Public release of the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe beta versions is now available for download on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
Apple to Launch New Operating Systems This Fall
Apple has announced that its new operating system updates, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26, are all expected to launch this fall, around mid-September 2025. This timeline aligns with Apple's annual hardware event schedule.
The highly anticipated iOS 26 update is expected to release in mid-September 2025, likely within a week of Apple's iPhone 17 unveiling event. Historically, the iPhone 17 launch event takes place in early September, typically during the first or second week. The iOS 26 update will introduce a major design refresh called Liquid Glass, along with AI-powered features and enhancements to Messages, Apple Music, Wallet, CarPlay, and more. A public beta of iOS 26 is already available as of late July 2025 for early testers.
While exact dates have not been announced, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 are conventionally released simultaneously or shortly after iOS. Apple typically unveils all these operating systems at WWDC in June with betas throughout summer, and the final public releases coincide with or follow the September event.
The iPhone 17 launch event is expected to take place at Apple's annual fall event in early September 2025. This event usually happens in the first two weeks of September and sets the schedule for new iPhone availability and accompanying OS updates.
Here's a summary of the expected timeline:
| Event | Expected Date | Notes | |-----------------------------------|-----------------------|-------------------------------------| | Apple iPhone 17 Launch Event | Early September 2025 | Typically first or second week | | Public release of iOS 26 | Mid-September 2025 | Within about a week after iPhone 17 announcement | | Public release of iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 | Around mid-September 2025 | Usually simultaneous or shortly after iOS release |
All final release dates will be confirmed at Apple's September 2025 event. If you're interested in trying out the public betas on your Apple devices, you need to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Programme. However, proceed with caution as these updates are still in development and may contain bugs that could affect the performance of your device.
Technology will play a significant role in Apple's fall plans, with the anticipated iOS 26 update introducing AI-powered features and the major design refresh called Liquid Glass. Simultaneously or shortly after the iOS 26 release, Apple will also unveil the new versions of iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, and tvOS.
