Dec. 11, 2025, 1:10 p.m. CT
- Apple is now recommending that iPhone customers replace to iOS 26, altering it from an elective improve.
- Customers with an iPhone 11 or newer can obtain and set up the iOS 26 replace.
- Whereas customers can stay on older techniques like iOS 18, they might have to improve to obtain future safety fixes.
Apple is altering its techniques and recommending that iPhone customers replace to the newest model, slightly than leaving it as elective.
The expertise large has modified iOS 26 from an “elective improve” to a really helpful one, seemingly pushing those that haven’t but upgraded to take action.
Apple has continued to update iOS since its launch, and with every new model, there are minor updates and bug fixes. Although it’s normal for Apple to take action, many who personal Apple gadgets do not instantly replace their merchandise resulting from issues that new updates could do extra hurt than good.
In line with Apple expertise weblog MacRumors, Apple remains to be offering iOS 18 safety updates to those that select to remain on the working system, however that will cease within the coming months. Customers who wish to preserve updated on safety fixes might want to improve to iOS 26, although Apple will proceed to offer iOS 18 updates for gadgets that don’t assist iOS 26.
This is what to find out about iOS 26.
Apple iOS 26.2 launch date
The Apple iOS 26.2 replace is anticipated to roll out possible no later than Dec. 15 or Dec. 16, per AppleHeadlines. On Dec. 3, Apple launched the iOS 26.2 launch candidate (RC) to builders, indicating a public launch is imminent.
How is iOS 26 completely different from iOS 18?
Listed below are a number of the new options that include iOS 26:
- A brand new design to your house display screen, lock display screen, management heart, and apps referred to as Liquid Glass
- Apple Intelligence-compatible gadgets can now carry out dwell translation, translating textual content and audio within the Messages app, displaying dwell, translated captions in FaceTime, and extra
- Apple Intelligence can routinely establish and summarize order-tracking particulars from emails, permitting customers to view order particulars and progress notifications in a single place
- Extra methods to handle undesirable calls and display screen messages from unknown numbers
- Apple Music will show translated lyrics for choose songs sung in different languages
- The brand new Video games app
- The Cellphone app can notify you when a dwell agent is prepared for you in case you’ve been on maintain
How do I replace my telephone?
Prepared for the newest model of iOS? Plug your gadget into energy, connect with Wi-Fi, then go to settings, mentioned Apple. Go to Basic, then faucet Software program Replace. You’ll have the ability to see the presently put in iOS in your iPhone and whether or not an replace is on the market. If there’s an replace, faucet to obtain and set up it.
What telephones will assist iOS 26?
Folks with an iPhone 11 or newer can obtain iOS 26. The replace can be accessible to individuals with an iPhone SE (2nd era and later). Nevertheless, a number of the new options could solely be accessible on newer iPhones. For instance, Apple Intelligence options are appropriate with iPhone 15 Professional fashions and newer, in accordance with Apple.
How lengthy does it take to obtain iOS 26?
In line with a number of tech and Apple blogs, downloading iOS 26 can take wherever from half-hour to a few hours.
The precise time required can rely upon a number of components, together with web pace, gadget mannequin, Apple’s server load, and the dimensions of the replace.
Ought to I obtain iOS 26.1?
Sure, if in case you have an iPhone 11 or later that may set up iOS 26, Apple says it’s best to replace your telephone from iOS 18 to iOS 26.1 (which got here out in September). This may assist put together for the brand new 26.2 launch.
Can I nonetheless use iOS 18?
Apple is not forcing customers to replace to iOS 26, and customers have been in a position to keep on prior-generation variations of iOS since iOS 15; nonetheless, it would not final endlessly. Apple seems to be “pushing” customers to replace to iOS 26, transferring the newer software program replace to the highest of the checklist below Settings on their iPhones in current days. Tech specialists say clients who wish to keep on high of safety fixes might want to transition to iOS 26, although Apple nonetheless helps those that can solely run iOS 18.
Jordan Inexperienced covers trending information for The Business Attraction. She might be reached at jordan.inexperienced@commercialappeal.com.
Leave a Reply