iOS 26 Drops TODAY: 5 Essential Prep Steps

While the spotlight at Apple’s recent event shone brightly on the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models, the company also confirmed that iOS 26 will be available for download this Monday, September 15. This major software release isn’t limited to iPhones, Apple is also rolling out updates for iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro on the same day, making it one of the most significant software launches of the year.

Before you hit that update button, a little preparation can ensure a smooth transition. Here are five essential steps to get ready for iOS 26.

Confirm Device Compatibility and Feature Availability

First things first, make sure your iPhone can actually run iOS 26. If you’ve been keeping up with Apple’s announcements, you’ll know that support begins with the iPhone 11 and later, including the iPhone SE (2020 and 2022 models). That means the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max won’t be making the jump this time around.

But compatibility isn’t just about whether the software will install. Some of the flashiest new features come with hardware requirements. For instance, Apple Intelligence-powered tools like live translation demand an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. The eye-catching Spatial Scenes effect for your lock screen requires at least an iPhone 12. Even certain regional or language-based features, like Visited Places in Maps, may not be available everywhere. A quick visit to Apple’s official iOS 26 preview page can help clarify what your specific device can do.

Back Up Your iPhone

This might sound like a broken record, but it’s worth repeating: always back up your device before a major update. Creating a recent backup, and even archiving it, gives you a safety net if anything goes wrong during the installation. While it’s rare for iOS updates to cause serious issues, having a recent backup means you can restore your phone exactly as it was if needed.

You can back up via iCloud or using your computer. Either way, don’t skip this step.

Get Acquainted with Liquid Glass

One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass interface, which brings a fresh visual style across the system. Menus have been streamlined, some elements are more translucent, and overall, everything feels a bit sleeker, but also different. If you’ve been using earlier iOS versions, expect a short adjustment period.

You may want to tweak transparency settings in Accessibility if you find certain elements hard to read. It’s also a good idea to explore the redesigned Camera app, where controls have been simplified into a more intuitive layout. Swipe up for more options, left or right to switch modes. A little practice now can prevent fumbling later when you’re trying to capture a quick shot.

Enable New Features Manually

Several powerful iOS 26 features aren’t turned on by default. For example, call screening, which forces unknown callers to identify themselves before ringing through, must be enabled in Phone settings. Similarly, Messages now offers filtering for texts from unknown senders, but you’ll need to activate it within the app.

Don’t forget about Visited Places in Maps, either. This handy feature logs locations you’ve been to, making it easier to recall restaurants, shops, or other spots you liked. Maps will prompt you to opt in after updating.

Explore the Highlights

Once you’re up and running, take some time to dive into what’s new. The lock screen now supports Spatial Scenes (on supported devices) and offers new fonts and widget arrangements. Messages introduces fun additions like in-chat polls and customizable backgrounds. And if your phone supports Apple Intelligence, don’t miss the upgraded Visual Intelligence tools, now accessible through screenshots, not just the camera.

Whether you’re most excited about refined visuals, smarter messaging, or more intuitive maps, iOS 26 brings plenty to explore. A little prep goes a long way toward making the most of it.

(Source: Toms’s Guide)