Latest iOS Version: Release History, Compatibility & Update Guide

The Latest Version of iOS

The latest stable version of iOS is iOS 26.5.2 (build 23F84), released on June 29, 2026. It is a security-focused update that patches vulnerabilities on iPhone and iPad, so it is worth installing right away even though it adds no new features. The next point release, iOS 26.6, is expected in late July 2026.

Looking ahead, iOS 27 was announced at WWDC 2026 on June 8, 2026, and entered public beta in mid-July 2026. Its final release is expected in fall 2026 alongside the next iPhone lineup. The table below covers every recent iOS release, its release date, and what each update focused on.

iOS Compatibility: Which iPhones Support the Latest Version?

Both iOS 26 and the iOS 27 beta require an iPhone with an A13 Bionic chip or newer. That means the iPhone 11 is the oldest standard model supported, and iOS 27 does not drop any additional devices this year. The full list of compatible iPhones:

• iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17e
• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Which models were dropped? The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR — all built on the A12 Bionic chip — lost support when iOS 26 shipped in September 2025. For those devices, iOS 18 was the last major version, though Apple still ships occasional security updates for older releases.

Note that running the latest iOS is not the same as getting every feature. Apple Intelligence capabilities such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and the new Siri AI require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, since they depend on the A17 Pro chip (or later) and 8 GB of RAM.

How to Check Which iOS Version You Are Currently Running

You can find your current iOS version in under a minute:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General, then tap About.
3. Look at the Software Version field — this is the iOS version currently installed on your device.

Alternatively, go to Settings > General > Software Update: this screen shows both your current version and any update that is available to install. You can also use our free What Version of iOS Do I Have tool to detect it instantly from your browser.

How to Update to the Latest iOS Version

Updating over the air takes only a few steps:

1. Back up your iPhone first, either to iCloud (Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or to a computer.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in your device, or make sure it has enough charge.
3. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
4. Tap Update Now (or Download and Install), enter your passcode, and agree to the terms. Your iPhone will restart on the new version.

To stay current automatically, enable Automatic Updates on the same Software Update screen. If you want to try iOS 27 before its fall release, enroll your Apple Account in the free Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com, then choose the iOS 27 Public Beta under Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates — just keep in mind betas can be unstable, so avoid installing them on your primary device.

For a more detailed walkthrough with screenshots, follow our guide on how to update iOS.

What's New in the Latest iOS Releases (iOS 26 & iOS 27)

iOS 26 was the biggest visual overhaul in years, introducing the Liquid Glass design language across the entire system. It also expanded Apple Intelligence with Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground for on-device image generation, added Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, and brought quality-of-life features like Call Screening and Visual Intelligence. Point releases through iOS 26.5.2 have focused on refining these features and patching security issues.

iOS 27, now in public beta, centers on intelligence rather than redesign. Headline changes include a much smarter, more conversational Siri AI, Apple Intelligence woven more deeply into system apps, redesigned system controls, and a new set of child safety features that give families more granular protection. Expect the feature set to firm up as the beta progresses toward the fall 2026 release.

Strengthened Security and Privacy Controls

Security is the strongest reason to stay on the latest version. Updates like iOS 26.5.2 exist almost entirely to patch vulnerabilities — including flaws that may already be exploited in the wild — and those fixes only reach you when you install the update. Recent iOS releases also give you more visibility and control over your data: app privacy reports show which apps access your location, camera, and microphone, permission prompts are more granular, and Apple Intelligence features run on-device or through Private Cloud Compute so personal data is not retained. If your iPhone no longer supports the latest major version, install the security updates Apple still provides for your release, but plan to upgrade — older versions eventually stop receiving patches.

Why Upgrading is Essential

Beyond new features, keeping your iPhone updated ensures you benefit from the latest security patches, system optimizations, and compatibility improvements. App developers build and test against current iOS versions, so older releases gradually lose support for new app versions. Staying current also matters if you build or test apps yourself: real users update quickly after each release, so verifying your app on the latest iOS version — and the current beta — helps you catch compatibility issues before your users do.

What OS do I have?

Frequently Asked Questions About iOS Versions

What is the latest iOS version right now?

As of July 17, 2026, the latest public iOS version is iOS 26.5.2 (build 23F84), released on June 29, 2026, with security fixes. iOS 26.6 is expected in late July 2026, and iOS 27 is currently available as a public beta ahead of its full release in fall 2026.

Which iPhone gets iOS 26?

iOS 26 runs on any iPhone with an A13 Bionic chip or newer: iPhone 11 and later, plus iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. It dropped support for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, which use the older A12 Bionic chip.

Which iPhones will get iOS 18?

iOS 18, released in 2024, supported the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and all newer models, including iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. iOS 18 has since been superseded — Apple jumped its version numbering to iOS 26 in 2025, so iOS 18 was the last major version for A12-based iPhones like the XS and XR.

What will be in iOS 27?

iOS 27 focuses on a smarter, more conversational Siri AI, deeper Apple Intelligence integration across system apps, redesigned system controls, and new child safety features. It is available now through the Apple Beta Software Program, with the final release expected in fall 2026 alongside the next iPhone lineup.