Apple’s iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe Launch September 15

For those planning to purchase the latest Apple hardware announced today, the new devices will arrive with the company’s most recent operating systems pre-installed. However, if you’re holding onto your current Apple products, you won’t have to wait long, the major software updates will become available for all compatible devices on September 15.

In a notable shift, Apple is adopting a unified year-based numbering convention across its entire ecosystem. This means that instead of varying version numbers, users will see consistent labeling: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and even the HomePod software will align under version 26, all launching simultaneously.

The standout feature in this year’s updates is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a sweeping visual redesign that introduces glass-like transparency, subtle translucency, and fluid animations across Apple’s software interfaces. Drawing inspiration from visionOS, where interface elements appear to hover seamlessly over real-world environments, Liquid Glass represents the most significant aesthetic overhaul since iOS 7 debuted over a decade ago.

(Source: Ars Technica)