iOS 26 Is Coming to iPhones Next Week

A new iPhone era is just around the corner.

On Monday, June 9, Apple CEO Tim Cook will kick off the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). But this year’s edition feels bigger and for good reason. 

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26, a software update that could dramatically change how your iPhone looks, feels, and works. And no, that’s not a typo. It’s really called iOS 26.

Why iOS 26?

Apple is switching things up this year. Instead of naming the software iOS 19, the next number in line, the company is aligning all its platforms under one naming system: iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, and so on. 

The idea is to match the software version numbers with the year they’ll define, in this case, 2026. Even the Vision Pro headset will skip a few versions and jump from visionOS 2 to visionOS 26.

It’s a bold move, but it also signals something bigger, this isn’t just another update.

What’s new?

Rumor has it iOS 26 will come with a major visual overhaul. Internally codenamed “Solarium,” the new software might bring a lighter, more translucent design that feels fresher and more modern. 

Some say it borrows design inspiration from the sleek interface of Apple’s Vision Pro headset. But the changes go beyond how things look.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is also gearing up to boost productivity features across the board. iPad users, for instance, may notice more Mac-like tools to support multitasking and workflows. 

Developers will also get access to new Apple Intelligence tools allowing them to build smarter, AI-enhanced apps.

Other useful features expected? Easier Wi-Fi sharing between Apple devices (goodbye, awkward password typing in hotels and gyms), and a new AI-powered battery management system that could make your iPhone last longer on a single charge.

When can you get it?

The announcement happens next week, but most users won’t get to try iOS 26 immediately. Developers will be the first to test the beta version, likely within days of the event. 

A public beta is expected in July. The full release should roll out with the next iPhone in September.

So yes, it’s coming soon. And if the early details are anything to go by, iOS 26 might make your current iPhone feel like a brand-new device. No hardware upgrade needed.