Overview
- Reporting pegs the public release window around September 15–16, with some outlets pointing specifically to Monday, September 15 based on Apple’s past schedules.
- Developers and public testers are expected to receive near‑final or final beta builds during the September 9 hardware event.
- iOS 26 introduces the new Liquid Glass design along with revamped Photos and Phone apps and Messages features such as group chat backgrounds and polls.
- Compatibility extends to iPhone 11 and newer, including the second‑generation iPhone SE, while older models are expected to receive a security‑only iOS 18.7 update.
- Companion updates for iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS are likely to arrive in the same window, though macOS Tahoe may ship later based on current beta build indicators.