Cupertino, CA – June 10, 2025: In a bold move that signals a new era for the iPhone ecosystem, Apple officially announced iOS 26 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. Departing from its traditional naming sequence, Apple is skipping iOS 18 through 25, opting instead for a new naming convention aligned with the calendar year, much like how car manufacturers label their models.
The update brings the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7, alongside a suite of AI-powered features that mark Apple’s most aggressive step yet into on-device intelligence.
Why iOS 26 and Not iOS 19?
Apple’s decision to jump directly to iOS 26 reflects a philosophical and branding shift. Going forward, the iOS version number will match the year of mainstream rollout. Hence, this year’s OS is named iOS 26 to align with its global launch in September 2025. This change will also apply to macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS.
iOS 26 Release Dates and Availability
- Developer Beta 1: Released immediately following the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2025.
- Public Beta: Expected on July 15, 2025.
- Stable Release: Scheduled for September 16, 2025, shortly after the debut of the iPhone 17 series.
The global rollout, including India, is expected to occur on the same day, although Apple has not officially confirmed region-wise timings.
Liquid Glass: A Fresh Design Language
The standout visual change in iOS 26 is Apple’s new design aesthetic called “Liquid Glass.” This interface brings:
- Translucent, glass-like textures
- Softer icons and rounded system elements
- Enhanced depth and fluid motion in notifications and widgets
- Redesigned native apps like Photos and Camera with improved usability and visual consistency
The Lock Screen, Control Center, and system menus have also been refined for a more immersive experience.
Apple Intelligence: AI Features Take Center Stage
Apple is finally bringing AI tools front and center in iOS 26 under the banner of Apple Intelligence. Key features include:
- Improved Writing Tools for rewriting and summarising text across apps
- Genmoji for creating AI-generated emojis on the fly
- Image Playground for on-device image generation
- Smarter Siri (major upgrade in development), with Apple reportedly in talks with Google to integrate Gemini AI
AI-Based Battery Management
One of the most innovative additions is AI-powered battery optimisation. iOS 26 will analyze user habits to intelligently manage charging and background activity, a feature particularly useful for ultra-slim models like the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.
iOS 26 Supported Devices
iOS 26 will support all devices powered by the A13 Bionic chip and above. That means:
✅ Supported Models:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series
- All models of the iPhone 17 series (including iPhone 17 Air)
❌ Not Supported:
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max (running on A12 Bionic)
These devices will remain on iOS 18, with limited security updates going forward.
AI Tools Only for Premium Models
Not all supported iPhones will get the full Apple Intelligence suite. Features like content summarisation, image generation, and enhanced Siri will require at least the A17 Pro chip, limiting access to:
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro models
- All iPhone 17 variants
Older eligible devices will still receive the UI redesign and system improvements, but not the advanced AI functionalities.
How to Get iOS 26 Beta
Interested users can download iOS 26 Beta using the following steps:
- Back up your iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates
- Select Developer Beta (available now) or Public Beta (from July 15)
- Download and install the update
iOS 26 is more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it signals a strategic leap into intelligent computing. With AI-driven features and a modernized UI, Apple is aiming to stay ahead in a fast-evolving tech landscape. While the renaming might confuse some users at first, the “iOS 26” label reflects a future-focused approach that could become the new standard across all Apple platforms.
