iOS 26 was announced at Apple WWDC 2025—an update that could change not just the software but your entire iPhone experience. People are excited about iOS 26! Especially for those in India who are a bit more sensitive to Apple products, it’s like a festival of sorts.

When is the release date of iOS 26 in India?

Apple usually announces its new iOS version every year in June through WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference). In 2025, Apple’s WWDC was held on June 9, and iOS 26 was shown there for the first time.
iOS 26 public release date in India: September 16, 2025 (expected)
Developer beta release: Starting from June 10, 2025
Apple usually releases the final version of iOS 26 with new handsets like the iPhone 15 series. So, if you are an iPhone user, you will get a notification on your device around September—“iOS 26 now available for download.” Not today’s discussion. Let’s find out what is so exciting about Apple iOS 26 and when you can use it in India.

iOS 26 Developer Beta: Who is it for and how to get it?

If you’re a developer or want to try out Apple’s new features early, the iOS 26 Developer Beta is for you.

How to download the iOS 26 Developer Beta:

1. Go to developer.apple.com
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Install a developer profile
4. Download the iOS 26 Beta by going to Settings > General > Software Update

iOS 26: What’s new?

1. AI-powered Smart Notifications:

Apple has added context-aware notifications in iOS 26, meaning notifications will be customized based on your location, time, and usage habits.

Suppose you are in the office; then WhatsApp or Instagram notifications will be muted, but calendar meetings will remain active.

2. Siri is reborn!

The new Siri is now smarter. Siri is GPT-supported in iOS 26. This means you can say,
“Hey Siri, summarize my unread emails”—and ”Siri will do it quickly!

3. Lock Screen Widget Interactivity:

Let me give you a small example: a relative of mine used to check the Health app every day, but opening multiple apps was a hassle. From now on, in iOS 26, you can get the work done on the lock screen.

4. Security Overhaul:

Apple repeatedly says, “Privacy is a fundamental human right.” Now it has proven to be true.

App Tracking Reports Go Deeper

Eye ID is in Testing Alongside Face ID and passcode.

5. iMessage Revolution:

Have you ever thought that iMessage would have emoji reactions and editing options like WhatsApp? Now it’s possible in iOS 26!

Data on iPhone sales in recent years:

Apple iPhones sold over 9 million in India in 2024

34% more users are interested in upgrading from iOS 25 to iOS 26

Developer beta registrations up 19%—[source: Statista & Apple India]

All this suggests that Apple India wants to do something big in the market. And iOS 26 is that weapon.

Apple Developer Program: A gold mine for beginners

For those who want to build new apps or work with the Apple Ecosystem, it’s a good idea to register and join the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com.

You’ll get:

iOS 26 SDK access

TestFlight beta distribution

Code-Level Support

iOS 26 Beta Download Link

If you want to download iOS 26 Beta:

1. Join the Apple Beta Program—beta.apple.com
2. Install your profile and go to Settings > Software Update
3. Install iOS 26 Beta (may take some time)

iOS 26 India Release Timeline

• WWDC 2025 Announcement: June 9, 2025

• Developer Beta: From June 10, 2025

• Public Beta: Expected by early July 2025

• Final Public Release (India): September 16, 2025 (Expected)

• Compatible Devices: iPhone 12 and later

FAQ’s

1. When will iOS 26 arrive?

Ans = September 16, 2025 (India)

2. Which iPhones will run iOS 26?

Ans =  iPhone 12 and later

3. Is iOS 26 beta for everyone?

Ans = yes!