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The Ultimate iOS 26 Update Guide
Everything You Need to Know - From Upgrades and Downgrades to AI Features and Migration Tips!
iOS 26 Update Information
New Features in iOS 26
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1. Apple Intelligence Fully Upgraded
iOS 26 deeply integrates generative AI, enhances Siri conversations, Safari smart summaries, photo suggestions, and AI-generated wallpapers. These upgrades make operations more efficient and better aligned with user habits, greatly enhancing the overall user experience.
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2. Liquid Glass Design Refreshes the iOS Interface
iOS 26 use the "Liquid Glass" semi-transparent design, bringing a sense of depth and light effects. The interface is more vibrant, and icons and widgets feel more personalized - elevating the visual experience.
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3. Dynamic Lock Screen
The lock screen in iOS 26 dynamically adjusts the position and size of the clock based on the background image. Paired with the new "Spatial Scenes," background images present a 3D-like effect, creating an immersive visual experience.
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4. Photo Tabs
The updated Photos app separates "Library" and "Collections" into individual tabs. Users can more easily switch between browsing all images and exploring curated memories.
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5. Safari Full-Screen Web Display
Safari now supports full vertical screen usage, maximizing the visible area for web content. Users can see more page details, while key actions like refresh and search remain easily accessible.
Supported Devices for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
- iPhone
- iPad
iPhones Compatible with iOS 26:
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd / 3rd generation)
Devices No Longer Supported by iOS 26:
- iPhone XS / XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 / 8 Plus
- iPhone 7 / 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPad Models That Support iPadOS 26
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad (A16)
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- 11-inch iPad Pro (1st generation and later)
- iPad mini（A17 Pro）
- iPad Air (M2/M3)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
Devices No Longer Supported by iPadOS 26:
- iPad (7th generation, Apple A10)
Important Note
Some new features, such as "Apple Intelligence" (Generative AI), are only available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models equipped with the A17 Pro chip. These features are not supported on other devices.
Preparation Before Upgrading to iOS 26
Step 1: Back Up Your iPhone
Upgrading to a new iOS version may occasionally result in errors or data loss. It's strongly recommended that you back up your iPhone/iPad before installing iOS 26. Additionally, if you don't like the new system and want to downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18, you can use the backup file to restore your device data. Here are three backup methods:
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1 Connect your device to Wi-Fi
2 Go to "Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud"
3 Tap "iCloud Backup"
4 Select "Back Up Now" and wait for the backup to complete
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1 Download and install iMyFone D-Back
2 Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer
3 Select data backup function
4 Click "Back Up" to start the process
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1 Open iTunes (or Finder) on your computer
2Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer
3Select your device in iTunes/Finder
4 Click "Back Up Now"
Step 2: Free Up iPhone Storage
Insufficient storage may prevent iOS 26 from installing properly. Typically, you need at least 5GB of free space to update. Before updating, make sure and free up enough space on your device. Here are some effective ways to free up storage space on your iPhone:
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- Go to "Settings > General > iPhone Storage"
- Check Apple's recommendations (e.g., delete old messages and uninstall unused apps)
- Tap to enable suggestions and delete large apps
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- Enable "Optimize iPhone Storage": Settings > Apps > Photos
- Delete duplicates, blurry images, or unwanted media
- Export large videos to your computer or cloud and remove them from your iPhone
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- Clear Safari history: Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
- Limiting the time you retain information: Settings > Apps > Messages > Keep Messages > 30 Days
- Uninstall and then reinstall apps that take up a lot of space (such as Facebook, LINE) (be careful)
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- Open Umate Pro on your computer and connect your device
- Select "One Click to Free Up Space" and scan your device
- Select junk files, temp files, large files, etc.
- Click "Clean" to quickly free up several GB of space
Video Tutorial | How to Clear Storage on iPhone How to Update to iOS 26?
If you're unable to update to iOS 26 via OTA as usual, or if you prefer a clean and safe firmware installation, iMyFone Fixppo is your best choice. This guide walks you through how to install iOS 26 using Fixppo. It's beginner-friendly, doesn't require iTunes, and ensures no data loss. Even without any technical background, you can get started easily!
- Download and install iMyFone Fixppo on your computer, then click "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade"
- Select "Upgrade iOS" and connect your iPhone to your computer
- Choose firmware version "26.0", click "Download" to complete the iOS 26 upgrade
iOS Update Program without Deleting Data
Safely upgrade iOS without worrying about data loss. No freezes or slowdowns during the process. Enjoy a smoother upgrade experience. Now fully supports iOS 26!
Pros:
- Easy to use, no technical knowledge needed
- Effectively prevent possible errors during iOS 26 update
- A reliable solution when iTunes, OTA, or other methods fail
Cons:
- Need to install Fixppo separately and connect the device to the computer
- iOS upgrade feature is a paid service
Updating to iOS 26 over Wi-Fi is a quick and easy way for iPhone and iPad users. You can experience the latest features and update safely without connecting to a data cable. A stable Wi-Fi connection and sufficient battery power can ensure a smooth and safe upgrade process.
- Connect your iPhone/iPad to WiFi and charge it
- Go to "Settings > General > Software Update"
- Tap "Upgrade to iOS 26", then tap "Download and Install" to complete the update
Pros:
- Easiest and fastest method
- No extra software required
Cons:
- Errors may occur during the iOS update process.
- If the network connection is unstable, the update may fail.
Updating to iOS 26 via iTunes or Finder is a good method for users who need to completely install a new system or cannot update via Wi-Fi. This method can safely and efficiently install the new system, while also making it easy to back up data and troubleshoot any issues during the update.
- Connect your iOS device to your computer and open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
- Select your device in iTunes/Finder
- Click "Summary > Check for Update > Update"
Pros:
- A good fallback if Wi-Fi update fails
- Completely free to use
Cons:
- Errors may occur when using iTunes
- iOS update process may still fail in some cases
Video Tutorial | How to Update iOS
Problems During iOS 26 Upgrade?
Checking for updates is a crucial step to ensure the iOS firmware is correctly downloaded from Apple. If you're unable to update to iOS 26, it may be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal, insufficient storage, or system-related errors.
Video Tutorial | How to Fix iOS Update Failure 3 Ways to Fix iOS Update Failures:
- Check Wi-Fi Connection: Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. If issues persist, try turning Airplane Mode on/off or resetting network settings.
- Free Up iPhone Storage: If your storage is nearly full, delete unused apps or files.
- Update on Computers Using iTunes or Fixppo: Connect your iPhone to a computer and update using iTunes or iMyFone Fixppo.
If you're having trouble loading the iOS update, don’t worry. This issue is often caused by internet connection, storage, or temporary system failure. Please try these 3 basic solutions to initiate the update normally.
Video Tutorial | How to Fix iOS Update Loading
Failure
3 Ways to Fix iOS Update Loading Issues:
- Check Wi-Fi: Make sure your Wi-Fi or mobile network is stable, with no disconnections or slow speeds.
- Check Apple Server Status: Go to Apple’s system status page and check whether the “Software Update” service is running properly.
- Update via iTunes or Fixppo: If you still can’t update, try using iTunes or iMyFone Fixppo on a computer. Even if the download fails, it can solve the problem.
If you are unable to install iOS or encounter problems during the update, such as a frozen screen, incomplete download, or unknown error, don’t worry! Try the three simple methods below to fix the issue and update your iPhone successfully.
3 Ways to Fix iOS Installation Failure:
- Free Up Enough Space: Go to "Settings > General > iPhone Storage" to check available space. If space is insufficient, delete unnecessary apps, photos, or files.
- Delete Faulty Update Files: Delete the downloaded update file, then try downloading it again from "Settings".
- Update Using a Safer Alternative: If you still can't update, try using iMyFone Fixppo or iTunes to update your iPhone to iOS 26, avoiding the risk of data loss.
If your iPhone gets stuck while updating iOS, don't worry! This is often caused by unstable networks, insufficient storage, or system errors. Try the following 3 simple methods to help your iPhone return to normal.
Video Tutorial | How to Fix iOS Update Stuck
Issues 3 Methods to Fix iOS Update Stuck Issues:
- Check Wi-Fi: Connect to a faster and more stable Wi-Fi network to avoid download or update freeze.
- Force Restart iPhone: Press and hold the "Power + Home" button or Volume Down button for at least 10 seconds to restart the device.
- Use Other Reliable Tools to Update: If updating on the device doesn't work, try using iMyFone Fixppo or iTunes to update via computer, avoiding the risk of data loss.
iMyFone Fixppo One-Stop Solution for iPhone Update Issues
Easily and quickly solve iPhone update problems without deleting data. Simple to use and suitable for all users facing update issues!
Other Solutions for Errors When Updating to iOS 26
- iPhone Stopped Updating Halfway Through >
- Fix
iPhone Stuck on Update Requested >
Video Tutorial
- Fix iPhone Won't Turn On After iOS 18/26 Update >
- Fix
iPhone Keeps Restarting Itself
>
Video Tutorial
- Fix iPhone
Stuck on Hello Screen After Update >
Video Tutorial
- Fix
iPhone Keeps Turning On and Off >
Video Tutorial
Can iOS 26 Be Downgraded to iOS 18?
In most cases, you cannot downgrade from a newer iOS version (like iOS 26) to iOS 18 because Apple stops signing older versions. However, if Apple is still signing iOS 18 (typically within about two weeks after a new update is released), you can still downgrade using the following methods on a computer.
- Method 1:
Downgrade Using Professional Tool – Fixppo - Method 2:
Install iOS Using IPSW File via iTunes/Finder
Method 1: Downgrade Using Professional Tool – Fixppo
- Download and install iMyFone Fixppo, and select "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" mode
- Connect your iPhone and choose "Downgrade iOS"
- The program will automatically download the correct firmware
- Click "Start" to install iOS 18
Method 2: Install iOS Using IPSW File via iTunes/Finder
- Visit ipsw.me and select your iPhone model
- Download the iOS 18 file that is still "signed" by Apple
- Open iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for Mac)
- Connect your iPhone to the computer and enter the Recovery Mode
- Hold Shift (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click "Restore iPhone"
- Select the downloaded IPSW file and wait for installation to complete
Video Tutorial | How to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 
More Powerful AI Features
iOS 26 introduces Apple Intelligence, Apple's new AI system that makes the iPhone smarter and easier to use - whether you're summarizing text, writing emails, or creating emojis with text prompts. All of this is designed to make your life more convenient and personalized. However,this feature is only available on select iPhone models.
AI Features
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1. Speech-to-Text + Summary Upgrade
Users can apply AI summary feature to call recordings, voice memos, web pages, and quickly extracting key points. Ideal for meeting notes, study outlines, or long-form content organization.
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2. Writing Assistant Across Multiple Apps
In apps like Mail, Notes, and Pages, Apple Intelligence offers writing suggestions, including tone adjustments, grammar fixes, and even paragraph generation, greatly improving writing efficiency.
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3. Image Generation: Image Playground Debuts
With Image Playground, users can generate images in different styles (cartoon, sketch, realistic), and use them in Messages, Notes, social sharing, and more. Everyone can enjoy creating with AI visuals.
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4. Generative Emojis (Genmoji) Launch
With AI, simply describing an idea is enough to generate unique emoji stickers, known as Genmoji. It can be inserted into chats and emails for more personalized expression.
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5. AI-Powered Photo Search and Organization
Apple Intelligence can recognize photo content and supports natural language search (e.g., “Find the photo from last summer in Tokyo with a red dress”), while also organizing albums and removing duplicates automatically.
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6. Smart Notification Summaries
The Notification Center adds AI summary cards, which condense long notifications into one-sentence highlights to reduce distractions. The system also supports contextual learning to prioritize content users care about.
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7. One-Tap Summaries of Chats and Web Pages
In Safari and Messages, AI can automatically summarize content from web pages, PDFs, and chat history. This improves reading efficiency and makes it easier to archive or share key information.
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8. Real-Time Call Translation Feature Launches
iOS 26 includes a new feature called "Real-Time Call Translation." During a call, translated subtitles are automatically displayed. It supports multiple languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and French. This is ideal for travel, business communication, or talking with friends from other countries, making cross-language conversations smoother.
Apple Intelligence Requirements
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Apple Intelligence Requirements
iPhone
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Plus
iPad
- iPad Pro
- iPad Air
- iPad mini
Mac
- Mac with Apple Silicon M1 chip or later
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Supported Operating Systems
- iOS 18.1 or later
- macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later
- iPadOS 18.1 or later
- visionOS 2.4
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Other Requirements
- Set your device language and Siri language to the same supported language.
- At least 7 GB of available storage is required.
Note:
Apple Intelligence is now available in US
Overview of the Most Popular AI Creation Tools
Although Apple Intelligence has been enhanced in 2025, some features and regions are still not supported. Here we introduce some of the most popular AI tools. They can be used without a specific model.
- Real-time AI voice filters with 500+ options
- Over 100K+ soundboards (for Discord, Twitch, and more)
- Instant AI voice changing in games or chat apps
- Supports voice recording and audio file voice changing
- AI voice cloning – generate any voice with one click
- Supports custom voices and sound effects to meet all your voice modification needs
- Use the AI cover feature for free, with over a thousand singers to choose from
- Real-time chat with cutting-edge AI models (GPT-4.1, GPT-4o, Gemini, Claude Sonnet 4, and more)
- More than just chatting - generate and edit images directly in AI chat
- Write complete stories, essays, SEO articles, or promotional copy in easy steps
- Supports online search, voice conversations, and even complex math problem solving
- Detects and rewrites AI or plagiarized content for truly original results
- Try the AI kissing tool - kiss your favorite celebrity in a fun, lifelike video
- Bring old photos to life with one click. Relive precious moments with lost loved ones
- Upload a portrait, swap faces easily, and create funny memes in seconds
- Pick from over 10 AI dance templates and watch your photo dance to the beat
- Works perfectly with TikTok and Shorts trends - make your viral AI video fast
Easy iPhone 17 Transfer Tips
When switching to an iPhone 17, the biggest challenge is often transferring important data from your old device to your new one, especially chat apps like LINE or WhatsApp that contain valuable conversation history. We'd like to introduce the best WhatsApp and LINE data transfer guides to help you smoothly move your chat history when upgrading to iPhone 17.
- Transfer LINE
- Transfer WhatsApp
Method 1: Transfer LINE Chat History Using iTransor for LINE
- Download and install iMyFone iTransor for LINE
- Connect both your old and new phones to the computer, and set the source and target devices
- Select "Transfer LINE between Android and iOS" to start moving chats and data
- iOS to Android
- iOS to iOS
- Android to Android
- Android to iOS
iTransor for LINE also supports free LINE backup
Additional Guides for Transferring LINE Chat History When Switching Devices:
Method 2: Use iCloud to Back Up LINE on iPhone
- 1. Open the LINE app > go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, then tap “Back Up Now” to upload your chat history to iCloud.
- 2. Go to iPhone Settings > Apple ID (your account) > iCloud > LINE, and make sure LINE has access to iCloud.
- 3. Set up your new iPhone and sign in with the same Apple ID, then download the LINE app from the App Store.
- 4. Open LINE, log in using your original phone number > enter the verification code > when prompted, tap "Restore Chat History" to recover your messages from iCloud.
This method works only between iPhones. LINE chat history backed up to iCloud cannot be restored on an Android phone.
Method 3: Use Google Drive to Transfer LINE on Android
- 1. Go to Settings > Google > Backup, check if LINE has access to Google Drive, and confirm the selected Google account is the same as the one used in LINE.
- 2. Open the LINE app > go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, then tap “Back Up to Google Drive” to save your chat history.
- 3. Set up your new phone and log in with the same Google account used for the backup.
- 4. Install LINE on the new device > log in with the same phone number > enter the one-time password (OTP) > when prompted, tap "Restore" to retrieve your data from Google Drive.
You can only use Google Drive to move data from Android to Android. It does not support Android to iPhone or Phone to Android.
Method 1: Use iMyTrans to Transfer WhatsApp Chats
- Download and install iMyFone iMyTrans.
- Connect both your old and new phones to the computer, and set the source and target devices.
- Select "Transfer" to start moving WhatsApp chats and other media files.
More Guides on Transferring WhatsApp When Switching Phones:
Method 2: Use iCloud to Transfer WhatsApp on iPhone
- 1. Make sure your iPhone is signed in with the same Apple ID and that iCloud Drive is enabled.
- 2. On your old iPhone, open "WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup", then tap "Back Up Now" to upload your chat history to iCloud.
- 3. On your new iPhone, install WhatsApp and log in with the same phone number.
- 4. After logging in, you'll be prompted to restore chat history from iCloud. Tap "Restore Chat History" to complete the transfer.
If you don't have iCloud or haven't backed up your WhatsApp chats before, we recommend using iMyFone ChatsBack to restore your WhatsApp chat history. This is safer and provides more flexibility in restoring your data.
Method 3: Use Google Drive to Transfer WhatsApp on Android
- 1. Make sure your Google account is signed in on the old phone and Google Drive access is enabled.
- 2. On your old Android phone, open "WhatsApp > go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup", then tap "Back Up to Google Drive".
- 3. On your new Android phone, install WhatsApp and log in with the same phone number.
- 4. After logging in, you'll be prompted to restore chat history. Tap "Restore" to complete the data migration.
If the data on Google Drive is incomplete or cannot be recovered, iMyFone ChatsBack can help with a deeper and more comprehensive data recovery.