All eyes are on the release date of iOS 26 as Apple is planning to introduce its next major iPhone software update in 2025. Users are already wondering when they can download the update and what new features it will include, since September is usually Apple’s busiest month for announcements. The official release of iOS 26 appears to be closer than ever, with several beta versions of iOS 26 currently undergoing testing.
Based on the beta release schedule and recent reports, the iOS 26 public release will go live on September 15, 2025. Before that, the Release Candidate (RC) build will arrive right after the iPhone 17 event on September 9. So iPhone users won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the final version.
This update will not only mark one of the biggest software changes of the year but will also bring performance refinements, new features like Liquid Glass effects, and expanded iPhone compatibility. For iPhone owners, it’s one of the most anticipated updates of 2025.
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iOS 26 Release Date Timeline
Apple rolls out iOS updates in a predictable cycle. right after the iPhone 17 Series launch in September, the major IOS versions are made public after being tested through several betas and announced at WWDC in June.
The iOS 26 beta program began on June 9, 2025. Since then, Apple has rolled out nine beta versions, with the latest (Beta 9) released on September 2. With this timeline, Apple is now closer than ever to the iOS 26 Release date Candidate, which is expected to arrive any day in early September.
Apple has been steadily rolling out iOS 26 through multiple beta versions before the official public release. Here’s a clear timeline of when each beta became available:
- iOS 26 Beta 1 – June 9, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 1 (additional build) – June 13, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 2 – June 23, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 3 – July 7, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 4 – July 22, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 4 (public beta rollout) – July 24, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 4 (iPhone 11 specific) – July 25, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 5 – August 5, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 6 – August 11, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 6 (public beta) – August 14, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 7 – August 18, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 8 – August 25, 2025
- iOS 26 Beta 9 – September 2, 2025
Given Apple’s history, the Release Candidate version is expected on September 9, 2025, directly following the iPhone 17 event. The official rollout will likely arrive on Monday, September 15, 2025.
For reference, iOS 18 launched on September 16 last year, just a week after the iPhone 16 lineup was revealed. Accordingly, iOS 26 is tracking on the same timeline.
Also Read about: iOS 18.6.2 Release Date, Features, and Bug Fixes
Which iPhones Will Get iOS 26?
One of the most common questions is: Will iPhone 11 get iOS 26? The answer is yes.
Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 supports all iPhones from the iPhone 11 and newer, including the second-generation iPhone SE. This ensures that a wide range of models can access the update, though some features are reserved for newer hardware.
IOS 26 Supported Devices:
- iPhone 17 series (launch models)
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
Older devices, including iPhone X and iPhone 8, will not be compatible with iOS 26.
It should also be noted that Apple Intelligence features—Apple’s new on-device AI system—will only be available on recent devices powered by the latest A-series chips.
Key Features Coming with iOS 26
While the release date is the primary focus, iOS 26 is also bringing a long list of new features and design updates. Apple is introducing a fresh Liquid Glass design language, new personalization tools, and system-level improvements.
Bellow are the Highlights of iOS 26 Features
- Liquid Glass UI
A complete redesign across the system. Menus, icons, and panels now have a transparent glass-like appearance. The Photos and Phone apps have been rebuilt with this design language. - Faster Animations
Animations are smoother and quicker compared to iOS 18. This makes older iPhones like the iPhone 11 and 12 feel more responsive. - Charging Estimates
When connecting to a charger, the system shows an estimated time until the iPhone reaches 80%, 90%, or 100% charge. - Spam Call Protection
Calls from unknown numbers are filtered. The caller is asked to identify themselves before the phone rings. - On-Screen Visual Intelligence
Screenshots can be annotated, and highlighted items can trigger search results for clothes, icons, or objects directly on the device. - Bottom Search Bar
New search bar placement in Settings and Messages for faster navigation. - Adaptive Power Mode
The system can automatically enable Low Power Mode at 20%, adjust brightness, and delay background tasks to extend battery life. - Messaging Upgrades
Group chat wallpapers, polls, and new Liquid Glass effects inside Messages.
Overall, iOS 26 combines a major visual overhaul with practical everyday tools designed to improve speed, security, and usability.
How to Get iOS 26 (Beta & Final Release)
Users currently have two options for trying iOS 26 before its official release.
- Developer Beta Program
Developers can download iOS 26 builds through the Apple Developer portal. These versions include the newest features but may contain bugs. - Public Beta Program
Available to anyone with an Apple ID. The public beta allows early access, though Apple recommends installing it on a secondary device.
Once the official iOS 26 release date arrives (15th, September 2025), it will be available as an over-the-air (OTA) update in Settings > General > Software Update.
Important Note: Running beta software can impact performance and battery life. Users can downgrade to iOS 18 if necessary, though the process requires a full restore.
FAQs About iOS 26 Release Date
Is iOS 26 out yet?
Not yet. The latest build is iOS 26 Beta 9, released on September 2, 2025. The official release is expected around September 15, 2025.
When is the iOS 26 official release date?
The Release Candidate should arrive on September 9, 2025, after the iPhone 17 event. The public release is likely scheduled for the following week, on September 15.
Will iPhone 11 get iOS 26?
Yes. iOS 26 supports all iPhones from iPhone 11 and newer, including the 2nd-generation iPhone SE.
When will iOS 26 be released to the public?
Based on Apple’s release history, iOS 26 will be available to all users worldwide in mid-September 2025, about a week after the iPhone 17 keynote.
How to downgrade from iOS 26 beta?
Downgrading requires restoring the iPhone with an IPSW file for iOS 18 using Finder or iTunes. This process erases all data, so backups are essential.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 26 official release date is expected to fall between September 15 and 16, 2025, just days after the iPhone 17 launch event. Apple’s consistent update schedule, combined with the current beta cycle, confirms that the rollout is imminent.
With a redesigned Liquid Glass UI, faster animations, advanced battery tools, and improved spam protection, iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of the most impactful updates in recent years.
Users running compatible devices can look forward to downloading the update through Settings once it goes live worldwide. Until then, Apple will continue to refine the Release Candidate build in preparation for launch week.
