iOS 26 introduces a brand-new design style called Liquid Glass.
New AI-powered features include live translation.
You can try iOS 26 early by installing the free developer beta.
Last night, Apple hosted its much-awaited Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 and finally unveiled iOS 26 — the next software update for iPhones. Inspired by visionOS, this update brings a fresh new design and a few surprises. In a major change, Apple is now naming iOS updates after the year they launch. So, instead of iOS 19, we’re jumping straight to iOS 26 in 2025.
Wondering what’s new, whether your iPhone is eligible, and how to get the update before everyone else? Here’s a simple guide to help you out.
iOS 26: What’s new?
iOS 26 introduces a brand-new design style called Liquid Glass, which gives your iPhone a more modern look with 3D-like wallpapers, see-through widgets and more. Here’s key features of iOS 26:
- Liquid Glass design: Your iPhone will now look more modern with 3D motion wallpapers, transparent effects and frosted widgets.
- Smarter features with Apple Intelligence: Apple is adding new AI tools including live translation, smarter calendar suggestions based on photos and more.
- Phone app revamp: Favourites, recents and voicemails are now all in one place. You also get helpful tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist.
- Messages get new tools: You can now change chat backgrounds, create polls in group chats and filter unknown senders. AI can even suggest poll questions.
- New Apple Games app: All your games and Apple Arcade content are now in one app to make things easier.
- Improved Maps and CarPlay: Apple Maps will now show places you’ve visited, and CarPlay has a smaller notification for calls.
- Better AirPods and parental controls: You can take photos using your AirPods and enjoy clearer sound. Parents can also better manage who their kids chat with and what they share.
Also read: WWDC 2025: iOS 26 announced with new Liquid Glass design, AI features and more capabilities
Eligible iPhones for iOS 26
Not all iPhones will get iOS 26. Here’s the list of supported models:
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020 & 2022)
The upcoming iPhone 17 series will come with iOS 26 pre-installed.
How to install iOS 26 beta
If you want to try iOS 26 early, you can install the developer beta. To install the beta, simply sign in with your Apple ID through the Apple Developer Program, which is free to join. Once enrolled go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates > iOS 26 Developer Beta.
Don’t forget to back up your iPhone before installing, as beta versions can be buggy.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
