TL;DR
Apple plans a steady cadence of iOS releases through 2026, including multiple iOS 26.x updates leading into a major iOS 27 release. iOS 26.4 is billed as a notable Siri-focused update, while iOS 27 is expected to arrive in mid-September with new Apple Intelligence features and Fold optimizations.
What happened
Apple has mapped out a series of iPhone software updates for 2026, with several iOS 26.x releases preceding the larger iOS 27 release in the fall. iOS 26.3 is currently in beta and is expected to ship in late January, bringing improved Android-to-iPhone data transfer and EU-only features for notification forwarding and proximity pairing. iOS 26.4, due to enter beta in early February and likely reach users in late March or early April, is positioned as a substantial Siri update with personal context, onscreen awareness, and in-app actions. Smaller mid-year 26.x releases include a likely Pride wallpaper in 26.5 and a bug-fix focused 26.6. Apple plans to debut iOS 27 betas in June and July ahead of a mid-September release; that update is rumored to emphasize Apple Intelligence, a Siri visual redesign, and optimizations for a reported first iPhone Fold. Follow-up point releases (26.7, 27.1, 27.2) are scheduled to provide an alternative to upgrading and to roll out features delayed from the main releases.
Why it matters
- Users can expect a continuous stream of updates across the year rather than a single annual release cycle.
- iOS 26.4’s Siri changes could expand voice control and on-device context handling if they ship as described.
- Region-specific features in 26.3 (EU notification forwarding and proximity pairing) highlight differing regulatory or partner-driven functionality.
- iOS 27’s focus on Apple Intelligence and Fold optimizations signals Apple’s attention to AI features and new hardware form factors.
Key facts
- iOS 26.3 is in beta now and is expected to be released in late January.
- Features in iOS 26.3 include improved Android-to-iPhone switching and, in the EU only, notification forwarding to third-party smartwatches and proximity pairing for third-party accessories.
- iOS 26.4 is expected to enter beta in early February and reach users in late March or early April, with major Siri enhancements: personal context, onscreen awareness, and in-app actions.
- iOS 26.5 is expected to add a Pride wallpaper and is slated for beta in early April and release in mid May.
- iOS 26.6 is described as a bug-fix and performance-focused release, with beta in early June and an expected release in late July.
- iOS 27 is planned as the year’s major iPhone update, with developer beta in early June, public beta around mid July, and an expected public release in mid September.
- Rumored iOS 27 features include optimizations for a reported first iPhone Fold, an AI-driven platform for the Health app, and a visual redesign for Siri.
- iOS 26.7 will be released alongside iOS 27 as an option for users who prefer to remain on the iOS 26 line; beta expected early September and public release mid September.
- iOS 27.1 and 27.2 are scheduled as follow-up refinements: 27.1 beta mid September (release late October or early November) and 27.2 beta early November (release mid December).
- Smaller interim updates (for example, 27.0.1) are expected throughout the year for security and stability fixes.
What to watch next
- Whether the Siri capabilities promised for iOS 26.4 — personal context, onscreen awareness, and in-app actions — ship on the expected schedule (not confirmed in the source).
- How iOS 27’s reported optimizations will support the first iPhone Fold and how that hardware launch unfolds (not confirmed in the source).
- The rollout timing and availability of iOS 27 betas and the public release in mid September, as listed in the roadmap.
Quick glossary
- Beta: Pre-release software provided to developers or the public for testing and feedback before the final version is released.
- Public beta: A version of beta software made available to non-developer users who opt in to test upcoming features and report issues.
- WWDC: Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event where the company often announces major software updates and developer tools.
- Apple Intelligence: A label used by Apple for its suite of AI and machine learning-powered features and services.
Reader FAQ
When will iOS 27 be released?
Expected public release is mid September, with developer betas appearing in early June and a public beta around mid July.
What is included in iOS 26.4?
iOS 26.4 is expected to introduce major Siri updates—personal context, onscreen awareness, and in-app actions—and is scheduled to beta in early February with a likely release in late March or early April.
Is iOS 26.3 available now?
iOS 26.3 is currently in beta testing for developers and public beta users and is expected to reach the public in late January.
Will iOS 27 support a new iPhone Fold?
iOS 27 is rumored to include optimizations for a first iPhone Fold, but the specifics and hardware timing are not confirmed in the source.
How can I stay on iOS 26 instead of moving to iOS 27?
Apple plans to release iOS 26.7 alongside iOS 27 as an alternative for users who choose to remain on the iOS 26 line.
iOS 26 gave Apple Music three of my favorite new features in years Ryan Christoffel Jan 6 2026 IOS IOS 26 IOS 27 iOS 27 and more: Here are the…
Sources
- iOS 27 and more: Here are the iPhone software updates coming this year
- Leak reveals details of Apple's secret roadmap: iOS 26.4 …
- OS – iOS 26
- iOS 26: Everything We Know
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