iOS 26 Release Date Confirmed at WWDC 2025 | Features, Beta, Supported iPhones

 

Apple has officially pulled back the curtain on iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and fans are buzzing. From a stunning new design called Liquid Glass to on-device AI upgrades under Apple Intelligence, iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of the biggest updates in years.

Let’s break down everything you need to know including the iOS 26 release date, new features, device compatibility, and how you can download the developer beta right now.

iOS 26 Release Date Confirmed

At the WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9, Apple confirmed that iOS 26 will roll out to the public in September 2025, in line with the launch of the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup.

But if you're an Apple developer or an early adopter, you don’t have to wait.

iOS 26 Developer Beta was released on June 9, 2025, just after the event.
The Public Beta is expected in July 2025.
The final public version will likely go live mid-September, around the iPhone 17 event.

Which iPhones Will Get iOS 26?

Apple has raised the hardware bar this year. iOS 26 is only available for iPhones with the A13 Bionic chip or newer. That means:

Supported Devices:
iPhone 11 series and newer
iPhone SE (2nd gen) and later
iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and upcoming iPhone 17

Not Supported:
iPhone XR
iPhone XS and XS Max

Also, keep in mind: some advanced features under Apple Intelligence will require A17 Pro or later chips, which are found in iPhone 15 Pro models and beyond.

What’s New in iOS 26?

Liquid Glass UI Design

The biggest visual change is the Liquid Glass interface. It’s sleek, fluid, and translucent giving iOS a more modern, futuristic look. Every native app, from Messages to Settings, has been updated to match this aesthetic.

Some love it. Others call it “confusing” or even “ugly.” Either way, it’s a bold change you’ll need to experience for yourself.

Apple Intelligence (AI)

iOS 26 is Apple’s official jump into on-device artificial intelligence.

Features include:
Smart summaries for web pages, emails, and notifications
Live call transcription and translation
Image editing and generation using integrated ChatGPT
Proactive suggestions and smarter Siri interactions

This AI suite runs entirely on your device, keeping your data private unless a task needs cloud power, in which case Apple says it uses a “Private Cloud Compute” method.

Revamped Apps and Tools

Several apps got meaningful upgrades:
Phone app: Transcribes voicemails in real time
Messages: Now supports RCS, group typing indicators, and custom reactions
Maps: New topographic details and hiking trail guides
Music: Real-time lyrics and smarter playlist suggestions
Control Center: Fully customizable, with pages and app-specific toggles

iPadOS 26 and VisionOS Integration

If you're also using an iPad or Apple Vision Pro, iOS 26 works seamlessly with iPadOS 26 and visionOS 2. The entire Apple ecosystem is now more unified, sharing design language and smarter multitasking tools.

Should You Download the iOS 26 Beta?

The developer beta is out now but it’s not for everyone. Early builds often come with bugs, crashes, and battery drain.

Go for it if:
You’re a developer or tech enthusiast
You have a secondary device
You want to test features early

Avoid it if:
You rely on your iPhone daily
You’re not comfortable troubleshooting issues
You want stability over new features

You can install it via the Apple Developer Program through Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.

iOS 26 is more than just a yearly update. It’s a reimagining of how iPhones look and think. With Liquid Glass, Apple is taking a design risk. With Apple Intelligence, it's entering the AI race but doing it with privacy and performance in mind.

The road to the final release starts now. Over the next few months, expect more beta updates, polish, and refinements before September’s public launch.