You can update to iOS 26 starting today, Monday, September 15, 2025. The update is expected to be released around 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (1:00 p.m. Eastern Time), though the exact time may vary slightly by time zone. To check if the update is available, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and wait for it to connect to Apple's servers. Be prepared for possible slower download speeds initially due to high demand. Make sure your device is fully charged and connected to Wi-Fi before starting the update process.
This update is the next major iOS release and brings significant new features and a design overhaul. It is compatible with a wide range of iPhone models including recent ones like iPhone 11 and later, but excludes older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. If your device is supported, you should be able to update to iOS 26 now or shortly after the official release time.