At Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in California, the tech giant unveiled a sweeping refresh across its entire lineup of devices. From iPhones and iPads to Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TV, and the highly anticipated Vision Pro, everything is getting a major software upgrade.
For the first time, all devices will share the same software version numbers—enter iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. These updates are not just about aesthetics; they represent Apple’s biggest cross-platform update yet.
So, what’s the buzz about? Let’s start with Liquid Glass, Apple’s stunning new design language. Borrowed from visionOS, it creates a sleek, minimalist interface, stripping away unnecessary buttons and menus to let the content shine. The elegant look extends to the Home and Lock Screens, with new customization options for app icons and widgets that make your device feel more personal than ever.
AI takes center stage in iOS 26, bringing features like live call translation which lets callers speak in different languages while the phone seamlessly translates in real-time. But that’s not all, group chats are getting a major upgrade.
When participants are trying to finalise plans, AI will step in and suggest a poll to make decision-making easier. Need even more smarts? Apple Intelligence integrates AI into your onscreen experience, allowing you to ask ChatGPT questions, search for similar products or images, and even auto-schedule events from emails or text messages with pre-filled details like date and time.
The iPhone is the star of this update, boasting new features like an AI-driven phone app that mirrors some of Google’s innovations, and a group chat system designed to simplify communication and collaboration. While many of these features will also roll out to iPads, Macs, and other devices, the iPhone is clearly leading the charge.
For developers eager to test the latest features, the updated software is already available, and public beta versions will roll out next month. The final release is expected this fall, just in time to elevate your Apple experience.
But not everything is rosy. As with every major iOS update, some older iPhones will be left behind, nudging users toward upgrading their devices.
The iOS 26-compatible models include:
- iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer)
- iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
While some users may feel the sting of losing software support, Apple’s latest updates promise to redefine how we interact with our devices. With a blend of cutting-edge design, powerful AI, and seamless integration, this year’s updates are all about taking your Apple experience to the next level.
