Apple smartphones are compatible. Here’s everything you need to know about the iOS 26 update.
iOS 26 is the latest major update for iPhone released by Apple. As always, it has generated a lot of interest, and the company surprised many by not naming it iOS 19. This release features a significant redesign of the interface and new capabilities related to Apple Intelligence. With the official launch behind us, we now know all the changes that come with iOS 26.
Of course, not all Apple smartphones will support this update, but many models will be compatible. The list of eligible iPhones remains significant, including devices from several years back. The rollout has already begun and, naturally, will be available for the iPhone 17 and Air. With a revamped design, new app features, and the introduction of Liquid Glass, let’s dive into what’s new in iOS 26.
🤔 What is the release date of iOS 26?
As every year, Apple’s interface update was expected in September, and iOS 26 made no exception. This update was announced in June 2025 during WWDC. Naturally, there were several beta phases before the official launch. The final version has been available since September 15, 2025, shortly after the unveiling of the iPhone 17 and Air.
📱 Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
That’s the pressing question on everyone’s mind: is my iPhone compatible with Apple’s next update? The Cupertino firm has provided a list of compatible smartphones. Many sources speculated that all iPhones with at least an A12 Bionic chip would be eligible for iOS 26. Ultimately, however, your device will require at least an A13 Bionic chip to receive the new features. On the other hand, older generations will miss out.
It’s important to note that just because your smartphone is compatible, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have access to all the latest features. For example, in the case of iOS 18, Apple Intelligence was exclusive to certain devices. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro were the only models to benefit from AI-related functions. However, you will still experience some changes, especially in the interface. Here’s the list of iPhones compatible with iOS 26.
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 2 / SE 3
- iPhone 16e
Here’s the list of iPads compatible with iOS 26
- iPad (starting from the 8th generation)
- iPad Air (starting from the 3rd generation)
- iPad mini (starting from the 5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11 inches (starting from the 1st generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (starting from the 3rd generation)
🔥 What are the new features of iOS 26?
While numerous rumors circulated about iOS 26, know that Apple revealed the new features that come with this update. You can also experience them directly on your smartphone since September. In this section, we’ll sum up the various changes compared to iOS 18. Indeed, reports suggesting that iOS 19 would be tailored for foldable iPhones are false. In any case, regarding the new features, we can highlight the interface redesign (Liquid Glass), enhancements for AirPods, and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence.
It’s worth mentioning that not all features related to AirPods Pro 3 are accessible in France. Otherwise, we hoped for significant advancements regarding AI functionalities, but the company seems to fall short on this point. Here are all the new features brought by iOS 26 to your iPhone.
Important Redesign of the Interface with Liquid Glass
This is the main highlight: a major redesign of the interface. It had been several years since there was a substantial change in this area. As shown in various images (see above), the changes in iOS 26 are significant. The standout feature is Liquid Glass. As the name suggests, menus are somewhat translucent, with “its environment dynamically morphing to emphasize content.” Additionally, this technology allows for greater customization of menus and various widgets.
The display of the time adapts to the available space on your screen and, in some cases, will greatly increase in size, offering a 3D effect for wallpapers. Safari web pages now extend to the edges of the display to show more information. Even in Apple Music and Apple News, the tab bar has been reworked to keep essential elements in the foreground.
New Features for Apple Intelligence
This might be the area where Apple disappointed the most during its conference: artificial intelligence. Although Apple Intelligence received several updates, they seem minimal compared to recent Android updates. The company appears to be lagging in this domain. Nonetheless, with iOS 26, the “Live Translation” function is integrated into the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime applications. Text and voice exchanges will be translated directly from the device, ensuring “the confidentiality of personal conversations.”
Additionally, when browsing a web page, you can interact directly with ChatGPT-5 and initiate new Google searches. Apple Intelligence can also automatically populate your calendar when you view an event page. Moreover, Genmoji and Image Playground will offer even more possibilities. Finally, the “Foundation Models” system allows all applications, not just official ones, to leverage Apple Intelligence capabilities.
The “visual intelligence” system enables direct searches by selecting an image and asking questions about the topic.
A Better Interface for the Photos App
Returning to the interface, the Photos app has also received updates, as various sources indicated. Once again, it appears particularly streamlined, featuring a very basic interface, as shown in several images. This should provide users with an improved view of the captured scene. Furthermore, the Photos app now has various tabs to facilitate sorting images and videos. However, overall, the changes in this regard are not substantial.
Changes for Messages and Calls
iOS 26 enables the call filtering function to gather information from callers to help you decide whether to answer or not. There’s even a “waiting assistance” feature that allows you to ask your caller to hold before taking their call. All of this is accessible with FaceTime as well. The interface of the Phone app now has a unified design for better navigation. In short, the aesthetic of the app has been refreshed.
As for the Messages app, unknown message filtering has been improved. They now appear in a dedicated category, where you can mark senders as known or unknown. This should also help to protect users from scams.
Regarding new features, you will be able to create custom backgrounds and conduct polls within your chats. In terms of design, it resembles the new look of WhatsApp. It will also be possible to send or receive money via Apple Cash. Messages also benefit from improved integration in the menus to allow you to keep your eyes on the road.
Exchanges via messages will also feature real-time translation. This option is available in Phone and FaceTime as well. For the latter, Apple has added a new security feature, where the conversation will automatically disconnect if the camera detects nudity.
Improvements for Apple CarPlay
A small surprise was presented during WWDC 2025: Apple highlighted CarPlay and its integration with iOS 26. More specifically, the interface has been further improved for easier navigation. The call display now allows you to continue following GPS information and won’t distract you. These changes will also be available through CarPlay Ultra. Finally, Apple claimed that there are 600 million daily uses of its system.
Even More Simple Payments
Among the new features with iOS 26, the Maps app sees enhancements. Via Apple Pay, you can make your purchases by using your vouchers directly. Moreover, you will have the option to choose installment payments if needed. However, it remains to be seen if this feature will be available in France at launch.
Otherwise, your boarding passes stored in the app can receive real-time updates related to your flight. Additionally, through Maps, you can directly view the airport map to navigate. You will even be able to report missing luggage.
New Functions for AirPods
Many were looking forward to real-time translation with AirPods, and although it is available with iOS 26, it is not accessible in France. Concerning the earphones, we know they will be able to directly record audio tracks. Using the camera, you just need to press and hold the stem to take a photo or start/stop a video recording. This feature is exclusive to AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and the latest AirPods Pro 4. In short, these innovations are solely available with accessories equipped with the H2 chip.
A New Application for iOS 26
During this update, a new application called Apple Games was introduced. This app may not be revolutionary, but it will allow you to consolidate all your mobile games in one place. It aims to help you discover new titles and play together. Plus, you’ll be notified of the latest events and various available updates. Naturally, it will also integrate with Apple Arcade.
Other New Features in iOS 26
- Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation for singing along via Apple Music.
- The settings indicate the battery percentage used throughout the day.
- Automix enhances transitions between two songs.
- Parents can create Child Accounts with parental controls.
- Integration of new emojis.
- Improved privacy features in Safari.
- Optimizations in accessibility options.
