Apple has officially announced that its upcoming software update, iOS 26, will be released on September 15, shortly after the launch of the iPhone 17 series during its “Awe Dropping” event on September 9. This update represents one of the most significant design changes in years and will be available for eligible devices before the iPhone 17 series goes on sale. At the September 9 event, Apple unveiled four new models: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, all of which will come with iOS 26 pre-installed. Pre-orders for these devices will begin on September 12, with official sales starting on September 19.
Apple first revealed iOS 26 during WWDC 2025, where it garnered attention for its striking new design language. After several months of beta testing, the final version is prepared for users worldwide. A key feature this year is the “liquid glass” theme, which provides a system-wide visual upgrade focusing on reflections, depth, and contrast. This theme offers a more dynamic and immersive interface while maintaining the familiar iOS layout. In addition to the visual enhancements, iOS 26 incorporates improved Apple Intelligence tools that aim to deliver smarter assistance throughout the system. Users can also look forward to enhancements in CarPlay, Apple Music, Apple Games, and more.
Apple continues its tradition of synchronizing new iOS releases with the launch of its latest iPhones, and 2025 is no exception. The company has confirmed that both iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will be available globally on Monday, September 15, right between the pre-order and launch window for the iPhone 17 series. Apple remains committed to software support, with iOS 26 compatible with a broad range of devices dating back to the iPhone 11.
The full list of supported iPhones includes: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 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, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
Alongside iOS 26, Apple will also roll out iPadOS 26 on September 15, with eligibility for the following iPad models: iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (M3), iPad Air (M2), and iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (A16) and iPad (8th generation and later), and iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad mini (5th generation and later). With iOS 26, Apple is not only refining its iPhone software but also reimagining it with an innovative liquid glass design and enhanced system-wide intelligence. For users with iPhones and iPads, September 15 is a date to remember.