iOS 26 (iOS 19): Release Date, iPhone Compatibility & New Features

iOS 26 (previously known as iOS 19) is set to be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025. Following the announcement, developers will have early access to test the software, with a public beta expected to roll out later in the summer, likely in July. The official release of iOS 26 is anticipated to be around mid-September, aligning with the launch of the new iPhone lineup.

One of the significant changes in iOS 26 is the design overhaul inspired by visionOS, codenamed “Solarium” but now referred to as “Liquid Glass.” This redesign aims to introduce a translucent interface with glassy floating menus and windows, condense settings and modes, incorporate fluid animations, and introduce a swiping mechanism for navigation. The Camera app is expected to receive a cleaner interface with fewer distractions and additional features like resolution and frame rate controls.

Another exciting feature in iOS 26 is the enhancement of Siri with Large Language Models (LLM) technology. This update will make Siri more conversational, capable of understanding and generating natural language, and assisting with a broader range of queries. Additionally, AirPods are expected to receive live language translation capabilities, similar to the Babel fish from Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Apple Intelligence, introduced in iOS 18, will see further improvements in iOS 26, including AI battery management and a new AI-powered Health app. Other features expected in iOS 26 include a new Games App replacing Game Center, seamless access to captive Wi-Fi networks across Apple devices, expanded accessibility options, the introduction of Mixmoji for creating new emoji combinations, and the debut of Stage Manager on iPhone models with a USB-C port.

Apple is also shifting its approach to software rollouts, focusing on releasing updates when they are ready to ensure a more polished user experience. This strategy may result in fewer features being available at launch. Overall, iOS 26 promises to bring a host of exciting new features and improvements to enhance the user experience on Apple devices.