Apple set to roll out free upgrade for millions, but only certain users will receive it.
Everyone loves getting something for free. It's a bonus when it's a major upgrade that makes your phone better.
Apple's about to roll out iOS 26, a massive iPhone update that brings loads of new features to millions of devices.
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The biggest visual change is something called 'Liquid Glass' which gives your entire iPhone a glossy, translucent look. Icons and menus get a see-through appearance that's supposed to make everything look more modern and sleek.
But the real improvements are in functionality.
A new feature called real-time translation means you can now have conversations with people who speak completely different languages through texting, phone calls, and FaceTime. Meanwhile, iOS 26's Hold Assist feature uses a robot to wait on the call for you, then alerts you when an actual human picks up so you don't have to wait around listening to hold music.
Another wave of protection from scammers comes in the form of an upgrade to the Call Screening feature, which can use a bot to talk to unknown callers before they reach you.
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The bot asks who's calling and what they want, then displays a real-time transcript of their response on your screen, allowing you to choose whether to pick up the call or not.
iOS 26 isn't available to everyone yet as Apple will need to test the update through a 'Public Beta.'
How to get iOS 26 early
Most iPhone users will have to wait until the official release of iOS 26 in September. The update will appear in Settings > General > Software Update like always.
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But if you want early access, you can sign up for Apple's Public Beta program.
Back in June, Apple said the beta would arrive 'next month,' meaning July. With just days left in July, there's still a chance to claim access.
To join the beta, you need to:
- Go to Apple's beta website
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Register for the iOS 26 Public Beta
- Wait for approval
- Check Settings > General > Software Update for the beta option
Which iPhones support iOS 26?
iOS 26 supports a wide range of iPhones, including some older models. Here's the full compatibility list:
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iPhone 16 Series:
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
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iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
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iPhone 15 Series:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Series:
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Series:
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Series:
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Series:
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE:
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
With every beta software release, there's a chance of bugs, so Apple recommends backing up your iPhone beforehand to prevent you from losing any data.