During Apple's recent Awe Dropping event, the spotlight may have been on the latest iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models, but the company also had significant software news to share. Notably, the new iPhones come pre-installed with iOS 26, and Apple announced that the complete version of this software update will be available for download this coming Monday, September 15. In addition to iOS 26, Apple will launch a range of software updates for the iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, making it a major day for OS releases.
If you're an iPhone owner, the upcoming iOS 26 update is likely at the forefront of your mind. For those already enjoying the iOS 26 public beta, the transition on Monday will be straightforward. However, if you are planning to install iOS 26 for the first time, here are some essential steps to ensure a seamless upgrade.
Start by confirming that your iPhone supports iOS 26. As a reminder, you will need at least an iPhone 11 or later to run this update. This includes devices released from 2019 onwards, such as the iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone SE 2022 models. The only devices that cannot upgrade from iOS 18 to iOS 26 are the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. If you own one of these older models, you may want to consider upgrading your phone to stay current with Apple's software.
It's not just about having a compatible device; it's also crucial to know which new features will be available on your phone. Some additions in iOS 26 require Apple Intelligence-ready devices. For example, the new live translation tools are accessible only on the iPhone 15 Pro or later, while the Spatial Scenes feature, which enhances photos with 3D effects, requires an iPhone 12 or newer. Additionally, features like Visited Places in Maps may be limited to specific regions such as Australia, Canada, and the U.S., so it's advisable to review the feature requirements on Apple's iOS 26 website.
Before installing any software update, it's essential to back up your iPhone. Creating a backup ensures that you can restore your device in case the update fails or causes issues. To back up your phone, follow Apple's guidelines. It's also useful to have an archive of the backup in case you need to revert to an older version of iOS.
After testing iOS 26 since its developer beta was released in June, one of the most noticeable changes is the Liquid Glass interface. While the layout of apps remains largely the same, the new look can take some getting used to. Some menus have been streamlined, and certain translucent elements might not appear correctly, requiring adjustments in the Settings app. It's advisable to review the changes brought by Liquid Glass before upgrading to iOS 26, as it will affect your overall experience.
After installing iOS 26, take time to explore the redesigned Camera app, which now has a simplified interface. The controls have been consolidated, allowing for easy toggling between photo and video modes. For those who prefer specialized modes like portrait or panorama, you can scroll left or right, while swiping up reveals additional camera controls. Similarly, the Safari browser introduces a more compact tab layout, which can be adjusted in settings if you prefer a more traditional look.
One of my favorite features in iOS 26 is the call screening option, which requires unknown callers to identify themselves before the call goes through. To benefit from this feature, simply enable it in the Phone app's settings. Additionally, Messages now includes a filtering option for texts from unknown senders, helping to keep your conversations organized. Another feature to enable is Visited Places in Maps, which will automatically track locations you visit, making it easier to remember your favorite spots.
Once you've familiarized yourself with the new interface and enabled key features, it's time to explore the significant changes in iOS 26. The lock screen has been revamped with new fonts and widget layouts, allowing for personalized customization. The Messages app has also undergone substantial updates, including a new polls feature that facilitates group decision-making. If your device supports Apple Intelligence, be sure to explore the newly enhanced Visual Intelligence features that allow for information retrieval and translation through screenshots.
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