Apple fans are buzzing as iOS 26 is finally here. From Liquid Glass design upgrades to game-changing tools, here’s the official iOS 26 release date and time, new features, compatible iPhones, and everything about when does iOS 26 come out.

Apple has officially rolled out the most anticipated update of the year — iOS 26. Millions of iPhone users around the world are asking the same questions: When is iOS 26 coming out? What time does iOS 26 come out? And what are the biggest iOS 26 new features? We’ve got you covered.
iOS 26 Release Date and Time
Mark your calendars: the Apple iOS 26 release date is set for September 16, 2025. But what time will iOS 26 be released? Historically, Apple pushes its updates around 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET, which means eager users can expect the download to go live globally at that time.
So, if you’ve been searching “what time is iOS 26 coming out” or “when will iOS 26 come out”, now you know—the wait ends today.
iOS 26 New Features
The iOS 26 new features are nothing short of revolutionary. Apple’s biggest highlight is the Liquid Glass interface—a sleek, adaptive design that makes your iPhone feel futuristic, with smoother animations and crystal-like visuals.
Other standout updates include:
- Faster Performance across all supported devices.
- Upgraded Privacy Tools giving users even more control.
- Smarter Widgets that adapt based on time, location, and usage.
- Liquid Glass Aesthetic with dynamic wallpapers that react to touch.
- Seamless Integration with Apple Watch and Mac for fluid multitasking.
If you’ve been wondering, “is iOS 26 out?” the answer is YES—rolling out now across supported iPhones.
Which iPhones Get iOS 26?
The iOS 26 iPhones list includes the latest models like iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, and even older devices like the iPhone 13 series. Apple continues to show strong support for devices up to five years old.
Why iOS 26 Release Matters
Each update shapes the future of Apple’s ecosystem, but the iOS 26 release is special because of its bold design shift. The Liquid Glass UI could mark the beginning of a new era, much like iOS 7 did years ago.
Whether you’re asking “when does iOS 26 come out” or “what time will iOS 26 be released”, the wait is finally over. The iOS 26 release time is now, and it’s ready to transform your iPhone experience. Don’t wait—check your settings and hit that download button today.
iOS 26 FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
Apple has officially confirmed that the iOS 26 release date is September 16, 2025.
Apple typically releases updates simultaneously worldwide. For example, UK users can expect 6 PM BST, while users in Asia will see the update late evening local time.
The highlight is the Liquid Glass design, offering smoother animations and futuristic visuals. Other features include smarter widgets, enhanced privacy tools, and faster performance across supported devices.
iOS 25 vs iOS 26: What’s New?
Feature / Update | iOS 25 | iOS 26 (New) 🚀 |
---|---|---|
User Interface | Minimal design with flat icons | Liquid Glass UI with crystal-like visuals & fluid animations |
Widgets | Static and limited customization | Smarter widgets that adapt to time, location & usage |
Performance | Improved speed over iOS 24 | Even faster performance, smoother app switching |
Privacy Tools | Enhanced app tracking transparency | Upgraded privacy & security, including AI-driven scam detection |
Battery Optimization | Standard battery saver mode | Intelligent battery management for longer screen time |
Multitasking | Split screen on iPads only | Seamless iPhone-Mac-Apple Watch integration |
Dynamic Wallpapers | Limited motion effects | Interactive wallpapers powered by Liquid Glass |
Compatibility | iPhone 12 and later | iPhone 13 and later (with partial support for older models) |
With the Apple iOS 26 release date here, the countdown is over. Get ready for the Liquid Glass experience and all the next-gen features that make this update one of the most exciting in years. As you can see, iOS 26 new features aren’t just cosmetic—the Liquid Glass design and smarter system integrations set it apart from iOS 25.