🗓️ October 11, 2025By ✍️ Karly Bois
Apple officially announced iOS 26 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC2025) on June 9, 2025and I broadcast it to everyone on September 15, 2025.
This release marked a major change for Apple’s mobile software. The company moved to a year-based versioning systemwhich means the jump of iOS 18 directly to iOS26 reflects Apple’s new naming strategy – not a skipped generation.
What’s new in iOS 26
iOS 26 brings a complete design overhaul called Liquid glassgiving your iPhone a sleek, translucent look all over. Home screen, Lock screen, Control centerAnd system applications.
But it’s not just about looks: Apple has also focused on smart features. The update includes:
- Apple Intelligence for on-device AI suggestions and smarter Siri responses.
- Live translation In Messages, PhoneAnd FaceTimehelping you communicate in real time.
- Better spam and call filtering tools integrated directly into the Phone application.
- New iMessage tips like polls, reactions and background customization.
- System app upgradesincluding Photos, Mail and Safari.
Barely a week after the launch, Apple began beta testing of the next version, the iOS 26.1 Developer Betareleased on September 22, 2025.
Should you update to iOS 26?
If you’re wondering whether you should install the new software or keep the previous version, check out our guide — Should I update to iOS 26?
You can also compare the latest features and stability differences in iOS 18.7 vs. iOS 26 to see how many things changed before the upgrade.
Conclusion
iOS 26 officially arrived on September 15, 2025bringing one of the biggest redesigns in iPhone history. With Apple Intelligence, Liquid Glass visuals, and real-time translation built in, this update sets a new standard for what iOS can do.
