Apple announced in June that the release of iOS 26 would first appear as developer betas as usual, with the first public beta set for July. When it reaches general release it will be on the 2025 releases, iPhone 17 series, as well the iPhone 16 series and plenty of much earlier models.

Apple's iOS 26 brings the most dramatic iPhone update in over ten years, and these standout features prove it was worth the wait.

Featuring a new visual design, new Apple Intelligence capabilities and updates to daily-use apps, iOS 26 provides a more expressive but still familiar iOS experience for users. Here's what to know.