Apple Unveils iOS 26 at WWDC 2025
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26 at its WWDC event today, aligning the name with the year of its mainstream rollout. The shift means Apple skipped iOS 19 and iOS 18, adopting a naming convention that reflects the upcoming calendar year, similar to how automobile models are labeled. This change also applies to macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. In the first significant redesign since iOS 7, iOS 26 introduces a glass-like user interface with softer icons, rounded edges, and refreshed system apps under a new “Liquid Glass” design language.
iOS 26 Release Date and Availability
iOS 26 release date is expected to be September 16, 2025, globally. This typically follows about a week after the debut of the iPhone 17 series. In India and other regions, the rollout should coincide with the global release, though Apple has not made a separate announcement. For anyone wondering when is iOS 26 coming out, mark calendars for mid-September 2025, around the time the new iPhones hit shelves.
iOS 26 Beta Program
- Developer Beta: Available immediately after today’s keynote at WWDC25. Registered Apple developers can download iOS 26 developer beta and test new features.
- Public Beta: Expected around July 15, 2025. To participate:
- Back up the device first.
- Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select Developer or Public Beta and install.
This lets users try iOS26 features early and report issues before the stable release.
Supported iPhones for iOS 26
iOS 26 iphones compatibility focuses on devices with at least an A13 Bionic chip. Models likely to receive the update include:
- iPhone 11 series and later
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series (including iPhone 16e)
Apple may drop support for older A12 Bionic devices like XS, XS Max, and XR. iPhone 17 release date is slated just before iOS 26, ensuring the new flagship ships with the latest OS out of the box.
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New Features and “Liquid Glass” Design
iOS 26 introduces “Liquid Glass,” a design overhaul affecting system menus, widgets, notifications, and the lock screen. The interface gains more depth and motion while retaining the familiar home screen layout. Native apps such as Photos and Camera receive updated layouts for improved ease of use and consistency. This fresh visual style reflects Apple’s push for a softer, glass-like aesthetic—often referred to as Apple liquid glass in early previews.
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Apple Intelligence and AI-Based Battery Management
Apple plans to strengthen AI features in iOS 26. Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground will see enhancements, and a major Siri upgrade remains under development. Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Gemini AI into Siri. AI-based battery management may personalize performance based on daily habits, useful for thinner models like the anticipated iPhone 17 Air. However, full Apple Intelligence features (image generation, content summarisation, advanced assistant tools) require at least the A17 Pro chip. Older supported devices will get the visual and system-wide updates but not the top-tier AI tools.
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Rollout Timeline and Apple Events
- Announcement at Apple keynote during WWDC 2025 (apple wwdc ios 26).
- Developer Beta: Released immediately after the event.
- Public Beta: Expected July 2025.
- Stable Release: Around September 16, 2025, shortly after the iPhone 17 release date.
This follows Apple’s usual cycle: unveil at WWDC, refine through beta programs, and ship alongside the new iPhones.
Why Apple Skipped to iOS 26
The version number now reflects the year of mainstream rollout. Skipping iOS 19 and 18 avoids confusion and aligns software versions with calendar years. This approach helps users and developers know at a glance which year an OS targets.
Stay tuned for hands-on coverage of iOS 26 beta download steps and early impressions once the developer beta is live. For more on ios 26 release date, Apple events, and related updates, follow TNN. Stay updated with US news today and Canada news today.
