Apple is finally ready to release iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe to the public. After initially showcasing these operating systems at WWDC25 this spring, the company will release the first stable build on September 15.

So when will iOS 26 actually land on your compatible iPhone? With all the new features packed in, you’ll want to be first in line to grab the update. Here’s when iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe go live in your region.

iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe release time on September 15

While unveiling the iPhone 17 at its Awe Dropping event, Apple confirmed it will release iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe on September 15. However, the company did not specifically provide an exact release time. 

Based on Apple’s track record, though, we can narrow down when the iOS 26 update likely will land. The company typically rolls out new iOS builds around 10 a.m. Pacific time. So, iOS 26 should arrive at the same time — unless Apple runs into a last-minute snag.

You can find the probable iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe release times in various time zones below. All times are for Monday, September 15, unless otherwise noted.

  • Abu Dhabi: 9 p.m.
  • Athens: 8 p.m.
  • Adelaide: 2:30 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Sydney: 3 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Melbourne: 3 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Western Australia: 1 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Austria: 7 p.m.
  • Bangladesh: 11 p.m.
  • Belarus: 8 p.m.
  • Bolivia: 1 p.m.
  • Brazil: 2 p.m.
  • Bulgaria: 8 p.m.
  • Canada: 11 a.m.
  • Canada (east): 1 p.m.
  • China: 1 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Colombia: Noon
  • Egypt: 8 p.m.
  • Europe: 7 p.m.
  • Finland: 8 p.m.
  • India: 10:30 p.m.
  • Iran: 8:30 p.m.
  • Iraq: 8 p.m.
  • Kuwait: 8 p.m.
  • Kenya: 8 p.m.
  • Japan: 2 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Moscow: 8 p.m.
  • San Francisco: 10 a.m.
  • Saudi Arabia: 8 p.m.
  • Singapore: 1 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • South Africa: 7 p.m.
  • South Korea: 2:00 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Taiwan: 1 a.m. (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Thailand: midnight (Tuesday, September 16)
  • United Arab Emirates: 9 p.m.
  • United Kingdom: 6 p.m.
  • Alaska: 9 a.m.
  • Washington, D.C.: 1 p.m.
  • Hawaii: 7 a.m.
  • Detroit: 1 p.m.
  • Las Vegas: 10 a.m.
  • New York: 1 p.m.
  • Minneapolis: Noon
  • Seattle: 10 a.m.
  • Vietnam: Midnight (Tuesday, September 16)
  • Zimbabwe: 7 p.m.

You can find iOS 26’s release time here in your local time zone if it is not mentioned in the list above.

Apple’s operating systems will get a Liquid Glass revamp

With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Apple unifies the design language across all platforms. This will help create smoother transitions between devices and more consistent user experiences, irrespective of the device you use.

“This unified design language creates a more harmonious experience as you move between products, while maintaining the qualities that make each unique,” said Alan Dye, Apple’s VP of human interface design, while unveiling Liquid Glass at WWDC25. 

The new user interface reflects light and dynamically reacts to movement with mirror-like highlights.

You might not like Liquid Glass at first glance. But make sure to give it a few days before you judge the UI overhaul. 

Keep in mind that installing iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 will require more than 20GB of free storage. So free up space on your iPhone by clearing out unused apps or media before hitting download.