Apple has just unveiled its most ambitious iPhone update yet, iOS 26. At the same time, they pushed out iOS 18.7 for anyone who’d rather keep the old setup instead of moving over to the new Liquid Glass look.
When you try out iOS 26, you can actually see that the AI is sharper, and the design just looks cleaner overall. The iOS 26 release date in India was September 15, 2025, and honestly, everyone got it at once.
All the iOS 26 Features You Need to Check Out
What’s new in iOS 26? A lot with better design, polished AI, and apps that feel smoother than before.
User Interface Features
iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design: The update adds nice transitions, refreshed icons, and a fresh lockscreen clock.
Homescreen and Lockscreen: The update introduces cleaner layouts, a floating dock, and more widget and wallpaper options.
Safari Updates: Translucent bottom bar hides on scroll for distraction-free browsing.
App Animations: Smooth and fast transitions across menus and notifications.
Lockscreen Widgets: Check info and control apps without opening them.
Camera Improvements
- Simplified slider to switch between Photo, Video, Portrait, and Cinematic modes.
- Faster access to key camera functions with smoother transitions.
Photos and Media Enhancements
Improved Library: Navigation and search, plus spatial image recognition.
Preview App: Screenshot editing, annotation, and PDF saving.
Apple Music: AutoMix playlists for continuous playback, spatial audio, and improved lyrics display. And. trust me AutoMix is not the same as Spotify’s, it’s way better.
Games Hub: Central destination for Apple Arcade and recommended games.
Apple Intelligence Features
- Live call translation and live transcription.
- Visual intelligence for object recognition and text extraction.
- Hold Assist for long calls.
- Image Playground for quick editing and creative outputs.
- APIs that keep user data private and let developers add AI safely.
System and App Upgrades
Phone App: Merges Recents, Favourites, Voicemails; adds Call Screening and Hold Assist.
Messages: Polls, group typing indicators, unknown contact filtering, Apple Cash support.
CarPlay Ultra: New dashboard, better media controls, widgets, and Live Activities support.
Apple Maps: Sharing your location live with encryption and better routing.
Wallet: Faster card setup, enhanced payment and loyalty support.
AirPods: Studio-level recordings and sharper spatial audio.
Accessibility: Live Captions, VoiceOver, Personal Voice, Live Listen, and added Braille support.
Which iPhones Can Run iOS 26?
Here’s a full list of iOS 26 supported devices, so you know which iPhones are eligible:
| iPhone Model | Eligible for iOS 26 |
|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Series | iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Air |
| iPhone 16 Series | iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e |
| iPhone 15 Series | All models |
| iPhone 14 Series | All models |
| iPhone 13 Series | All models |
| iPhone 12 Series | All models |
| iPhone 11 Series | iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| iPhone SE | 2nd gen and later |
Older devices, like the iPhone XR and XS, don’t work.
How to download iOS 26 and install it easily?
Before updating, back up your iPhone. Then open Settings > General > Software Update and hit Install. Automatic Updates makes it easier by running overnight while charging.
Reasons iOS 26 Is Worth Installing On Your iPhone
- Sleek iOS 26 liquid glass design for a modern interface.
- Smarter AI tools now improve calls, messages, and photos.
- Core apps optimized for usability.
- Broad device support for iOS 26 iPhones from iPhone 11 onward.
Ready to Experience iOS 26? Update Today
iOS 26 gives your iPhone a new look with Liquid Glass, smarter stuff, and apps that just work better. Check if your phone can run it and update to see the smoother performance and new features.