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Apple announced big changes to the iPhone's operating system as part of iOS 26 during WWDC 2025 in June -- and its widespread release is now only days away. After debuting a highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup this week, including the thinnest iPhone ever with the 17 Air, Apple also confirmed that the general release of iOS 26 will happen on Monday, Sept. 15.
Most iPhone users will receive a free software update to upgrade to iOS 26 starting on Sept. 15, though availability may vary depending on carrier, region, and local regulations. iOS 26 is the successor of iOS 18, the current widely available operating system for iPhones. Instead of launching iOS 19 sequentially to iOS 18, Apple rebranded its OS versions to match the year when users will use them the most.
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In this case, iOS 26 will launch for general availability on Monday, with many feature updates rolling out through 2026. We'll walk you through the steps to installing iOS 26 when it becomes available.
How to install iOS 26
What you need: After Sept. 15, you'll need a compatible iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones support iOS 26, you'll also need a model newer than iPhone 11.
1. Access General in your iPhone Settings
Go to your iPhone's Settings and select General.
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2. Go to Software Update in Settings
Within General, tap on Software Update. If iOS 26 is available for your iPhone, you'll see the option to download it here.
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3. Agree to install iOS 26
After you agree to download and install iOS 26, you can wait for your iPhone to finish installing the update. Then you're ready to enjoy your Liquid Glass interface, Preview app, and more Apple Intelligence integrations.
4. Select iOS 26 Public Beta
Select iOS 26 Public Beta to begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26.
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Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it.
FAQs
When will iOS 26 be released?
iOS 26 will be widely available as a free software update on Sept. 15, 2025. The developer beta was released during WWDC in June 2025, while the public beta was released in July.
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE.
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How to install the iOS 26 public beta?
If you'd like to test iOS 26 between now and its public release, you can try the public beta or the developer beta. Here's how you can download and install the public beta:
- Go to your iPhone's Settings and select General.
- Within General, tap on Software Update. Your iPhone's Software Updates feature must be updated to automatically receive beta updates and beta versions of iOS.
- Go to Beta Updates to enable it and select the iOS version you'd like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPhones.Select iOS 26 Public Beta to begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 26.
- Return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it.
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If you'd rather download the iOS 26 developer beta version, navigate to your settings to install the iOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iOS 16.5 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. Here's how you can get the iOS developer beta on your iPhone:
- Go to your iPhone Settings
- Tap on General
- Select Software Update
- Go to Beta Updates
- Choose the iOS 26 Developer Beta
If you can't see this option, go to your Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.
If you aren't already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. An annual membership costs $99, but you don't need one to try the developer beta.
What to do before installing the iOS 26 public beta?
You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind:
- Back up your device and personal information.
- Don't download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.
- Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iOS.
How to submit beta feedback to Apple
The iOS 26 public beta comes with its own built-in Feedback Assistant app, which you can open from the Home screen. If you encounter something that doesn't work, or you have feedback on any part of the new OS, you can communicate directly with Apple via that app.
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