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To update your iPhone to iOS 26, back it up, connect it to Wi-Fi and power, then open Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install. As of August 18, 2026, Apple’s latest listed iOS 26 release was iOS 26.6, released July 27, 2026. Your iPhone may show a different point release depending on its model and current software version, so install the newest iOS 26 update offered on your device.
The iOS update itself is not a paid purchase, although mobile data, additional iCloud storage, or carrier services may cost money.
Before you update your iPhone
Complete these checks before starting. A normal iOS update is designed to leave your data and settings unchanged, but a current backup protects your photos, messages, and other information if something goes wrong. Apple recommends backing up before updating.
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- Back up the device: Use iCloud or a Mac or Windows computer.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: A reliable Wi-Fi connection is recommended for the wireless update.
- Connect the iPhone to power: This is especially important during a major software upgrade.
- Know your passcode: The iPhone may ask for it during installation.
- Check storage: Large updates need temporary free space.
- Disconnect a VPN or proxy if necessary: These can prevent the iPhone from contacting Apple’s update servers.
- Choose a suitable time: Do not begin immediately before a flight, exam, work session, or other situation where you need the phone.
If your iPhone belongs to a company or school, an administrator may control which updates are available and when they can be installed.
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Back up with iCloud
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
- Wait for the backup to finish, then confirm the latest backup time on the same screen.
The exact labels can vary slightly between iOS versions. If iCloud does not have enough storage, back up to a computer instead.
Which iPhones support iOS 26?
Apple’s compatibility list includes these models:
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17e
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation)
To check your model, open Settings > General > About and look for Model Name. If you cannot identify it there, use Apple’s iPhone model identification and compatibility guide.
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Operating-system compatibility does not mean every iOS 26 feature is available on every device. Apple says feature availability can vary by iPhone model, region, language, and carrier.
How to update to iOS 26 from your iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Review the installed iOS version and the update shown on screen.
- If multiple update options appear, choose the iOS 26 upgrade or the newest iOS 26 release offered for your iPhone.
- Tap Download and Install. If the update has already downloaded, you may see Install Now instead.
- Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted.
- Accept Apple’s terms if requested.
- Keep the iPhone connected to power and Wi-Fi while it downloads, prepares, and installs.
- Wait while the iPhone restarts and completes the installation.
- Unlock the iPhone after the restart and verify the installed version.
Apple’s current instructions are available in its Update iOS on iPhone guide.
What the update buttons mean
- Download and Install: The update still needs to be downloaded.
- Install Now: The update has already downloaded and is ready to install.
- Update Requested or Preparing Update: The iPhone is processing the request. The wait can vary with storage, network conditions, update size, and demand on Apple’s servers.
Do not use a fixed time estimate as a guarantee. The download and installation may take considerably longer on a slow connection, a nearly full iPhone, or an older compatible model.
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How to turn on automatic iOS updates
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates.
Depending on the options shown, you can enable:
- Automatically Install: The iPhone downloads and installs available updates overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. Apple says it notifies you before installation.
- Automatically Download: The iPhone downloads the update while charging, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi, but lets you install it later.
Some automatic system-file updates can be installed without changing the main iOS version. Check Settings > General > Software Update if you want to confirm the actual iOS release installed.
How to update an iPhone with a Mac or Windows PC
Use a computer if the update does not appear, the wireless installation repeatedly fails, or the iPhone reports a storage problem.
Mac with macOS Catalina or later
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a cable.
- Open Finder.
- Select the iPhone in the Finder sidebar. Unlock it and approve the connection if asked.
- Click General.
- Click Check for Update.
- Click Update if an update is available.
- Follow the onscreen instructions and keep the iPhone connected until the process finishes.
Windows or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier
- Connect the iPhone with a reliable cable.
- Open the latest available version of iTunes.
- Click the iPhone button near the upper-left corner.
- Click Summary.
- Click Check for Update.
- Click Update and follow the onscreen instructions.
Finder is used for iPhone updates on macOS Catalina and later; iTunes is used on Windows and older macOS versions, as described in Apple’s official update guide.
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If iOS 26 does not appear
A compatible iPhone may not immediately show the same release as another device. Apple says the available update can depend on the current software path, and a prerequisite update may need to be installed first.
- Confirm the iPhone model is on Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list.
- Return to Settings > General > Software Update and check again.
- Install any prerequisite update Apple presents.
- Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Temporarily disconnect a VPN or proxy.
- Restart the iPhone and check again.
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage and free space if required.
- Try again later if Apple’s servers are busy.
- Use Finder or iTunes on a computer.
- Contact the organization’s administrator if the iPhone is managed by a school or employer.
If there is not enough storage
When storage is low, Apple may offer to temporarily remove apps to make room for the update. The apps should be automatically reinstalled after installation completes. If you choose Cancel, you must free space yourself before trying again.
To reclaim space, review Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Consider removing downloaded videos, podcasts, or music; offloading unused apps; and reviewing large Message attachments. Be cautious with photos: if iCloud Photos is enabled, deleting a photo can synchronize that deletion across your devices. Confirm that important content is backed up before removing it.
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If the update fails or shows an error
Common causes include insufficient storage, interrupted Wi-Fi, VPN or proxy interference, low battery, outdated Finder or iTunes software, a damaged cable, an unreliable USB port, Apple-server congestion, device-management restrictions, or a hardware problem.
Try these steps:
- Connect the iPhone to power.
- Restart the iPhone and retry the update.
- Use another Wi-Fi network if available.
- Disconnect a VPN or proxy temporarily.
- Free storage if prompted.
- Update macOS, Windows, Finder, or iTunes as appropriate.
- Try a different Apple-compatible cable, USB port, or computer.
- Use Apple’s Update your iPhone or iPad troubleshooting guidance.
If the iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or progress bar
Do not immediately force-restart an iPhone during a normal installation, particularly if the progress indicator is still moving. Allow the process reasonable time while the phone remains connected to power.
If it remains unresponsive for an extended period, connect it to a computer and follow Apple’s dedicated recovery instructions. If Finder or iTunes offers both Update and Restore, try Update first when your goal is to reinstall iOS while attempting to preserve data. Restore is a later recovery option and erases the iPhone, so use it only after understanding that consequence and confirming you have a backup where possible.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow to verify that iOS 26 installed
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Check iOS Version.
You can also open Settings > General > Software Update. That screen indicates whether the iPhone is up to date and shows any newer compatible release available.
Should you remain on an older iOS version?
iOS 26 is not necessarily an immediate requirement for every user. App compatibility, accessories, workplace policies, or stability concerns may affect your timing. If you wait, keep the iPhone on the newest security-supported software available for that model and review Apple’s release information regularly.
Apple states that an installed iOS update cannot be downgraded to the previous version. Do not install a beta simply to obtain a feature unless you understand the stability and update-channel trade-offs. If a beta profile is installed, the available update path may differ; check the beta-update settings and back up before changing channels.
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