Apple’s highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” September event wasn’t just about hardware like the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3. The company also confirmed the official release dates for iOS 26 and watchOS 26, its next-generation operating systems that bring a fresh design, Apple Intelligence-powered features, and expanded functionality to compatible devices.

iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Release Date

Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 will begin rolling out as a free over-the-air (OTA) update on September 15, 2025. However, some features will vary by region or language due to regulatory restrictions and local requirements.

The stable version of watchOS 26 will also be released globally on the same date. Apple Watch owners will need a Series 6 or newer, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation or later), or any Apple Watch Ultra to install the update. Pairing these watches will require at least an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26.

Eligible iPhones for iOS 26

Apple has streamlined compatibility to ensure optimal performance. iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 or newer, iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), and the iPhone 16e.

Full list of supported iPhones:

iPhone 16e

iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)

iOS 26: New Features and Enhancements

Apple is branding iOS 26 as its most visually dynamic and intelligent update yet.

Liquid Glass Design Language

A major UI redesign called Liquid Glass transforms the look of iOS. It features translucent bars, sliders, icons, and widgets that refract their surroundings, creating a sleek, fluid aesthetic across the OS.

Apple Intelligence Upgrades

Live Translation: Real-time translation of text and audio across multiple languages in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps.

Visual Intelligence: Enhanced screenshot and search tools that let users capture or act on any element appearing on their screen.

Expanded Apple Intelligence support improves privacy by processing more tasks on-device.

Other Highlights

CarPlay: Updated navigation and more personalized dashboards.

Apple Music: Smarter recommendations and playlist automation.

Maps and Wallet: Improved travel and payment tools.

Apple Games App: A new hub that consolidates all games installed on the iPhone.

watchOS 26: New Features

The Apple Watch also gets a complete refresh with watchOS 26, designed to complement the new Apple Watch Series 11 and beyond.

Liquid Glass UI and New Faces

The new design extends to the Photos watch face, Control Centre, Smart Stack widgets, notifications, and navigation menus. Apple has also introduced two new faces, Flow and Exactograph, alongside updates to over 20 existing faces.

Gestures and Intelligence

Wrist Flick Gesture: Dismiss notifications, stop timers, or silence alarms with a simple wrist motion.

Live Translation: Automatically translates incoming messages when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.

Hold Assist: Lets AI handle long customer service holds, notifying users when a live agent is available.

Call Screening: Screens unknown callers by collecting their name and call reason before passing the call through.

Fitness and Health Enhancements

watchOS 26 continues to expand health insights and workout tracking, supported by deeper AI integration.

Conclusion

The arrival of iOS 26 and watchOS 26 marks one of the biggest software leaps in Apple’s ecosystem. From the futuristic Liquid Glass design language to AI-powered translation, health, and communication tools, these updates promise to make the iPhone and Apple Watch smarter, more intuitive, and more personal than ever before.

With rollout beginning on September 15, 2025, users should prepare their eligible devices for what could be Apple’s most transformative OS update yet.

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