8 Things You Should Know Before Upgrading to iOS 26

Are you excited about the upcoming iOS 26 update? For the big iOS update every year, it’s crucial to get well prepared before diving in.

In this article, we will outline the essential things to focus on before upgrading to iOS 26 or the iOS 26 beta. Let's get started.

1. What’s New in iOS 26?

This iOS 26 update introduces a new and modern look, featuring the Liquid Glass design. Additionally, iOS 26 introduced several enhancements, including improved battery optimization through Adaptive Power Mode and enhanced Apple Intelligence integration for more natural interactions. Besides, apps such as Messages, Phone, Apple Maps, and Apple Music have achieved real-time translation and AutoMix.

• A new translucent material called “Liquid Glass” is used throughout the operating system. This design extends to controls, navigation, app icons, menus, buttons, and widgets.
• It streamlines Menus and navigation, and adds more rounded corners and dynamic elements.
• In iOS 26, Apple uses machine learning to convert a 2D image to a 3D version. By clicking the Spatial Scene button in the Photos app, you can convert any 2D images into 3D images.
• Adjusts settings like screen brightness to preserve battery life when you're using more power than usual.
• You can rearrange app layouts to prioritize frequently-used tools.
• The live translation feature is available in both messages and phone calls.
• Apple Maps uses AI to remember and suggest suitable routes for you.
• Apple Music uses AI to translate lyrics from one song to another.

2. Which iPhones Will Get iOS 26?

Before upgrading to iOS 26, ensure your iPhone supports the operating system. Generally, the supporting iPhones are from the iPhone 11 to the new iPhone 17 for 2025.

Check the list below to see if your iPhone is supported.

• iPhone 16 Series: iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 Series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE Series: iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

3. When Is iOS 26 Coming Out?

iOS 26 was unveiled at WWDC on June 9, 2025. Shortly after the event, Apple released the first iOS 26 developer beta.

The first public beta is expected to arrive in July, while the official release is scheduled for September.

4. How Many GB Is iOS 26?

Typically, the iOS 26 update is about 8 GB. However, the exact size varies depending on your iPhone model and iOS version.

5. How Long Does It Take to Upgrade to iOS 26?

Usually, it will take from 30 minutes to over an hour to upgrade to iOS 26. However, the specific duration will be influenced by factors like the processing speed of your device, its storage capacity, and the condition of your internet connection. Your iPhone will shut down several times during the installation. To achieve a smooth upgrade, it is suggested to have your device plugged into a charger and connected to Wi-Fi.

6. Should I Update My iPhone to iOS 26?

The answer depends on your needs.

If you're an Apple enthusiast or an iOS developer, you can update it, as the new Liquid Glass design and powerful Apple Intelligence features it brings are worth a try. It should be noted that the current iOS 26 beta is unstable and may have problems. Therefore, back up your iPhone in advance, or install it on another iPhone instead of your main iPhone.

However, for most iPhone users, it's recommended to wait for the official release in September or for more stable versions later, such as iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2.

7. What to Do Before Upgrading to iOS 26?

In this part, we’ll provide three tips for what you need to do before upgrading to iOS 26.

Back Up Your Data

It is necessary to back up your iPhone before upgrading to iOS 26, as this will ensure that all your data, settings, and personal information will be stored. There is a small chance that your data will be corrupted or lost during the updating process, especially if the iOS update encounters an unexpected issue.

For more detailed steps, check out the following articles:

• How to Back Up iPhone to iCloud
• How to Back Up iPhone to Mac

Check Storage Space

It requires a lot of storage space to download and install the new iOS 26. If there isn’t enough storage on your iPhone, the upgrade can fail with errors, not finishing the installation as expected. In addition, freeing up space guarantees that your iPhone has room for the larger file sizes and new features available in iOS 26, preventing performance or crashes.

Generally, you need at least 10 GB of free storage space on your iPhone. However, Apple recommends having at least 15 GB of free storage space, as the update file itself might be around 5 GB. In some cases, especially during early beta phases, System Data can temporarily grow significantly, reaching 20 GB or more after installation. Therefore, having more free space helps avoid issues during and after the update.

To get more space on your iPhone, you can delete apps, unwanted photos, and cached data from your device. Normally, you can make it under Settings and specific apps:

1. Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

   

2. Check how much space each app is taking up.
3. Find apps that you don’t frequently use and delete them.
4. You can also go to Settings > Safari, and tap to clear cached files and history.
5. Open the Photos app to preview and delete large or duplicate photos and videos.

Check the Internet Speed

It’s also important to establish and keep a fast, stable internet connection before upgrading to iOS 26. A stable connection will prevent interrupted downloads, which can lead to incomplete or damaged updates. Such problems may lead to system errors, performance issues, or even cancel the whole update. Additionally, a stable connection ensures the installation process always goes smoothly.

8. How to Download and Install iOS 26?

Ensure that you’re willing to experience the new features in iOS 26 and have made good preparations as mentioned. And then, when the public or official version is released, you can follow the steps below to download and install iOS 26 freely.

1. On your iPhone, navigate to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”.
2. Tap “Update Now” if the iOS 26 update appears. See how to make the iOS 26 public version available.

   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the update.

Bonus Tip: How to Downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18?

Some iOS 26 users have complained that they aren't satisfied with the interface design, and the device could become overheated after running for some time. Also, the system could be slower than before. For these reasons, they seek to downgrade iOS 26 to a previous version.

BuhoRepair is a handy iOS repair tool that’s worth checking out. It can help you downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 or update your iPhone to a higher beta version, no technical skills required. Just a few clicks and you’re good to go.

Here's how to downgrade iOS 26 to iOS 18 using BuhoRepair:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using an original USB cable.
2. Free install BuhoRepair on your Windows or Mac computer.
3. Launch BuhoRepair, then click Upgrade/Downgrade iOS > Downgrade iOS > Downgrade Now.

   

4. Select the iOS your iPhone can downgrade to, click Load firmware, and follow the on-screen instructions.

   

5. When your iPhone restarts, you can set it up as new.

Conclusion

In conclusion, iOS 26 will bring a list of new features and improvements to your iPhone. However, before updating to this version, you should learn whether it’s necessary to do so. If you are determined to upgrade to iOS 26, refer to the tips in the post to get prepared. By doing so, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your device is ready for the new update.