Apple Rolls Out iOS 26 Globally With Fresh Design and Smarter Features

The latest version of Apple's iPhone operating system, iOS 26, is now officially available. It offers a major change and new AI-driven capabilities to millions of users globally. The update went live on September 15, 2025, and is currently available for free on all iPhones that support it.

The new "Liquid Glass" design language, which gives apps, menus, and icons a transparent, glass-like appearance with smoother animations, is the most notable update in iOS 26. According to Apple, this makeover improves the iPhone's fluidity and visual immersion. With features like call screening for unknown numbers, hold assist that waits on the line until a human answers, and real-time translation across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone applications, the update goes beyond appearances to promote stronger Apple Intelligence integration. Additionally, live typing indicators, unique backgrounds, and polls have improved group chats in Messages.

In addition to a new function that translates and pronounces lyrics in several languages, users will notice a new addition. The AutoMix, which produces smoother transitions between tracks. On the other hand, there are updates to Wallet, Maps, and Photos which are aimed at making daily use more convenient and personalised.

iOS 26 is available for iPhones released from 2019 onwards, starting with the iPhone 11 series. That includes iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 models, as well as the newly launched iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air, which ship with iOS 26 pre-installed. Older models like the iPhone XR and XS are left out of the update.

In Nigeria, users began receiving it from 6:00 PM WAT. The update can be downloaded via the Settings app under General > Software Update.

Apple recommends backing up data, charging the device, and connecting to Wi-Fi before installation. Some features may run slower or be unavailable on older supported models.