OS pillar · current version · iOS 26
iOS 26
Everything we've published about iOS 26 — what's new, what broke, who can run it, and whether you should update yet.
Apple's 2025 iPhone OS. Shipped September 15, 2025; now on iOS 26.6, a security-heavy July 2026 release that also preps Spotlight for iOS 27.
In short.
iOS 26 is Apple's September 2025 release, headlined by the Liquid Glass redesign, a revamped Phone app with call screening, and Live Translation. It runs on iPhone 11 and later, plus iPhone SE 2nd generation and newer.
Most update friction is storage space and release-week server queues. Apple Intelligence features need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, so older models miss those but keep everything else.
Any supported iPhone: update. iOS 26.6 (July 27, 2026) patches almost 90 security vulnerabilities, which settles the question.
Should you update?
Our verdict, per device tier.
- iPhone 17 / 16 / 15 Pro✓ UpdateFull feature set including Apple Intelligence. Stable through the 26.x cycle, and 26.6 adds a large security batch.
- iPhone 15 / 14 series✓ UpdateNo Apple Intelligence, but the rest of iOS 26 runs well.
- iPhone 13 / 12 series✓ UpdateSupported and worth taking for the security fixes. Expect a day or two of post-update re-indexing before battery settles.
- iPhone 11 series / SE 2nd gen✓ UpdateThe oldest supported hardware. Free up storage before installing and update overnight on Wi-Fi.
- iPhone SE 3rd gen✓ UpdateThe A15 chip handles iOS 26 fine.
Release timeline
Every iOS 26 dot-release and what it changed.
- 26.0Sept 15, 2025majorInitial release, headlined by the Liquid Glass redesign.
- 26.0.1Sept 29, 2025patchFirst post-launch bug-fix and security update.
- 26.1Nov 3, 2025featureAdds a tinted option for Liquid Glass plus additional Apple Intelligence languages.
- 26.2Dec 12, 2025featureFeature and security update, including Sleep Score in the Health app.
- 26.2.1Jan 26, 2026patchAdds support for AirTag 2.
- 26.3Feb 11, 2026featureFeature update with security fixes.
- 26.3.1Mar 4, 2026patchMinor bug-fix update.
- 26.4Mar 24, 2026featureEight new emoji, Apple Music Playlist Playground, and Purchase Sharing changes.
- 26.4.1Apr 8, 2026patchFixes an iCloud syncing bug and turns on Stolen Device Protection by default.
- 26.4.2Apr 22, 2026patchSecurity update, including a Notification Services fix (CVE-2026-28950).
- 26.5May 11, 2026featureRCS encrypted messaging beta, Maps suggestions, Pride wallpapers, and expanded parental controls.
- 26.5.1June 1, 2026patchFixes a charging failure on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models and a Home Screen desaturation bug.
- 26.5.2June 29, 2026patchMinor bug-fix maintenance update.
- 26.6July 27, 2026currentSecurity release patching almost 90 vulnerabilities; adds stronger scam-message screening and preps Spotlight for iOS 27.
What's new
The features actually worth caring about.
Liquid Glass redesign
The system-wide translucent design language across the Lock Screen, icons, and apps.
The biggest visual change in years. A tinted option arrived in 26.1 if the full effect is too much.
Phone app redesign with Call Screening
Unified calls-and-voicemail layout, automatic screening of unknown callers, and Hold Assist for waiting on hold.
The screening features are the daily-driver win.
Live Translation
Real-time translation in Messages, Phone, and FaceTime.
Needs Apple Intelligence hardware, so iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
RCS encrypted messaging (26.5)
End-to-end encryption for RCS chats with Android users, shipped as a beta in iOS 26.5.
The most meaningful cross-platform messaging upgrade of the cycle.
Scam-message screening (26.6)
Stronger screening of scam and spam texts, added alongside the 26.6 security payload.
Reason enough to take the update promptly.
Which iPhones can install iOS 26
iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and later, plus iPhone SE 2nd generation and newer. Apple Intelligence requires iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
| iPhone model | iOS 26 | Apple Intelligence |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 series | official | official |
| iPhone 16 series | official | official |
| iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max | official | official |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus | official | no |
| iPhone 14 series | official | no |
| iPhone 13 series | official | no |
| iPhone 12 series | official | no |
| iPhone 11 series | official | no |
| iPhone SE 2nd / 3rd gen | official | no |
All iOS 26 guides
All 10 articles in this cluster, newest first.
Quick answers
The questions about iOS 26 we get asked most.
Should I update from iOS 18 to iOS 26?
Yes, on any supported iPhone. The 26.6 security fixes settle it.
Will iOS 26 slow down my older iPhone?
Expect a day or two of background re-indexing after the update; the oldest supported models feel it most.
Does iPhone 14 get Apple Intelligence in iOS 26?
No. Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18?
Only within ~2 weeks of updating, before Apple stops signing iOS 18.
When does iOS 26 stop getting updates?
Standard pattern: ~3 years of feature updates + 2 years of security only.
Is iOS 26 stable enough for daily driving in mid-2026?
Yes. iOS 26.6 (July 27, 2026) is the current recommended build.
iOS 27 beta is out — should I jump?
No, unless you have a spare iPhone. See our iOS 27 Beta pillar.
Settings paths moved in iOS 26
From iOS 18 · Updated 2026-05-19 · 15 confirmed relocations.
| In iOS 18 | In iOS 26 | Why it moved | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
Settings > Safari | Settings > Apps > Safari | iOS 26 introduces an "Apps" section. All built-in app settings (Safari, Mail, Messages, etc.) moved here. | high |
Settings > Messages | Settings > Apps > Messages | Same reorganization — app-specific settings now under Settings > Apps > {AppName}. | high |
Settings > Mail | Settings > Apps > Mail | Mail settings (accounts, signatures, swipe gestures) moved under the new Apps hub. | high |
Settings > Photos | Settings > Apps > Photos | Photos settings (iCloud sync, optimization, hidden album) moved under Apps section. | high |
Settings > Camera | Settings > Apps > Camera | Camera settings relocated. New iOS 26.1 toggles here: Lens Cleaning Hints, Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera. | high |
(N/A in iOS 18) | Settings > General > AirDrop > Manage Known AirDrop Contacts | New in iOS 26.2 — AirDrop Codes for temporary trusted strangers (30-day trust window). | high |
Search bar at top of Settings | Floating search button at bottom of Settings | Liquid Glass redesign moved the search bar from the top of every Settings page to a floating button at bottom-right. | high |
(N/A in iOS 18) | Settings > Battery > Adaptive Power | New iOS 26 battery feature. Learns daily habits to dynamically reduce performance when low-battery risk predicted. | high |
(N/A in iOS 18) | Settings > General > Local Capture | Added in iOS 26.1. Controls how voice/video recordings are handled and choose save location. | high |
(N/A in iOS 18) | Settings > Phone > Haptics | New in iOS 26.1. Per-call haptic vibration toggle for call connect and end events. | high |
Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri | Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri (expanded) | iOS 26 expanded controls: Visual Intelligence, Rewrite Pro, Genmoji refresh. Path same; sub-options new. | medium |
Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size | Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency | Same path, but now also dampens Liquid Glass blur effect. Frosted appearance replaces full transparency. | high |
Settings > Privacy & Security > Sensitive Content Warning (Messages only) | Settings > Privacy & Security > Sensitive Content Warning (Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime, Phone Contact Posters) | Coverage expanded in iOS 26 — same path, broader app surface. | high |
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos | Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos (with EU export compliance options) | iOS 26.3 added EU Photos export compliance toggles. Path stable, options new in EU. | medium |
(N/A in iOS 18) | Settings > Lock Screen > Migrate Widgets | New in iOS 26.0 — one-time tool to convert iOS 18 widgets to the new Lock Screen v2 stackable widget format. | medium |
Sources: Apple Support, MacRumors, 9to5Mac, NNG, Geeky Gadgets. Markedmedium if reported by multiple outlets but unverified hands-on.