The release of iOS 26 is coming! But when is it really time? We will tell you the exact date when you can install iOS 26!
iOS 26 Release: On this date the big update will come to your iPhone
Apple recently announced the date of the iPhone 17 keynote. And that is why we now also know when iOS 26 becomes available to everyone. In previous years that was always the Monday after the keynote. That means that the date of the iOS 26 release falls on September 15.
Usually you can bring in the update by 7 p.m. Dutch time. Although we have to say that the rollout usually goes in phases, so that not everyone gets the update exactly at the same time. But usually you can upgrade your device to iOS 26 within a few hours.
Which iPhones get iOS 26?
Most iPhones that support iOS 18 also receive the update to iOS 26. But there are a few exceptions. Three to be precise:
- iPhone XS;
- iPhone XS Max;
- iPhone Xr.
That means that all iPhones can update to iOS 26 from the iPhone 11 on September 15.
This is how you install iOS 26
As soon as the update is available, you will automatically receive a notification. You can also manually install iOS 26 via ‘Settings> General> Software update’.
Make sure that the battery of your iPhone is sufficiently charged to connect to WiFi. It is also smart to free up space so that the update runs smoothly and to be sure it makes a backup.
This is new in iOS 26
In iOS 26 there are of course many new functions, but the biggest change is Liquid Glass. This new design is based on Visionos, the operating system for the Apple Vision Pro. You will therefore see many more transparent frameworks and glass elements. Buttons, switches, sliding controllers, text and media buttons also get the new look.
iPhone 17 Keynote: Are you ready?
Before iOS 26 appears, Apple will first present the new iPhones. They will do this during the upcoming AWE dropping event Tuesday 9 September at 7 p.m.. There will be at least four new iPhones and probably three new Apple Watches. If you don’t want to miss anything, sign up for our newsletter, then we will keep you informed immediately!