iOS 26 Launch: How to Prepare Your iPhone for Apple’s Latest Update

Apple has officially launched the latest iPhone software update, iOS 26, today. While the latest iPhone 17 and iPhone Air have this update pre-installed, existing users can download it now on their compatible devices. Alongside iOS 26, Apple throws in updates for iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro, making today a big ecosystem day for Apple.

If you plan to upgrade, here are five crucial steps you want to take so that iOS 26 transition is smooth.

1. Ensure Your iPhone Is Compatible

Developed for iPhones from iPhone 11 and later, including also iPhone SE (2020 and 2022), iOS 26 will not cover older models such as iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. Some features require an iPhone 15 Pro or later for Live Translation, while the spatial scenes 3D lock screen effect runs on iPhone 12 and later.

2. Back Up Files

Taking a backup is a must before major updates. A full backup via iCloud or computer will assure your photos, apps, and files are kept safe if anything goes wrong during installation. Archiving the backup will serve as an additional measure of security.

3. Explore the New Interface

The Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 brings about a refreshed look that involves translucency and minor icon changes in the menus and app layouts. Users might want to adjust some of the settings regarding transparency or perhaps just explore the apps, especially Camera, and Safari, to become familiar with the new look.

4. Enable Key Features

These features of iOS 26 need to be enabled manually:

- Call Screen and spam filtering

- Unknown message filtering

- Visited Places in Maps

By turning on these settings, you can make full use of the new iOS 26 features.

5. Try Out the Biggest Changes

iOS 26 brings a lot of AI-related and personalization features:

- Customizable lock screen fonts, widgets, chat backgrounds

Visual Intelligence for translating text, creating calendar entries, and extracting data from screenshots

Privacy and security features have been upgraded

All changes together make iOS 26 an update filled with features that Apple has rarely offered in the recent years.

iOS 26 FAQs

1. What iPhones support iOS 26?

iOS 26 works with everything from the iPhone 11 to newer versions and including iPhone SE (2020 and 2022). The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max do not find a place in this list.

2. What must I do to back up before updating?

You can back up your iPhone on iCloud or by connecting to your computer. If the backup is archived, this denotes additional security.

3. What has been introduced in iOS 26?

Notable mentions include Liquid Glass UI, AI-based Visual Intelligence, Spatial Scenes lock screens, smarter call/message filters, and enhanced privacy features.