How to Update to iOS 26 on Your iPhone [2025 Latest]

By Ethan Mercer

Updated on: September 15, 2025

Category: How to

iOS 26 is finally coming! Its brand-new design and powerful features bring enough expectations and excitement to users. From iOS 18 to iOS 26, Apple changed its way of naming OS, also indicating a great generational leap and update since iOS 7. Now some indecisive voices like should I upgrade to iOS 26 appear. If you are ambivalent about iOS 26, this guide can help you out. Let's walk you through the key features of iOS 26, things you should know before updating to iOS 26 and how to update to iOS 26 safely.

Part 1: What's New About iOS 26?

What's new about iOS 26, or what features can iOS 26 interest you in? The fresh UI design with Liquid Glass is the biggest update point of iOS 26, and there are also other highlights we can discuss.

Part 2: Preparations Before Updating to iOS 26

Learning all these fresh and powerful features about iOS 26, most users can't wait to update to iOS 26. But don't be so rushed. Let's check what essential preparations you should make before updating to iOS 26. Check that your iPhone is eligible to update to iOS 26.

iOS 26 Compatibility

iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and subsequent models, including:

Enough Storage for iOS 26

If your iPhone is on the list available for iOS 26, the next step is to check if your device has enough storage for the update. You can go to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage" to check the available space, and you should have 15-20 GB or more of free space for this download and installation. Otherwise, the lack of enough space is one of the most common reasons for a failed update. And if, unfortunately, you are running low on storage, try the following tips:

Backup Your iPhone for Free Before iOS 26

You can not only backup your iPhone when it lacks enough storage to update to iOS 26, but also make a reliable backup to archive your iPhone before updating to iOS 26. Syncios Mobile Manager is a comprehensive tool that can help you backup and restore iPhone with only one click.

Syncios Mobile Manager is also proficient at selective backup. Supported photos, videos, music, ebooks, messages, contacts, notes, call history, bookmarks, files, apps, and more, you can view, delete, edit, and transfer iPhone data as you like. For a certain type of data, it allows you to export it to a readable HTML and CSV file format. Other handy tools like Photo Compression, Ringtone Maker, Video Converter, etc., are available as well. Learn how to use it for free:

Syncios Mobile Manager

• Selectively backup and restore Photo, Contacts, Message, Call log, Music, Video, Ebooks, etc.
• Export camera roll, photo library, panorama, selfie, and live photo from iOS devices to computer.
• Download photos from iCloud Photo Stream to computer.
• Convert HEIC photos to JPG photos and compress pictures freely.
• Import pictures from computer to Android/iOS devices.
• Edit, new, rename or delete Android/iOS devices album on computer.

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Steps to Backup Your iPhone for Free Before iOS 26:

• Step 1: Launch Syncios Mobile Manager on computer and connect your iPhone to it your iPhone with a USB cable. In the main interface, you can directly choose "Backup Device" to backup your iPhone to Windows/Mac with one click.
• 👉 Note: If you encounter connection issues, refer to our troubleshooting guide here.



• Step 2: If you prefer the selective backup, choose one type of data you want to transfer. For example, the "Information" tab.



• Step 3: Choose items and click the "Backup" button to backup your iPhone to computer without hassle.

Part 3: How to Update to iOS 26 on Your iPhone

After you make the necessary preparations, now you are ready to update to iOS 26. This part provides you with the step-by-step three methods on how to update to iOS 26 easily and safely. Choose your preferred one and jump into the new iOS 26 now.

Method 1: Update to iOS 26 Via OTA

When it comes to how to update to iOS 26, the Over-the-Air (OTA) update is the easiest and widely used method for you. It allows you to download, install and experience iOS 26 directly on your iPhone or iPad wirelessly without needing a computer. The simple steps are as follows:

• Step 1: Connect your iPhone to WiFi and make sure your phone is charged enough before the update.
• Step 2: Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" on your iPhone.
• Step 3: Tap "Download and Install" under the iOS 26 update.
• Step 4: Wait patiently to complete the download.
• Step 5: When it finishes, your iPhone will restart and install the iOS 26 automatically.

Method 2: Update to iOS 26 Via iTunes/Finder

How to update to iOS 26 besides OTA? Using iTunes on Windows or Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later can be another simple and robust method to update to iOS 26. This method is especially helpful when your OTA update fails and you want to perform a clean installation. See steps below:

• Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Windows (iTunes) or Mac (Finder) using a USB cable.
• Step 2: Open iTunes or Finder and then select your iPhone.
• Step 3: Click the "Check for Update" option.
• Step 4: When the iOS 26 is available, click "Download and Update".
• Step 5: Make sure your device is well-connected and wait for it to finish the update.

Method 3: Update to iOS 26 Using IPSW

If you are an advanced user and want to update to iOS 26 manually, you can try this method and download the official IPSW firmware file. IPSW allows you to fix certain update errors, but it is not recommended if you are not skilled at manual installation. It also requires you to use a USB cable, a computer, iTunes or Finder.

• Step 1: From Apple Developer Website or third-party sites like ipsw.me, download the correct iOS 26 IPSW file to your computer.
• Step 2: Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
• Step 3: Open iTunes on Windows or Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later.
• Step 4: Hold Shift on Windows or Option on Mac and click "Update" or "Restore iPhone".
• Step 5: Select and download the available iOS 26 IPSW file.
• Step 6: Wait patiently to install and restart your device.

Method 4: Update to iOS 26 Using Apple Configurator

If you are an IT administrator in the enterprise or education field, you can update to iOS 26 using Apple Configurator on a Mac, suitable for updating multiple devices at once. Additionally, it allows you to supervise and set configurations for your controlled devices during the update process.

• Step 1: Download Apple Configurator on your Mac.
• Step 2: Connect the iPhones you want to update to iOS 26 to your Mac using USB cables.
• Step 3: Open the Apple Configurator and select the devices.
• Step 4: Select "Actions & Update" from the menu.
• Step 5: Wait and Apple Configurator will install iOS 26 on all your connected iPhones.

FAQs About How to Update to iOS 26

1. Should I update my phone to iOS 26?

That depends on your personal preference. If you are interested and satisfied with new features on iOS 26, such as the Liquid Glass and the customized wallpaper on Messages, you can update to iOS 26. But if you are not open to the new design or something, you can wait.

2. Why is 26 after 18 iOS?

This time, Apple changed its operating system naming to a year-based one. The 26 stands for the year 2026, meaning when it will be in use by most users, so the iOS version jumped from 18 to 26.

3. Which phones get iOS 26?

iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models. For the detailed supported iPhone models, please refer to this table.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, this complete guide contains everything you should know about iOS 26. Before starting to update your iPhone to iOS 26, don't forget to check the compatibility, storage, and backup your important data by using Syncios Mobile Manager for free! Furthermore, it offers you 4 feasible methods to help you update to iOS 26 safely. Whether you are an ordinary user or an IT administrator, you can find your comfortable way to update your iPhone and enjoy the new features!

What's next? Download Syncios Mobile Manager now!

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Ethan Mercer | Senior Writer

Tech writer with over a decade of experience, Ethan Mercer focuses on computing, mobile technology, and data solutions, offering deep insights into how these technologies shape our daily digital interactions.