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Apple has officially announced that iOS 26 will be available to the public starting Monday, September 15, 2025. The announcement came alongside the launch of the iPhone 17 on September 9. This decision answers the anticipation of millions of iPhone users worldwide who have been waiting since the system was introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

Apple made it clear that iOS 26 is not just another annual update but a milestone in the evolution of iPhone software. The operating system arrives with the Liquid Glass interface, a transparent design language that blends seamlessly across Apple’s core apps. The design brings a more modern, elegant, and consistent visual experience across the entire Apple ecosystem.

The most significant highlight in iOS 26 is the arrival of Apple Intelligence, an advanced artificial intelligence technology that expands iPhone capabilities into a higher level of personalization. It enables live translation during phone calls, more advanced visual analysis, and enhancements to the built-in assistant. However, Apple confirmed that full Apple Intelligence support is only available on devices powered by the A17 Pro chip or newer, meaning not every iPhone user will experience its full potential.

Apple confirmed that iOS 26 can be installed on iPhone 11 and newer models, including the second-generation iPhone SE. However, AI-based features require more powerful hardware. For users of older iPhones, the update still delivers major design changes and critical security enhancements, even without access to the full range of Apple Intelligence.

This strategy reflects Apple’s balance between innovation and device cycles. The Cupertino-based company continues to support older devices so they remain relevant while encouraging upgrades to newer models through exclusive premium features.

Beyond Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence, Apple introduced a new Apple Games app that serves as a hub for gaming. The app helps users discover games, track achievements, and connect with communities. This addition reinforces iOS as one of the world’s largest mobile gaming platforms.

Several core apps also receive notable improvements. Messages introduces new ways to organize conversations, Phone gains enhanced call identification, and Maps now includes a more immersive navigation mode. Apple has also strengthened layered security updates to counter the increasingly complex landscape of digital threats.

The release of iOS 26 is expected to have a direct impact on new device sales. Each time Apple rolls out an iOS version with exclusive features, upgrade trends usually spike. Consumers seeking the full Apple Intelligence experience will likely consider purchasing the iPhone 17 or iPhone 16 Pro, both of which are fully compatible.

International media highlight Apple’s aggressive move into the artificial intelligence race, positioning itself against Google and Samsung, who are also embedding AI into their mobile products. USA Today noted that Apple’s step is more than a trend but part of a long-term strategy to deepen its ecosystem. TechRadar called the Liquid Glass design the biggest visual evolution since iOS 7, while The Verge stressed the importance of AI integration as the foundation for the future of smart devices.

Official remarks from Apple executives underline the company’s vision. “We want iPhone to become more personal, smarter, and more seamlessly integrated into users’ lives,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering. This statement reinforces the idea that iOS 26 is not just a technical update but also a step into a new era of human-technology interaction.

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