Apple’s next major iPhone update rolls out today. The release, iOS 26, brings a sweeping visual refresh, new on‑device intelligence, and practical tools across Messages, Phone, Maps, Wallet, and CarPlay. It supports iPhone 11 and newer (including SE 2nd gen and later) as well as the current iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air.

As always, you’ll find it in Settings → General → Software Update when it hits your region.

iOS 26 release time — when the update lands where you live
Apple’s major iPhone update is expected around 10am PT; here’s the local time near you and how to install it safely.
All Things HowShivam Malani

1) Liquid Glass design

iOS 26 introduces a translucent, glass‑like system look that spans the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and Apple apps. You get:

  • Lock Screen typography that layers with your photo and a subtle 3D effect when you move the phone
  • New app icon options: updated light/dark styles, color‑tinted sets, and a fully clear look
  • “Liquid” controls that refract backgrounds and fluidly morph to keep focus on content

2) Visual Intelligence on your screen

Building on Apple Intelligence, Visual Intelligence understands what’s on your display so you can search within frequently used apps, add calendar events from on‑screen info, and ask context questions without jumping between apps.

3) Live Translation in calls and chats

Live Translation now works across Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, providing real‑time text and spoken translations during conversations. With supported AirPods, replies in another language can be translated and read out automatically. Language and region support varies; check Apple’s feature availability to see what’s live where you are.

Note: Live Translation with AirPods is not available if both you and your Apple Account region are in the EU.

4) Messages gets polls and backgrounds

Group threads can settle decisions with built‑in polls; anyone in the conversation can add options and vote. You can also apply vibrant built‑in backdrops or your own photos as conversation backgrounds to give chats a distinct look.

5) Smarter call management

Phone, FaceTime, and Messages add tools to cut noise and control who reaches you:

  • Call Screening answers unknown callers for you; once the caller states their name and reason, your phone rings so you can decide
  • Screen new senders in Messages and recent calls to filter spam and decide who appears in your lists
  • Hold Assist waits in your place and alerts you when a live agent joins

6) CarPlay with Liquid Glass UI too

CarPlay now shows more timely information without digging: follow Live Activities (like a flight or delivery) and send Tapbacks in Messages directly from the dashboard UI.

7) Maps learns your routine

Maps can learn routes you travel regularly and flag significant delays before you head out. A new Visited Places view helps you remember spots from trips and share them quickly.

8) Wallet adds Digital ID with a U.S. passport

You can create a Digital ID in Wallet using your U.S. passport and present it at TSA checkpoints, in apps, and in person where accepted. Wallet also upgrades boarding passes with airport maps, luggage tracking via Find My, and shareable Live Activities.

Other worthwhile additions

  • Shortcuts gains Intelligent Actions to summarize text or generate images as part of automated flows
  • Apple Music adds AutoMix DJ‑style transitions and Lyrics Translation for select language pairs
  • Photos gets a streamlined Library/Collections layout and the option to bring a favorite photo to life as a spatial scene
  • Clock finally lets you set snooze durations from 1 to 15 minutes
  • Games app tracks what you and friends play, with discovery and score‑based Challenges
  • AirPods Camera Remote lets you start video recording from supported AirPods with an H2 chip

Compatibility and rollout

  • iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 mini through 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 mini through 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16 family (including 16e)
  • iPhone 17 family
  • iPhone Air
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

The update begins rolling out September 15 and will appear in Software Update once it’s available for your device.

Regional and language caveats

Some features—especially Live Translation and Apple Intelligence capabilities—depend on language and region. Apple maintains a searchable list of what’s available by country, language, and app on its feature availability page. Examples you may encounter:

  • Live Translation languages differ between Messages and Phone/FaceTime
  • AirPods Live Translation is unavailable if both user location and Apple Account region are in the EU
  • Certain Apple Intelligence features (like Mail prioritization or Photos tools) are rolling out in specific languages first

How to prepare and install

  • Back up your iPhone (iCloud or a local encrypted backup on Mac/PC)
  • Free up storage; major updates can require several gigabytes during install
  • Charge to at least 50% or keep the phone plugged in
  • Go to Settings → General → Software Update and follow the prompts

Why it matters: iOS 26 isn’t just a coat of paint. The design rework ties the system and apps together visually, while the on‑device intelligence and communication tools reduce friction in everyday tasks—whether that’s translating a call, filtering unknown numbers, or getting to your destination with fewer surprises. If you rely on specific languages or regional features, check availability first, then update when you’re ready.