Cupertino gears up for its biggest launch of 2025, and the countdown is on. Apple is all set to unveil the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series alongside a wave of next-generation innovations at its “Awe-Dropping” event, scheduled for September 9. For viewers in India, the live stream kicks off at 10:30 pm IST and globally at 10 am PT, streaming free on Apple’s website, YouTube, and Apple TV app.

But this isn’t just another iPhone launch, it’s shaping up to be a massive ecosystem shift, with the spotlight on iOS 26, Apple’s most intelligent and intuitive mobile operating system yet.

When will Apple release iOS 26?

While Apple has remained tight-lipped about the exact release date of iOS 26, industry insiders and developer leaks suggest that iOS 26 will be launched tonight alongside the iPhone 17 reveal.

First previewed at WWDC 2025, iOS 26 brings a fresh, modern design, performance improvements, and deep integration with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new suite of AI-powered tools designed to make everyday tasks faster and smarter.

Which iPhones will receive iOS 26? Check if yours is on the list

Not every iPhone will get to experience the full Apple Intelligence magic. These advanced AI capabilities will be exclusive to the following models:

iPhones that support Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 26

– iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

– iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max

– iPhone 16e

iPhones that will receive iOS 26

– iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

– iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

– iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

– iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max

– iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

– iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

– iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Generation)

– iPhone 16e

Apple users, here’s what to expect from the new iOS 26?

  • AI-powered summaries of messages and articles
  • Visual context recognition across apps
  • Live translation that works within your current conversation
  • Call screening and Hold Assist in the Phone app
  • Messages app gets a revamp with new themes, polls, and Apple Cash support.
  • Custom widgets, glanceable info, and aesthetic improvements in lock and home screen
  • New layers in Apple Maps for EVs and curated Apple Music daily mixes

How to try iOS 26 early: Downloading the beta

Can’t wait for the official release? You can install the iOS 26 beta version right now:

For Developers:

1. Enroll at developer.apple.com

2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates

3. Select “iOS 26 Developer Beta”

For Public Beta Testers:

1. Sign up at beta.apple.com

2. Enable Beta Updates from your iPhone settings

Where to watch Apple “Awe-Dropping” event for free?

apple.com

Apple’s YouTube Channel

Apple TV app