Apple is set to launch the highly anticipated iOS 26 operating system today, introducing a range of new features and enhancements for iPhone users. The update includes a fresh Liquid Glass design, a smart lock screen, live translation for travelers, and improved spam protection to block unwanted calls.
Enhancements to Messages, Mail, Photos, and Maps have also been integrated into iOS 26, with the Maps app now capable of recognizing users’ preferred routes. The release time for iOS 26 has not been officially disclosed by Apple, but historical patterns suggest it may be available around 6pm BST.
To download the update, users are advised to connect to a Wi-Fi network due to the expected large file size of iOS 26. Once live, the update can be accessed by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on the device. It is recommended to anticipate longer download times as demand for the update is expected to be high.
Notably, not all iPhone models are compatible with iOS 26, with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR being among the devices losing support for the latest software updates. The full list of compatible iPhone models includes the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, and others.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, highlighted the significant design improvements and enhanced features in iOS 26, emphasizing a more personalized and efficient user experience. The update aims to offer a more expressive and user-centric interface, with new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated throughout the system to streamline daily tasks.
