Apple unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, skipping iOS 18. The new naming reflects the calendar year of release, similar to car model naming.
Apple shifted its naming strategy. Now, iOS versions will match the upcoming year. Hence, 2025’s update is iOS 26—not iOS 18 or 19.
The final version of iOS 26 is expected on September 16, 2025—a week after the launch of the iPhone 17 series globally.
India will likely get iOS 26 on the same day as the global launch. However, Apple hasn’t made an official country-specific statement yet.
iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 is available immediately after the WWDC keynote. Developers can install it via the Apple Developer Program settings.
iOS 26 will support: – iPhone 17–11 serie – iPhone SE (2nd gen+) Models with A12 Bionic (XS, XR) may lose support.
OS 26 debuts a “Liquid Glass” design with glass-like textures, rounded edges, and refreshed system icons—the biggest visual change since iOS 7.
Apple adds advanced AI in iOS 26, including smarter on-device processing, natural language improvements, and intelligent system behavior tailored to each user.
New AI features in iOS 26 will optimize battery use based on individual habits, especially beneficial for newer, ultra-thin models like iPhone 17 Air.
Not just iOS—macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS will also follow the new year-based naming scheme, making software versions easier to track across devices.