Apple is set to release a consistent stream of new iPhone software updates this year. There are major changes still to come with iOS 26, as well as iOS 27 coming at WWDC in June. Here’s the full timeline on when to expect these updates.
What iOS updates will Apple release this year?
iOS 26.3
iOS 26.3 is currently in beta testing with developers and public beta users.
What’s new in iOS 26.3?
- Improved switching and data transfer between iPhone and Android
- Notification forwarding for third-party smart watches (EU only)
- Proximity pairing for third-party accessories (EU only)
Expected release date: Late January
iOS 26.4
iOS 26.4 will reportedly be a major update for iPhone users. The update is set to include major new features for Apple’s Siri voice assistant.
Personal context will let Siri find specific information in things like notes, texts, and emails. Onscreen awareness will let Siri take action with things on your screen. Finally, in-app actions will let you control specific parts of apps using Siri. These features were initially promised for iOS 18, so it’s possible they face further delays.
Expected beta release date: Early February
Expected release date: Late March or early April
iOS 26.5
iOS 26.5 will likely include a new Pride wallpaper ahead of Pride Month in June. Other than that, there aren’t any details about what will be new in iOS 26.5. It will likely be a smaller update, though, as Apple works on iOS 27.
Expected beta release date: Early April
Expected release date: Mid May
iOS 26.6
iOS 26.6 will likely focus on bug fixes and performance improvements as the last major iOS 26 update before iOS 27 is released to everyone in September. There are no rumors of new features.
Expected beta release date: Early June
Expected release date: Late July
iOS 27
iOS 27 will be this year’s major software update for iPhone users. Here are some of the rumored features:
- New optimizations for the first iPhone Fold launching this year
- New Apple Intelligence features, including an AI-powered platform for the Health app and a visual redesign for Siri
- A focus on bug fixes and performance improvements
Expected beta release date: Early June (developers) and mid July (public beta)
Expected release date: Mid September
iOS 26.7
This will be released alongside iOS 27 as an option for people who don’t want to make the jump all the way to iOS 27.
Expected beta release date: Early September
Expected release date: Mid September
iOS 27.1
iOS 27.1 will include new features that Apple did not finalize in time for the iOS 27.0 release.
Expected beta release date: Mid September
Expected release date: Late October or early November
iOS 27.2
iOS 27.2 will include more refinements, bug fixes, and changes for new features initially included in iOS 27.0.
Expected beta release date: Early November
Expected release date: Mid December
Wrap up
These are all of the major software updates for iPhone users coming from Apple in 2026. There will be other smaller updates throughout the year, such as iOS 27.0.1, but these are the major updates that will also go through beta testing.
What new software features are you most excited for this year? Let us know down in the comments.
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