Apple officially begins rolling out the iOS 26 update today, September 15, across compatible devices. Touted as the biggest design revamp since iOS 7, the update brings sweeping changes with the all-new Liquid Glass UI, redesigned app experiences, and smarter Apple Intelligence features for select models.
The update is available for iPhone 11 and later, meaning users with devices launched in 2019 or beyond will receive the new version. However, not all features will be universal. Apple’s new intelligence layer — featuring Visual Intelligence, call screening, Live Translation, and intelligent summarisation — is limited to iPhone 15 Pro and later due to the hardware requirements.
With Liquid Glass UI, Apple brings a translucent, glass-like aesthetic across the OS. Expect refreshed app icons, a modernised Control Centre, and redesigned interfaces for first-party apps. The Lock Screen also receives a 3D visual boost with spatial image wallpapers and added customisation.
First-party apps like Messages, Camera, and Photos have been overhauled — offering new background themes, intuitive layouts, and better content organisation. The Camera app sees UI tweaks for quicker access to modes, while the Photos app now curates memories more seamlessly.
Before installing iOS 26, Apple strongly recommends users back up their devices to iCloud or Google Cloud to safeguard against any installation issues or data loss. This is especially important given the scale of the UI overhaul and new features, which could lead to initial bugs or compatibility hiccups.
If you’re wondering about compatibility, Apple confirmed during WWDC 2025 that only iPhone 11 and newer models would support iOS 26. Devices like iPhone X, XR, and earlier will not receive this update.
As users begin to experience the refreshed interface and smarter features, iOS 26 signals a major shift not just in how iPhones look — but how intelligently they function. Whether you’re most excited about the visual upgrades or the AI-driven tools, this update sets the tone for Apple’s next era of mobile innovation.
Make sure your device is charged, backed up, and ready to experience the future — because iOS 26 is here.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
