When and Where to Download iOS 26: Release, Features & Eligible iPhones

Apple’s next big software update, iOS 26, is finally here. First announced at the company’s WWDC 2025 conference in June, the update is now rolling out globally for iPhone users starting today. Alongside iOS 26, Apple has also begun releasing iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, and watchOS 26, ensuring its entire ecosystem steps into a new phase of design and intelligence.

iOS 26 Release Time

Apple has officially confirmed that iOS 26 will be available starting today, Monday. While the company hasn’t shared an exact release time, Apple’s past rollout patterns strongly suggest a 10 a.m. Pacific Time release in the US, which translates to 10:30 p.m. IST for India.

This means iPhone users in both regions can start checking their devices around this time for the update.

Key Features of iOS 26

The highlight of iOS 26 is its all-new “Liquid Design” interface. Apple has redesigned the entire visual experience with translucent, layered, and glass-like effects, making the operating system look and feel more fluid than ever.

Here are some of the standout features of iOS 26:

• Liquid Design UI – A modern, glass-like interface with layered visuals.
• Enhanced AI Features – Expanding on Apple Intelligence from iOS 18, the update brings smarter tools across apps.
• Live Translation – Real-time translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone app.
• Call Screening – The Phone app can now screen calls from unknown numbers by asking callers to state their name and purpose before connecting.
• Message Filters – Automatic filtering of messages from unknown senders to reduce spam.
• Visual Intelligence – Lets users interact with what’s on their screen, search for products, add events to the calendar, or get instant answers using ChatGPT integration.

Eligible iPhones for iOS 26

The update is rolling out to a wide range of iPhones, starting from the iPhone 11 series to the latest iPhone 16 lineup, including the SE models. Here’s the full list:

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

How to Download and Install iOS 26

Once iOS 26 is available for your device, updating is simple. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Go to General → Software Update.

Step 3: If iOS 26 appears, tap on Download & Install.

Step 4: Accept the terms and conditions, and enter your passcode if asked.

Step 5: The update will download, install, and your iPhone will restart automatically.

Important tips before updating:

• Make sure your iPhone is charged above 50% or connected to a power source.
• Back up your data via iCloud or an external device to prevent data loss during installation.

Final Thoughts

iOS 26 is more than just a software refresh—it’s Apple’s step into a more fluid, intelligent, and AI-powered future. With the introduction of Liquid Design, advanced call and message handling, and powerful visual intelligence tools, iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of the most significant iPhone updates in recent years.

Via: (Source - Livemint)