Good news continues to emerge about the iOS 26 update, which Apple is currently testing with developers. Apple, which made significant improvements to its Liquid Glass design in the latest beta, hasn’t yet announced an iOS 26 release date. However, rumors about the update’s release date have surfaced today.
iOS 26 release date: Mid-September
Apple has officially confirmed that iOS 26 will be available to all users this fall. However, a more accurate estimate can be made based on the company’s schedule from previous years.
Here are the release dates for the last three iOS versions:
- iOS 18: Monday, September 16, 2024
- iOS 17: Monday, September 18, 2023
- iOS 16: Monday, September 12, 2022
This schedule reflects a tradition Apple has adhered to for years: The new iOS version is typically released on a Monday, about a week after the big iPhone event in early September.

According to this information, the final version of iOS 26 is expected to be available to all users in mid-September 2025, following the launch of the iPhone 17 series. The update will likely be released on September 15th, or at the latest, September 22nd.
For tech enthusiasts who don’t want to wait until September, the good news is coming soon. As every year, Apple is holding a public beta program where anyone who wants to try the new operating system early.
According to Apple, the public beta of iOS 26 will be released before the end of July.
What you need to know before installing iOS 26 Public Beta
While the public beta program is a great way to try out new features, it carries significant risks. As you know, beta software is an unfinished version and can include the following issues:
Various bugs and unexpected app shutdowns
Performance issues and slowdowns
Faster battery life
Apple uses this beta period to identify as many bugs as possible before the final release in the fall and to refine the system based on user feedback. If smooth and reliable operation of your iPhone is critical to your daily tasks, we recommend waiting for the stable release in September.