The iPhone 17 series is here, and now people are waiting to get their hands on the new generation Apple software, iOS 26. Now, after months of waiting, Apple will finally roll out the iOS 26 update today, September 15, to compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices. This update is said to be Apple’s biggest software update after iOS 7, due to the major redesign of the user interface. With the new Liquid Glass UI to new app features, iOS 26 brings some useful upgrades to the iPhone user experience. However, before you install the iOS 26 update, you will have to do a couple of things to get your iPhone ready for the update. Here are 5 crucial things you need to follow.
Check the iOS 26 compatibility of the iPhone
At WWDC 2025, Apple announced compatibility for the iOS 26 update, which is limited to only a few of its devices and models. Therefore, if you own an iPhone 11 or a later model, then you will be able to install iOS 26. This means iPhones launched in 2019 or later will be able to support the latest Apple update. However, the Apple Intelligence features will only be available to iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
Backup data before installing iOS 26
If you want to keep your data saved or protected, it is crucial to back up your iPhone before any software updates. This helps you retain your data even after any unforeseen event, such as interrupted downloads, incomplete installations, bugs, malware and corruption risks. Therefore, back up your data in iCloud or Google Cloud so you can access it later after the iOS 26 update is successfully installed on your device.
Get familiar with Liquid Glass UI
With iOS 26, Apple is bringing a major revamp to the iPhone user experience with the new Liquid Glass UI. This gives the iPhone a whole new look, featuring redesigned app icons, a revamped Control Centre, a first-party app interface, and more, with translucent and glass-like elements. Therefore, get informed about the new UI and if it resonates with your day-to-day usage before installing such a big update to your device.
Get informed about the biggest changes
This year, Apple introduced some of the biggest changes to iOS 26, which may bring ease to your usage. First, iOS 26 has given a new look to the Lock Screen interface with 3D-like spatial images as wallpaper, additional customisation options, and more. The first-party apps have also received new features, such as new background themes for Messages, Camera app revamp, more organised Photo apps, and much more.
New Apple Intelligence features
While iOS 26 is not big in terms of AI, Apple has introduced a few new features and upgrades to existing Apple Intelligence features. Firstly, iPhone 15 Pro and later models can get access to the new Visual Intelligence, where users can take a screenshot and conduct a relevant search. New additions also include features like call screening, Live Translation, intelligent summarisation, and much more.
{{/usCountry}}While iOS 26 is not big in terms of AI, Apple has introduced a few new features and upgrades to existing Apple Intelligence features. Firstly, iPhone 15 Pro and later models can get access to the new Visual Intelligence, where users can take a screenshot and conduct a relevant search. New additions also include features like call screening, Live Translation, intelligent summarisation, and much more.
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