iOS 26 SUPERGUIDE

What's coming with the iPhone's next operating system, and what can it do for you? Find out with our in-depth guide

- WRITTEN BY IAN OSBORNE

WHEN APPLE ANNOUNCED that its next iPhone operating system was to be named iOS 26, you could be forgiven for wondering if you'd been asleep for the last seven years.

The previous version was iOS 18; what happened to versions 19 to 25? Don't worry you're not a modern-day Rip Van Winkle. The number “26” doesn't refer to the release version, but to its year. iOS 26 was released in fall 2025 and will be replaced during the following fall, so most of its shelf life is in 2026, hence the name. The reason Apple has opted for this nomenclature is to harmonize its operating systems across its devices. So this fall, we also got macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and so on. It's a move that makes sense.

Another new innovation that's a part of all Apple's new operating systems is the Liquid Glass interface. According to Apple, it's “a new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, bringing greater focus to content, and delivering a new level of vitality across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more.” As well as looking good on your iPhone, it offers a unified look across all of your Apple devices.

But aside from aesthetics and a new version numbering system, what does iOS 26 do for you? Let's take a look.

Customize your iPhone

New ways to make your phone look amazing

THERE ARE SOME great new ways to personalize your iPhone available in iOS 26, as well as some customizations that were already available, but have gained a new twist with the latest operating system.