Apple has officially announced that iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26 will be available to download starting September 15. These updates will roll out shortly after Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch models, and other hardware launches.
This year’s updates bring two major changes. First, Apple is introducing its new Liquid Glass design language, which focuses on translucency and smooth, fluid visuals across all its platforms. Second, the company has revamped its version naming system. Instead of moving sequentially from iOS 18, Apple has jumped directly to iOS 26 to align version numbers with release years, making things more consistent across devices.
The iPhone 17 series will ship with iOS 26 pre-installed. Older models, including iPhone 11 through iPhone 16, as well as the second-generation and later iPhone SE, will also support the update.
For watchOS 26, compatibility starts with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, the second-generation Apple Watch SE, and all Apple Watch Ultra models.
On the Mac side, macOS 26 (macOS Tahoe) will be available for:
- MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
- MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- iMac (2020 and later)
- Mac mini (2020 and later)
- Mac Studio (2022 and later)
- Mac Pro (2019 and later)
For iPads, iPadOS 26 will support:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2 and M3)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
With the new design overhaul and naming convention, this year’s updates mark one of the most significant shifts in Apple’s software history.
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