Overview

• The cross‑platform rollout includes iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, HomePod software, and visionOS under Apple’s new year‑based “26” naming.
• iOS 26 is available via Settings > General > Software Update for iPhone 11 and newer, including iPhone SE (2nd gen or later), while iPhone XR/XS/XS Max remain on iOS 18 with security updates.
• Liquid Glass delivers a unified translucent design across system UI and apps on all platforms after refinements during the beta period.
• watchOS 26 adds a wrist‑flick gesture, the Notes app, hypertension notifications, a new sleep score, and Workout Buddy, and it supports Series 6 and later, SE (2nd/3rd gen), and all Ultra models.
• Many Apple Intelligence features, such as Visual Intelligence and Live Translation, require newer hardware like iPhone 15 Pro or later and Apple silicon on Macs, and Apple says devices may run hotter with reduced battery for up to about 48 hours after updating.