iOS 26 Release Date and New Features for iPhone 17

Apple is on the cusp of launching iOS 26, with its release expected around September 16, 2025, shortly after the iPhone 17 announcement event. The release schedule for iOS 26 follows a typical Apple pattern, with new software launching a week after the iPhone event. This year, iOS 26 will be compatible with iPhone models from the iPhone 11 onward, and it introduces a significant design overhaul called ‘Liquid Glass.’ This new visual style affects the entire user interface, making UI elements appear like glass. Key app updates include redesigned Photos and Phone apps, and new features in iMessage like group chat backgrounds and polls. The new update will be available on a range of iPhones, with the main exception being models older than the iPhone 11. The iOS 26 beta is available now for those who want a sneak peek, though it’s still undergoing fixes in the latest beta builds. If you’re waiting for the official launch, expect it to coincide with the iPhone 17’s release around mid-September. This update is poised to bring significant visual and functional changes, making it one of the most anticipated releases from Apple in 2025.