iOS 26 Features, Eligible iPhones, and Release Timeline: Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s Next Major Update

After much waiting, Apple has finally released the public beta of iOS 26, making it suitable for testers to experience upcoming features and enhancements. There are a slew of updates that are coming to Apple’s operating system iOS 26. Apple is known for bringing fresh updates, features, smart AI integration, and improved privacy tools with its every iOS update. Even this time, we could witness deeper personalization options, enhanced Siri capabilities, and better cross-app functionalities.

In this article, we will delve into what we can expect from iOS 26, its features, updates, official launch date, performance upgrades, and more.

Features:

New Liquid Design:

One of the striking this year with the arrival of iOS 26 is the new Liquid Design that’s making waves from past a few months. This is one of the largest visual update in years in Apple’s iOS. The tech giant has released beta version of iOS 26 but advised not to install it on your primary device. Users are asked to back up their data first vi Mac Finder or iCloud before updating their iPhone.

Redesigning of Phone App:

Another feature that’s coming with iOS 26 is the redesigning of the Phone App. It means iPhone users will finally be able to scroll their contacts, recent calls, and voice calls all at one screen. Additionally, there is a feature called Hold Assist.

Live Translate and Polls Feature are another major update coming with iOS 26.

iPhones That are Not Compatible with iOS 26:

Yes, you heard that right! There are iPhones that won’t be compatible with the iOS 26 including iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. While there’s no official news about the launch of the upcoming iPhone 17 series, but the tech giant has listed iPhones on its website that will be compatible with iOS 26.

iPhones to be Compatible with iOS 26:

• iPhone SE (second generation or later)
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

iOS 26 Availability:

Apple is known to release its iPhones and iOS usually in September and hence we could expect the iOS 26 to launch in September 2025 along with the upcoming iPhone 17 series including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Apple iOS 26 Beta 3 Update

Here’s How to Install and Download Public Beta of iOS 26: Step-By-Step Guide

STEP 1: The first step in order to install iOS 26 is to head straight to Apple Beta Software Program

STEP 2: Now, Sign up using your Apple credentials.

STEP 3: Go to Settings option and then click General.

STEP 4: You will see a option of Software Update. Click on it.

STEP 5: If your iPhone will be compatible you will see an option of iOS 26 public beta.

STEP 6: Tap Download button and the software will start installing.