iOS 26 is out now. How to download and update your iPhone with Liquid Glass.

iOS 26 is here and ready to download.
 By 
Tim Marcin
 on 
ios 26 download page on phone
Credit: Photo illustration by Cheng Xin/Getty Images

iOS 26 dropped on Monday for iPhone users looking to completely revamp the look of their phone. That means the long-awaited arrival of Liquid Glass is finally here.

If you want to update, it's pretty simple. iOS 26 is available now for all compatible iPhones as a free software update. Apple has a detailed page on its website if you need more information, but the steps are remarkably straightforward.

How to upgrade to iOS 26:

screenshot from iphone showing ios 26
iOS 26 and Liquid Glass is finally here. Credit: Screenshot: Timothy Werth
  1. First, back up your phone.

  2. Plug in your phone and make sure you're connected to WiFi. (The download will require power and a good connection.)

  3. Go into your Settings > General, then click on Software Update.

  4. From there, choose iOS 26 and download/install the update.

So, why might you want to download iOS 26? It promises significant upgrades and changes to how your iPhone works. Perhaps most notably is the shift to Liquid Glass, a new design style that'll change how your apps and features look on your iPhone. So, if you want a total revamp of how your phone looks, the change shouldn't take more than four steps.


You May Also Like

Topics Apple iOS iPhone

close-up of man's face
Tim Marcin
Associate Editor, Culture

Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, trends, and the occasional hot take. You can find him on Bluesky (sometimes), Instagram (infrequently), or eating Buffalo wings (as often as possible).

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
iOS 27 update: Liquid Glass haters should prepare for disappointment
Apple logo on smartphone screen

Update now: Apple iOS 26.2.1 arrives with support for AirTags 2
screenshot of software update screen in iphone settings menu

iOS 26.4 arrives in days. Here's 3 features we’re excited about
Apple logo on smartphone screen

See Samsung Galaxy S26's Privacy Display feature in action
galaxy s25 ultra phone on display at galaxy unpacked launch event

iOS 26.4 available now: All updates, security improvements to know
The Apple logo appears on a mobile phone screen in this photo illustration

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!