Apple iPhone 17 Event Reveals New Lineup and iOS 26 Release Date
The recent Apple event unveiled the new iPhone 17 lineup, which includes the standard model, the Pro, the Pro Max, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air. Alongside the new hardware, Apple announced that the iOS 26 software update will be released to the public on Monday, September 15. This new operating system represents a significant shift, as Apple is moving to a year-based naming convention, skipping versions 19 through 25 to align with the upcoming year.
A major highlight of iOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass design language. This visual overhaul introduces a translucent aesthetic to the lock screen, home screen, and within many apps. Buttons feature a new floating design intended to be less distracting. While reminiscent of past design trends, the update aims to create a more cohesive look across all Apple platforms. User feedback from early beta tests has already led to adjustments, with Apple dialing back the transparency in some areas.
Beyond the visual refresh, iOS 26 packs numerous quality-of-life improvements. The Phone app has been redesigned for easier navigation and includes a new Hold Assist feature that notifies you when a customer service representative finally picks up. The Messages app gains the ability to filter spam texts into a separate folder and introduces polls for group chats.
A powerful new tool called Visual Intelligence allows users to search for anything visible on their screen. By taking a screenshot, you can identify objects, like a pair of shoes in a social media photo, and find them online. The Photos app reverts to a more familiar tabbed layout, and the Camera app receives a simplified interface with a new feature that alerts you if your lens is dirty.
Other notable additions include more customizable lock screens, a new Communication Safety feature for FaceTime that can pause a video call if nudity is detected, and the ability to change the default alarm snooze time from nine minutes to any duration between one and fifteen minutes. The screenshot editor also receives new search capabilities.
The update extends to other devices. iPadOS 26 brings true windowing for improved multitasking, allowing apps to be resized and moved freely. AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and the new AirPods 4 with ANC will gain a live translation feature when paired with an iPhone running iOS 26. The new AirPods Pro 3 also include heart rate monitoring.
It is important to note that the smarter Siri upgrade promised at last year’s WWDC has been delayed and is not part of this release. It is now expected to arrive at some point in the coming year.
The iOS 26 public beta is currently available for users who want to test the new features early, though it is not recommended for primary devices due to potential instability. The final, stable version of iOS 26 will be a free download starting September 15 for a wide range of iPhones, from the iPhone 11 series and later, including the second-generation iPhone SE and all newer models. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not be compatible with the new operating system.
