iOS 26 Compatible Devices Date Timeline Changes and New Features Heres All You Need to Know

Apple had made big announcements in WWDC 2025 a few days ago for the release of iOS 26, but do not consider it a normal update, as this system is going to bring a new experience completely in terms of iphone’s UI and AI capabilities. The biggest change in this is the new “Liquid Glass” design, which gives screen icons, widgets and controls a glassy-transparent experience. Now they will have a flood movement with depth, which is largely inspired by Visionos. Also, AI-based capabilities of Apple Intelligence (eg image playground, genmoji, real reduction translation, visual intelligence and better shortcuts) have also joined iOS 26. We have given some important details related to iOS below.

Release timeline and beta program

Beta, the first developer of iOS 26, was available on 9 June 2025 at the beginning of WWDC. After this, developer Beta 3 will be made available on 7 July and public beta version from July 14. According to the tradition of the final rollout Apple, the second or third Tuesday of September, especially the iPhone 17 series, will be from Phazed Manor, immediately after the launch.

Glimpse of new features of iOS 26

1. The first drawn change in iOS 26 brings the Liquid Glass UI, which is glassy and pneumorphic style.
2. Apple Intelligence will be a deep AI layer in which it is going to come:

• Image playground (AI-generated images)
• Genmoji (original emoji creation)
• Real-time call translation (some features can be deleted)
• Visual Intelligence: Related suggestions by understanding the image and text visible on the screen.
• AI‑ based power management

Unannounced hidden features:

Other main updates

Camera, Messages, Music, Wallet, Maps App, New Apple Games App, App Center Increased Screen Customization, Improved Call Handling and Live activities support

Supported device and update scope

The iOS 26 will come for models that are of Apple A13 Bionic or new chipset, ie iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and iPhone SE (2020, 2022) will be compatible. But the A12 based XS, XS Max, XR are out of model support. AI (Apple Intelligence) will be more important for tech, ie A17 Pro or better.