Apple’s 2025 OS Release: iOS 26 and Beyond Hit September 15

Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025, confirmed the release date for its 2025 operating systemsiOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26all launching on September 15, 2025, as free updates. Unveiled at WWDC 2025 on June 9, these OSes introduce a unified “Liquid Glass” UI and enhanced Apple Intelligence, aligning with the iPhone 17 series launch (shipping September 19). Source: Apple.

Release Date

All six operating systemsiOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26will roll out on September 15, 2025, via Settings > General > Software Update for compatible devices. They ship pre-installed on new iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 models. Developer betas began post-WWDC, with public betas from July 24, ensuring a polished launch.

iOS 26: Liquid Glass for iPhone

Reminder of Features: iOS 26 brings a translucent Liquid Glass UI, revamping the Home Screen and notifications with depth and vibrancy. Apple Intelligence powers AI-driven screenshot queries, Live Translation for Messages and FaceTime, and Genmoji for custom emojis. Messages adds polls, Phone summarizes voicemails, and a Games app curates titles. Adaptive Power Mode boosts battery life, and wrist-flick gestures dismiss alerts.
Compatible Models: iPhone 11 and later, including iPhone SE (2nd gen+) and iPhone 17 series.

iPadOS 26: Multitasking Mastery

Reminder of Features: Liquid Glass enhances iPad’s UI with translucent windows. A new windowing system adds macOS-like minimize/close buttons, and the Files app improves organization. Apple Intelligence offers AI-assisted Notes and visual search. Safari gets smarter tab groups, and Profiles enable quick user switching.
Compatible Models: iPad Pro 2018+, iPad Air 3+, iPad 7+, iPad mini 5+.

macOS Tahoe 26: Desktop Elegance

Reminder of Features: Liquid Glass transforms the Dock and Finder with transparency. iPhone-like features include a Phone app, Live Activities, and a Games app. Apple Intelligence refines Spotlight and writing tools in Mail. Improved window previews and native iPad app support enhance productivity.
Compatible Models: MacBook Air/Pro 2018+ (M1+), iMac 2019+, Mac mini 2018+, Mac Studio, Mac Pro 2019+.

watchOS 26: Smarter Wrist

Reminder of Features: Liquid Glass brings fluid watch faces and notifications. Workout Buddy uses AI for real-time form coaching, and Smart Stack predicts widget needs. Sleep Score tracks sleep stages, and Live Listen shows iPhone captions. Wrist-flick gestures simplify interactions.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 6+, SE 2+, Ultra+.

tvOS 26: Immersive TV

Reminder of Features: Liquid Glass adds translucent menus and profiles. The TV app includes karaoke and redesigned FaceTime with SharePlay. Apple Intelligence enhances content recommendations, and a new API simplifies app logins with Apple Accounts.
Compatible Models: Apple TV 4K (2nd gen+), Apple TV HD.

visionOS 26: Spatial Evolution

Reminder of Features: Liquid Glass powers spatial widgets (Clock, Weather, Photos) that persist in your environment. Apple Intelligence creates immersive scenes for productivity, and PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers boost gaming. Personas gain expressive animations.
Compatible Models: Apple Vision Pro (1st gen+).

Why It Matters

The September 15, 2025, release syncs with iPhone 17’s launch, ensuring new devices like the iPhone 17 Air shine with Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence. The year-based naming (iOS 26, etc.) unifies Apple’s ecosystem, and broad compatibility supports devices dating back to 2018. Back up your device before updating to avoid beta-related hiccups.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 arrive on September 15, 2025, bringing Liquid Glass and AI smarts across the ecosystem. Want specifics on a feature or device compatibility? Visit Apple for details.