Apple Releases iOS 26 with New Features for Latest iPhones, iPads

Apple is set to release iOS 26 on September 15, compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models, marking a shift as some older devices, including 2018 iPhones and the 7th-gen iPad, will no longer support the update. The new OS introduces a Liquid Glass design featuring translucent menus and vibrant controls, improved Lock Screen functionality, and enhanced iMessage capabilities like customizable backgrounds and group chat polls. Security and usability improvements include Call Screening to filter unknown callers and features to manage notifications from unknown senders. Users are advised to prepare for the update by backing up data, freeing up significant storage space, ensuring a stable Wi-Fi connection, and updating to the latest iOS 18 version to reduce download size. Alongside iOS 26, Apple will also update iPadOS 26, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro software, continuing its annual cycle of major releases. Given the anticipated demand, users should expect slower download speeds on launch day due to server load.