Apple Sets Release Date for iOS 26 and watchOS 26: What You Need to Know

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At the footnotes of the presentations for the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11/SE3/Ultra 3, Apple confirmed the release of iOS 26 and watchOS 26.

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The software updates will be available for free starting Monday, September 15. As usual, some features will be exclusive to newer devices or subject to local restrictions.

Following this, Apple is rolling out the RC versions of watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, just a week after the release of the ninth betas.

iOS 26 Arriving Next Week

Compatible iPhone users can install iOS 26 for free starting September 15. This version introduces a range of enhancements in Apple Intelligence, security, and connected health. However, Apple notes that some features will depend on the language or region, or even specific regulations.

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iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday, September 15. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

Concurrently, watchOS 26 will also be available on September 15. The update will apply to Apple watches starting from the Apple Watch Series 6, the Apple Watch SE 2 and 3 of course, and all Apple Watch Ultra models. It will require an iPhone 11 (or newer) equipped with iOS 26.

watchOS 26 will be available for Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) or later, and all Apple Watch Ultra models on Monday, September 15, and requires iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26. Not all features are available on all devices or in all regions. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

But Be Aware!

As often, not all features will be accessible in every region. Apple reminds that some health tools need regulatory approval before they can be activated in a country (like hypertension in the USA or live translation features in Europe).

Here is the list of iPhones that should be compatible with iOS 26:

• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 and 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 and 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation)

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