Breaking News: Apple Unveils iOS 26 at WWDC 2025
Apple has launched its WWDC 2025 conference, dedicating a day on Monday, June 9, to unveiling new software, including the highly anticipated iOS 26. This substantial update is part of Apple’s effort to unify its ecosystem, aligning several software versions with the release year. Here’s the urgent breaking news and what you need to know:
Direct iOS 18 to iOS 26 Update
In a surprising move, Apple announced that it will skip multiple iOS updates, jumping directly from iOS 18 to iOS 26. This decision is aimed at simplifying the software versions across its ecosystem, making it easier for users to identify the generation of their devices.
Introducing Liquid Glass Interface
At the heart of iOS 26 is a major visual overhaul known as “Liquid Glass.” This innovative interface incorporates elements of transparency and vision, inspired by the helmet operating system of the Apple Vision Pro. With Liquid Glass, app icons, dialogues, and widgets become translucent, allowing underlying wallpapers to be visible and ensuring content remains the focal point. For instance, the Camera app now features reduced borders, providing more image real estate, while Safari extends web pages from edge to edge.
New Features and Enhancements
Among the many new features in iOS 26 are several that leverage Apple’s intelligence (on the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the entire range of iPhone 16) and an optimized Messages app with live translation. Furthermore, the ordinarily support of calls has been enhanced with a new call filtering function designed to sort out unwanted calls, described by Apple as an “essential advancement” in user experience.
Compatible iPhone Models with iOS 26
The list of iPhones eligible for the iOS 26 update includes several older models, providing continuity and support for a wide array of devices. The compatible models are: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max; iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max; iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 mini, 13 Pro Max; iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max; iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max; iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16; iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations). However, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, launched in 2018, will not be updated to iOS 26.
Release Timeline
iOS 26 is currently available in beta for members of the Apple Developer Program. This beta version will be more broadly accessible to developers next month. For the general public, the final version of iOS 26 is slated for release in the fall, alongside the new iPhone lineup, expected in September.
Stay tuned on archyde.com for more details and keep an eye on the exciting announcements from WWDC 2025. This update is more than just a version jump; it’s a leap into a unified and enhanced Apple ecosystem.
