Apple has officially announced the launch of the new iOS 26 operating system, bringing a range of enhancements to iPhone users. The update includes a refreshed Liquid Glass design, a smart lock screen, live translation features for travelers, and improved spam protection to block unwanted calls.
Updates to Messages, Mail, Photos, and Maps have also been introduced, with the Maps app now capable of recognizing preferred routes. The release of iOS 26 is highly anticipated, but the exact launch time has not been disclosed by Apple.
Typically, iOS updates are made available around 6 pm BST, according to Mirror Online’s experience in tracking iOS releases for over a decade. Users are advised to connect to Wi-Fi as the update is expected to be a large file. To download iOS 26, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your device.
Due to high demand, installation may take longer than usual, so users can choose to install the update either tonight or the following morning. It’s important to note that not all iPhone models are compatible with iOS 26, with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR being excluded from receiving the latest updates.
The compatible iPhone models for iOS 26 include iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, highlighted the significant design improvements and user-centric features of iOS 26. He emphasized the personalized experiences and enhanced capabilities across various functions, making the iPhone more user-friendly and efficient.
