We Breakdown About Apple iOS 26: New Features, Rollout, and Compatible iPhones

It’s an exciting time for iPhone users as they’re not only getting new product releases, but they’re also anticipating the newest operating system! Lucky for them, Apple recently made its announcement about iOS 26 during the unveiling of the latest iPhones and wearables. This is the company’s 19th major update, which brings a fresh look, redesigned interface, and several AI improvements.

The big announcement confirms that the final build of iOS 26 is now available for developers and public beta testers. The rollout of iOS 26 will be open to everyone with a compatible device starting from Monday, September 15, 2025. Is it something worthy of being excited about? Read for more!

Key updates and new features in iOS 26

From Apple Official Website

Following iOS 18 (yes, they skipped counting and proceeded to 26), iOS 26 is an update of Apple’s operating system that includes a new, redesigned interface and better integration of Apple Intelligence. The newest update allows for the following benefits at a glance:

• “Liquid Glass” design: This new design allows you to tweak the visual design for your OS. Features that users can feel with the new appearance are also the translucent, layered UI elements of this new look: dynamic icons that flex and shift, and bend visually when you move your iPhone. With this new design, movement is more streamlined from the Lock Screen to the Home Screen to the Apps.
  
  
• Refreshed “Photos” app: The Photos app has been completely revamped, aiming to improve navigation and organize memories more easily. It features a streamlined layout with new “collections” and a dynamic carousel that highlights your favorite moments.
  
  
• Expanding on the ground laid upon by WWDC in June, iOS 26 will launch additional on-device AI features, including:
  
  
  • Visual Intelligence: You can interact with whatever comes onto your screen with greater ease. You will be able to search and ask questions and even act on the content, like screenshots, for the first time. It’s meant to make your experience easier and more intuitive.
    
    
  • Live Translation: Communication has become easier than ever! With the help of the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps, text and audio translations happen in real time, making connecting across languages more seamless.
    
    
  • Genmoji and Image Playground: You can now create new emojis and pictures just by writing a description of the desired image. These creative tools provide a new level of personalization and self-expression.
    
    
• Improved communications: The Phone and Messages apps have been updated with several new features aimed at reducing the number of interruptions and improving conversations.
  
  
  • Customization: You can add a background to any conversation, screen new senders to detect spam, and manage the conversations that appear in Messages, as well as your recent calls in Phone and FaceTime.
    
    
  • Polls in Messages: Group chats can now easily include polls, making it simple for everyone to share opinions and preferences and help the group make decisions.

From Apple Official Website

• •  Call screening: No more stress from unknown and unwanted calls! This new feature automatically filters incoming calls from unknown numbers, asking the caller for their name and reason for calling before it rings your phone.
     

From Apple Official Website

• Other Features:
  
  
  • iPhone Mirroring on Mac: The iPhone control from your Mac has been enhanced, too. Now, you can have complete control of your iPhone, and not only that, audio and interaction are also supported.
    
    
  • Game mode: This new mode is designed to get better performance from gaming because it cuts down the latencies for peripherals and makes the overall system’s performance better for users to use.
    
    
  • Custom snooze on the Alarm app: Users can now custom-snooze durations from 1 to 15 minutes in the Alarm app.
    
    
  • New Passwords app: Memorizing all account passwords can be a pain, so it’s a good thing Apple has created a new application that securely stores and manages passwords, passkeys, and WiFi logins in one spot.
    
    
  • Accessibility features: The system has been enhanced with additional accessibility features, including Eye Tracking, Vocal Shortcuts, and Music Haptics.

Compatible iPhones

From Apple Official Website

Apple’s iOS 26 is compatible with iPhones with the A13 Bionic chip or newer. Here’s the complete list of iOS 26-supported iPhones:

• iPhone 17 series (iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max)
• iPhone 16 series (iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16e, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max)
• iPhone 15 series (iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max)
• iPhone 14 series (iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max)
• iPhone 13 series (iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max)
• iPhone 12 series (iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max)
• iPhone 11 series (iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Unfortunately, several popular older models, including the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, will not be eligible for the new update. So, for those looking to upgrade to a compatible iPhone with iOS 26, check out the Next Upgrade Shop! The shop offers the iPhone 14 through the 16 series, which are not only fully compatible with the latest iOS update but also are good options if you’re looking for a reliable mobile device.