What's a new iPhone without an iOS update?

Launching alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, iOS 26 brings a bold new Liquid Glass design, smarter AI tools, and major app upgrades

- Husain Rizvi

It's that time of year again — new iPhone season. And as always, fresh hardware means fresh software. Alongside the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple is rolling out iOS 26, a major update that represents the platform's boldest redesign in years.

Originally unveiled at WWDC this summer, iOS 26 isn't just another incremental update. It introduces a brand-new design language, smarter AI features, and handy upgrades across Apple's core apps. Here's everything you need to know before it lands on your iPhone:

iOS 26 release date

Apple typically times new iOS releases to coincide with new iPhones, and 2025 is no exception. iOS 26 will be available to download on September 15, just a few days before the iPhone 17 officially hits store shelves (September 19 in the UAE).

Once it's live, you'll find it in the usual spot — the Settings app, under general software update.

What's new in iOS 26?

A complete UI overhaul