Apple to unveil iOS 26: Expected to come with AI updates, battery optimisations, and more

Apple has officially announced iOS 26, its most transformative update in years, set to launch publicly in September 2025. With a sweeping new visual style and intelligent features baked into core apps, iOS 26 promises to reshape the iPhone experience for millions of users worldwide.

After iOS 18 received a mixed response when it debuted in September 2024, anticipation for this year’s software has reached new heights. iOS 26—previously referred to as iOS 19—brings a dramatic redesign, deeper AI integration, and long-requested features that position it as a generational leap for Apple’s mobile OS.

When Will iOS 26 Launch?

Apple has yet to confirm an exact date, but following the tech giant’s historical release pattern, iOS 26 will likely drop between September 12 and 20, 2025—just days before the launch of the next iPhone lineup, expected to be the iPhone 17 series.

For reference, last year’s iOS 18 was released on September 16, 2024. Most recent iOS updates have arrived in that same mid-September window.

Developers already have access to iOS 26 in beta form, giving them time to test apps and adapt them to the update’s new capabilities. A public beta is also expected to be available in July, allowing users to preview the software ahead of the general release.

Key Features of iOS 26

“Liquid Glass” Design

At the heart of iOS 26 is a striking new visual style described by Apple as “Liquid Glass.” This updated UI features translucent elements that reflect and refract the environment, creating a dynamic and immersive interface.

Apple explains that the redesign aims to “bring greater focus to content, and deliver a new level of vitality across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more.” The look is clearly influenced by the Apple Vision Pro design language.

• Lock screen improvements include a smart 3D effect where the time appears behind your subject in photos, creating depth and visual impact.

New Messaging and Phone Features

Several long-requested features are finally arriving:

• Call Screening – iPhones can now screen unknown callers before you answer.

• Custom Chat Backgrounds – Users can personalize iMessage threads.

• Polls in Messages – Group chats can now vote on plans or decisions directly in a conversation.

Apple Games Hub

For mobile gamers, iOS 26 introduces a dedicated Apple Games hub, organizing all your downloaded and favorite games in one space with curated recommendations and personalized highlights.

Privacy & Security Enhancements

Safari now offers fingerprint protection for private browsing, ensuring more secure access to sensitive content and personal data.

Apple Music and Media Upgrades

• New Apple Music features enhance how users interact with songs and albums, including improved visualizers and context-aware suggestions.

• Immersive audio playback gets a boost with updates tailored for AirPods and spatial audio devices.

Smarter with Apple Intelligence

iOS 26 continues Apple’s push into personalized artificial intelligence, under the Apple Intelligence umbrella:

• Live translation is now built into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, allowing real-time multilingual communication.

• Visual search can now identify content on your screen, and ChatGPT-style assistance lets users ask contextual questions without switching apps.

• AI now suggests smart actions based on what you’re doing—like adding appointments from messages or documents.

Supported Devices

iOS 26 will be compatible with iPhones using the A13 Bionic chip and newer, including:

• iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series

• iPhone SE (2nd generation and up)

However, advanced AI features will only be available on devices with A17 Pro or newer, such as:

• iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max

• All upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models

Older devices will still get the visual redesign and select system upgrades, but will miss out on real-time AI tools.

Apple’s iOS 26 is shaping up to be a milestone in the iPhone’s evolution. With a mix of fresh design, long-awaited conveniences, and powerful AI features, it represents a bold leap forward—especially after a year of mixed reactions to iOS 18.

iPhone users should prepare for the public release this September, while developers and beta testers will lead the way in shaping how this landmark update is received.

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