iOS 26 Release Date India: Time, Features, and Supported iPhones

Apple has officially announced the iOS 26 release date India for iPhone users. The update will be available on September 15, 2025, at 10:30 PM IST. With a stunning new Liquid Glass design, smarter Apple Intelligence, and major upgrades to Messages, CarPlay, and Maps, iOS 26 is one of the most ambitious iPhone updates yet.

If you are waiting for iOS 26 in India, here’s everything you need to know about the release date, time, features, and supported devices.

iOS 26 Release Date and Time in India

• Global Release Date: September 15, 2025

• India Time: Around 10:30 PM IST

Apple follows its traditional rollout window of 10 AM Pacific Time (PT), which translates to 10:30 PM IST in India.
👉 Apple Official iOS Page

iOS 26 Key Features

Here’s a quick look at the headline features launching with iOS 26:

1. Liquid Glass Design

A brand-new UI that brings glossy icons, translucent widgets, and dynamic lock screens. The Lock Screen time adapts to your wallpapers, and app icons come in light, dark, tinted, and clear variations.

2. Visual Intelligence

iOS 26 uses on-screen intelligence to let you search, ask questions, or add events directly from what’s visible on your screen.

3. Apple Intelligence (AI)

The upgraded AI adds:

• Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone

• Genmoji & Image Playground for AI-generated emojis and custom art

• Smart Shortcuts to summarize text or create instant images

4. Messages Upgrades

• Polls in group chats

• Custom chat backgrounds

• Better spam filtering and unknown sender screening

5. Smarter Communication

• Call Screening: iPhone asks unknown callers for their name and purpose before disturbing you

• Hold Assist: iPhone waits on hold and alerts you when the agent is ready

6. CarPlay & Maps

• Live Activities & Tapbacks in CarPlay

• Maps learns your frequent routes and alerts you about delays

• “Visited Places” keeps track of restaurants, cafes, and trips

👉 Full coverage: NDTV Gadgets360 on iOS 26 features

Other Exciting Updates

• Games App: Track all your games in one place with achievements, Apple Arcade, and challenges

• Wallet: Digital ID support (US-only), boarding passes, luggage tracking

• Apple Music: AutoMix like a DJ + Lyrics Translation

• Photos: New Library & Collections layout, plus 3D “spatial” photo effects

• Accessibility: Braille-focused design, motion sickness cues, customizable reading

iOS 26 Supported Devices

Compatible iPhones

• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

• iPhone 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 15 series

• iPhone 16 series (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e)

• iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air

• iPhone SE (2nd Gen and newer)

Older models like iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are not supported.
👉 Device list confirmed by Times of India Tech.

How to Update to iOS 26 in India

1. Open Settings → General → Software Update

2. Tap Download and Install

3. Keep your iPhone charged and connected to Wi-Fi

4. Wait for the restart and setup

Apple also recommends backing up your device before updating.
👉 Apple Support – Back up iPhone

Final Thoughts

The iOS 26 release date India is officially September 15, 2025, at 10:30 PM IST. With its Liquid Glass design, smarter Siri, Live Translation, and advanced CarPlay, it’s a major leap for iPhone users.

If your iPhone is supported, prepare to back up, free up storage, and get ready for one of the most exciting iOS rollouts yet.

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