Apple has unveiled iOS 26 with its liquid glass overhaul and tons of new iPhone features. The developers can try iOS 26 now, but its release date for the public is still far away – there is enough to expect its launch.
iOS 26 will be launched this fall, probably in mid-September
So far, Apple has only confirmed that iOS 26 will arrive for all users This fall.
But by looking at the history of software versions, we can become much more precise with our expectations.
Here are the exit dates for the last three main iOS versions:
- iOS 18: Monday September 16, 2024
- iOS 17: Monday September 18, 2023
- iOS 16: Monday September 12, 2022
Each of these launches occurred in the week following the major Apple iPhone event.
In 2024, the event took place on September 9, in 2023, it was September 12 and September 7, 2022.
This model has been closely followed by Apple for years, and we must not expect anything different for 2025.
Consequently, iOS 26 should be launched to all users in mid-SeptemberShortly after Apple unveils its iPhone 17 range earlier in the month.
The mid-September will therefore be when all users with a supported iPhone can install iOS 26 and get the new liquid glass overhaul, upgrading of messages and much more.
But there will also be an opportunity to access earlier via a public beta version.
Public beta for iOS 26 outings in July
If you don’t want to wait until September to try iOS 26, you won’t have to do so.
As is the case each year, Apple will offer a public beta version of iOS 26.
Public Beta of iOS 26 Will launch this July.
This beta version will be available for all those who wish it via registration at Beta.apple.com.
Like all beta software, the public beta version of iOS 26 should include bugs and performance problems that may or may not have an impact on your device experience.
Apple uses the public beta process for more data and comments so that it can eliminate as many problems in iOS 26 as possible before the full launch in the fall.
If you are ready to accept the risk that your iPhone does not also work reliably, the public beta version is a great way to access early the new features of iOS 26.
