iOS 26 release time confirmed, new features and the full list of compatible iPhones

6.06PM UPDATE: As we predicted, iOS 26 is available now. If you have a compatible device, head to Settings > General > Software Update. It's a whopping 13.47GB in size so it might take a while to download and install. Be paitent.
4.30PM UPDATE: There's no sign of iOS 26 just yet, but do not despair. Express.co.uk is still predicting a 6pm launch which mens there's just over an hour to go. We'll update this article as soon as we hear official confirmation that iOS 26 is libe
ORIGINAL STORY: After months and months of waiting, the day is finally here when Apple will release iOS 26 to iPhones across the world. This newly-named operating system will replace iOS 18 and won't be called iOS 19 as some might have expected. The idea behind the name change is to make it easier to quickly see if you have the latest software on your devices - iOS 26 matches the year it will be available, eg 2026.

The blockbuster release was first shown off all the way back in June at Apple's WWDC Developers Conference, and it will officially go live later today, September 15. That means anyone with a compatible device will be able to download and install it.

If you've been excited for iOS 26, here are the full details and how to get it.

What time will iOS 26 be released?

Although Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 will be unleashed today, September 15, the US technology giant never gives an exact launch time.

However, Express.co.uk has been covering Apple's iOS updates for over 10 years, and they almost always appear in the system settings at around 6pm BST.

There have been a few years when that time has been a little later, but if you want to be one of the first to download it, we recommend checking your iPhone around tea time.

How to install iOS 26 on iPhone

Once iOS 26 becomes available, it should be pretty easy to get it on your phone.

To download this upgrade, just head to Settings > General > Software Update. You should then see the icon to download and install. It might take a little while as it's a big file. It's also worth backing up your iPhone before attempting to upgrade just in case something goes wrong.

We'd also recommend connecting to Wi-Fi - unless you have unlimited 5G data - as it could be a very big file.

One final tip. Things can be slower on launch day due to the sheer volume of people trying to get it on their devices. If you wait 24 hours you might it speeds things up.

Will your iPhone be compatible?

Apple is offering iOS 26 to most modern devices such as the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 and iPhone 14. However, even if you have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 11 you'll still be in luck. The only phones losing access this year are the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.

Check below to see if your iPhone is compatible

iPhone 16 • iPhone 16 Plus • iPhone 16 Pro • iPhone 16 Pro Max (launching this Friday)

iPhone 15 • iPhone 15 Plus • iPhone 15 Pro • iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 • iPhone 14 Plus • iPhone 14 Pro • iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 • iPhone 13 mini • iPhone 13 Pro • iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 • iPhone 12 mini • iPhone 12 Pro • iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 • iPhone 11 Pro • iPhone 11 Pro Max • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

What's new in iOS 26?

Once installed, iOS 26 comes with a swathe of new features along with a refreshed appearance called Liquid Glass. As the name suggests, this gives everything a glossy appearance. The lock screen has been updated in this release, with things getting even more interactive. The much-loved clock will fluidly adapt to the available space on the display - it basically changes depending on the image and what notifications pop up

Spatial scenes can also be added in the Photos app which then bring wallpapers to life thanks to a clever 3D effect when users move the iPhone.

If you are fed up with those annoying cold calls then iOS 26 is worth installing. Apple has added a new feature in this release called Call Screening which won't let unknown numbers pester you until the person on the phone confirms who they are.

There's also good news if you travel a lot. iOS 26 will translate both calls and texts in real time, so you can hear and see exactly what is being said.

Another nice boost is coming to Messages in iOS 26. The refresh offers enhancements to conversations, including custom backgrounds and the ability to create instant polls in group chats.

"iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering.

"Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most. And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever."