How to Install iOS 26 and Which iPhones Are Compatible

iOS 26 is officially available to iPhone users as of September 15, 2025, following its developer beta release in June and public beta in July. This new update brings a range of features and improvements, with Apple changing its naming convention to match the year of use, making iOS 26 the successor to iOS 18. As expected, iOS 26 introduces a new Liquid Glass interface, enhanced AI integrations, and a Preview app among other upgrades. However, not all iPhones are eligible for the update. iPhone 11 and later models are compatible, but older devices like the iPhone XR and XS are no longer supported. To install iOS 26, users need to go to their iPhone’s Settings, select ‘General,’ and then tap ‘Software Update’ to begin the process. While most users will receive the update for free, availability may vary depending on factors like region and carrier. Although the general release has occurred, additional features will continue to be rolled out through 2026.