Apple’s next major iPhone update is on the way. But when, exactly? Currently, iOS 26.3 is on its second beta, with general release predicted for late January. But many analysts have fastened on Monday, Jan. 26 — but that may not be the case any longer.
Apple iPhone 17
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I also fancied Jan. 26, though I predicted that another day that week was also possible, with Tuesday, Jan. 27 likely if it wasn’t Monday.
ForbesWhatsApp Is Finally About To Launch A Long-Anticipated New FeatureBy David PhelanWhy iOS 26.3 Could Slip Into February
The thing is, Apple hasn’t launched the Release Candidate for iOS 26.3 beta yet. The usual pattern is that the Release Candidate is followed by general release a week or so later, which would push iOS 26.3 to February, assuming there’s a Release Candidate on Monday, Jan. 26 — which I believe there will be.
Apple could tighten the release to less than a week, but to follow up with the general release on the same day would be unprecedented, I think.
Also unlikely is the possibility of Apple eliding a Release Candidate from the process.
Could Apple Be Repeating A Familiar January Playbook?
Here’s a thought: on the equivalent day in 2025, Monday, Jan. 27, Apple unveiled its Black Unity Collection wallpapers and Apple Watch face, plus an Apple Watch Band. On the same day, iOS 18.3 was released. Does Apple have a similar schedule in mind this year?
Here’s something to consider from Geeky Gadgets, which thinks that actually the release could be described as coming early. “Historically, Apple finalizes updates shortly after the Release Candidate (RC) phase, which is anticipated to occur this week. This accelerated timeline likely reflects Apple’s intent to synchronize the update with the launch of Creator Studio, making sure your device is ready to support the new service from day one,” it says.
I think the Creator Studio angle is a good one (more on that here), though that doesn’t mean Apple will wait until Wednesday, Jan. 28, when the suite of apps becomes available.
iOS 26.3 Release Date
I’m now predicting that iOS 26.3 Release Candidate will arrive on Monday, Jan. 26, with the general release coming on Tuesday, Jan. 27 or, less likely but not impossible, Wednesday, Jan. 28.