Soon, Apple will release iOS 26. This iOS 26 release is scheduled for autumn of 2025. Apple iOS 26 will follow Apple iOS 18. The acronym iOS can be expanded to “iPhone operating system.” Before it was called Apple iOS, the operating system was called iPhone OS. Apps that work on iPhones run via the iOS operating system. Not all models of iPhone will be able to incorporate iOS 26. Many iPhone models, though, will accommodate the update. The iPhone XR, for instance, will not be able to be updated to iOS 26. Neither will the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XS models.
The iOS 26 release will bring innovative technological updates. The updates included in this release have been designed to meet two goals. One goal is to provide a meaningful, engaging iPhone use process. Another is to ensure that iPhones help people with communication and productivity. The new Liquid Glass design aesthetic is one update iOS 26 will include. The iOS 26 release will also feature Apple Intelligence incorporated into various aspects of iPhone use.
Apple iOS Overview
TechTarget states, “Apple iOS was originally known as iPhone OS.” Apple iOS is essential to the running of Apple iPhone programs. Its name is an acronym derived from the phrase “iPhone operating system.” It supports the use of various programs on Apple iPhones. The first three iterations of the operating system had the name iPhone OS. The first Apple iOS operating system was iOS 4.
Release Information for iOS 26
Engadget reports that, now, “iOS 18 is skipping to iOS 26.” The 2025 iOS 26 operating system is set to be released in autumn. The new operating system has been designed with aesthetics in mind. An Apple press release states that, complementing an attractive design, the system features “intelligent experiences.” In addition, the iOS 26 release includes improved functionality for essential apps. Craig Federighi works at Apple as the senior vice president in charge of Software Engineering. He states: “Experiences are more expressive and personal.”
Updates included in the iOS 26 release are geared toward facilitating enjoyment and sensible ease. In addition, the new operating system is infused with Apple Intelligence features. Apple Intelligence has been incorporated with attention to customers’ privacy. There have been new aspects added to existing apps, such as Apple Music and CarPlay. In addition, a new app, Apple Games, is being introduced.
Exciting New Operating System Components
A notable innovation incorporated into iOS 26 is Liquid Glass. The press release describes it as “a… translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings.” The purpose of Liquid Glass is to make your iPhone’s features engaging to interact with. Part of the Liquid Glass experience is its appealing look. Another part is its focus on helping your phone be even more useful.
The iOS 26 release will also introduce innovative Apple Intelligence features. One helpful Apple Intelligence feature is Live Translation. Live Translation will help with telephone, FaceTime, and text communication. Translations between languages can happen throughout a set of communications. Along with providing translation, Apple Intelligence can help with organizing purchase tracking details. Summaries of shipping updates documented in emails can be provided. The press release states Apple Intelligence presents “order details and progress notifications… in one place.”
How to Prepare for the iOS 26 Release
Before the iOS 26 release, you may want to check the model of your iPhone. A plethora of iPhone models will be compatible with iOS 26. However, Engadget advises that “the 2018 models are getting left behind” in this release. Phones incompatible with iOS 26 will not be able to download the new system.
Two phone models that will not work with iOS 26 are iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Also set to be incompatible is the iPhone XR. Continuing to use your incompatible phone without iOS 26 may be possible. However, there will be security updates and new features you may not have access to. In addition, some apps may end up no longer being operational on your phone.
