Ahead of iOS 26’s imminent launch, here’s what to expect from Apple’s major iPhone software update.
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Apple’s iOS 26 is almost here, with the radical new iPhone update arriving on Sept. 15. The iOS 26 upgrade comes with numerous new features, many of which will boost your iPhone’s security and privacy.
Ahead of iOS 26’s imminent launch, here’s what to expect from Apple’s major iPhone software update.
iOS 26 Comes With A Bunch Of Cool New iPhone Features
Apple’s 26 will come with some very cool new features, many of which have been enhanced by artificial intelligence. Apple has so far come under fire for the sluggish movement on that front, so Apple intelligence additions such as enhanced Siri integration with ChatGPT and visual intelligence are welcome additions. Just remember that when you ask ChatGPT a question, OpenAI’s policies apply.
The iOS 26 upgrade also includes other features that will be good for security and privacy. One is call and message screening, something I‘m looking forward to taking advantage of.
“Messages from unknown senders will appear in a dedicated folder where users can then mark the number as known, ask for more information, or delete,” according to Apple.
Apple’s iOS 26 will also include Wallet features such as the ability to verify your ID online.
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Apple’s iOS 26 will also include Wallet features such as the ability to verify your ID online.
At the same time, with iOS 26, Safari gets more private with advanced fingerprinting protection extending to all browsing by default.
The other thing to note is that the iPhone 17 will come with an excellent feature called Memory Integrity Enforcement, which will help protect users against mercenary spyware attacks.
iOS 26 Launches Alongside iOS 18.7 — Should You Upgrade?
Apple’s iOS 26 upgrade will launch alongside iOS 18.7, for those who are reluctant to upgrade or whose iPhones can’t run the new software.
When compared to iOS 26, the content of iOS 18.7 is stark, with the latter including security updates only. Apple’s iOS 26 will include these security updates, as well as a plethora of new features.
So, should you update to iOS 26 ? The first consideration is whether your iPhone can run iOS 26.
The update is available for iPhone 11 and later, according to Apple. This means Apple has dropped support for the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR.
Meanwhile, Apple Intelligence features are only available on the newer iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later that have Apple Intelligence enabled.
If you want to update to iOS 26 and take advantage of all these features, it’s therefore possible you might need a new device.
iOS 26 — What To Expect From The iPhone Update
To sum up — what should you expect from the iOS 26 update? It’ll arrive on Sept 15, as the date has been confirmed by Apple, at about 10 a.m. PT.
At that time, you can go to your Settings > General > Software Update, at which point, you’ll be given a choice — update to iOS 26 or iOS 18.7. From there, it’s up to you. I know which iPhone upgrade I’ll be choosing.