Apple Confirms iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Release Date: Check Eligible Devices, Features, and More

Apple finally kicked off its much-hyped ‘Awe Dropping’ event, revealing some of the most-awaited products, including the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch Series 11, Watch SE 3, Watch Ultra 3, and Apple AirPods Pro 3. The event was not just focused on the products, but also on unveiling major software updates and their release date.

Both products and the operating system come packed with fresh features, upgraded design elements, and deep AI integration, exclusively powered by Apple Intelligence.

iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Release Date in India and Globally

The Cupertino tech giant announced the official release date for its iOS 26, and hence, it will be rolled out starting 15 September. Nevertheless, the company confirmed that certain features might not be available in all regions or languages.

Talking about the watchOS 26, it will also be available worldwide on 15 September. The watchOS 26 will support Apple Watch Series 6 and later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation and newer), and all Apple Watch Ultra models.

Reportedly, to pair an Apple Watch running watchOS 26, users need to have at least an iPhone 11 or a newer iPhone operating on iOS 26.

iOS 26 Compatible iPhones

Check out the list of iPhones compatible with iOS 26:

• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

iOS 26 Features

One of the most talked-about features of iOS 26 is its new Liquid Glass Design interface, giving several interesting UI elements like widgets, buttons, translucent menus, and more.

Not only this, Apple has also enhanced Apple Intelligence and introduced features like FaceTime, audio translation in messages, Live Translation, and more.

In addition, users will also get visual intelligence that allows actions to be taken directly from screenshots or anything displayed on the iPhone screen. The CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet also get several enhancements. There is a new Apple Games hub, consolidating all gaming titles in one place.

watchOS 26 Features

As far as watchOS 26 is concerned, users will see major changes starting with Liquid Glass Design, along with two new watch faces, dubbed Flow and Exactograph. Additionally, there is a wrist flick gesture that allows users to dismiss notifications, silence alarms, or stop timers effortlessly.