1:05 p.m. UPDATE: iOS 26 is now available for download.
Apple fans hoping to beat the rush and download the new iOS 26 software update for iPhones and iPads are out of luck. It likely won’t be out till this afternoon in Florida.
The tech giant announced Sept. 9 that the highly anticipated iPhone 17 was coming, along with the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air, three new Apple Watch models and the AirPods Pro 3.
Apple also announced that iOS 26 would be made available Monday, Sept. 15, an update with a new (and controversial) interface design and several new AI-powered features including call screening. The company didn’t specify a time, but based on previous releases it will likely drop around 10 a.m. PT.
And their servers will probably be slammed.
Here’s what to know about the new update.
What time does iOS 26 come out in Florida?
Based on previous iPhone software releases, iOS 26 will likely be available around 1 p.m. ET.
Since millions of iPhone users may be trying to download it at the same time, you may want to wait till tomorrow morning at least, or even a few days.
iOS 26 updates will also be available for eligible iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, Apple watches and Apple Vision Pro.
What’s new with iOS 26?
The biggest change will be Liquid Glass, a new user interface on Apple devices that offers the option to make elements and icons translucent to show off the background. Reactions to beta versions of this have been varied, but Apple has made the transparency variable with other options to customize the look of your device. Expect to do some tweaking to get the look that works for you.
The interface also bring streamlined menus and will allow more dynamic controls with the option to swipe between screens or features in several apps, rather than tapping. Notably the Camera app will have a dramatically streamlined interface with just two buttons — video and photo — with more specialized options like Portrait or Pan available by swiping left or right.
AI-enabled features include call screening, where unknown callers will have to identify themselves before you’re notified there’s a call. Recent calls and Messages will both filter unknown sender calls to a different view away from your regular conversations to help unclutter your screens.
How to prepare your iPhone for iOS 26
Note that after installation, your phone may seem to be using more battery power. This is a common issue after a big update as the various databases on your phone and apps are also updating to the new software and that uses more processing power than usual. It should calm down after a day or so.
Which iPhones can download iOS 26?
Older iPhones will not be able to install iOS 26, although security updates will still be available. The phones that can use it are:
Features requiring Apple Intelligence wull only work on iPhone 15 Pro and later. The Spacial Scenes feature that adds 3D effects on certain photos when you use them for your Lock Screen requires an iPhone 12 or later.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: What time does iOS 26 come out in Florida? How to tell if your iPhone is compatible
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
