ISLAMABAD: Apple is rolling out iOS 26 today (September 15), marking one of the biggest leaps in iPhone software in years. It is the update many have been waiting for, but not everyone will get it. If you are still holding on to an older iPhone, today might be the day you feel officially left behind by the Apple ecosystem.
For users in Pakistan, the iOS 26 should appear between 9 and 11 PM, so it is a good idea to charge your phone, back up your data, and get ready for what could feel like a brand-new iPhone by bedtime.
iPhone XS owners, this is where the road ends
Every big iOS release comes with a bit of heartbreak, and this year that heartbreak belongs to owners of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Those phones, which still sell for around Rs100,000 in Pakistan’s used phone market, will not receive iOS 26.
That also includes the older iPhone XR. If you were thinking of buying one second-hand, you might want to rethink as they’ve officially aged out of Apple’s software ecosystem.
The iPhone 11 series, however, makes the cut, as do all models released after it. That means the minimum requirement is now the iPhone 11 (from 2019) or the second-generation iPhone SE. Here’s the full list of iPhones that will support iOS 26:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and 16e
- iPhone 17 lineup (which launches later this week)
If your phone isn’t on that list, it won’t get the update. You can keep using it, but you’ll miss out on new features and future apps that require iOS 26 or newer. Apple knows this, and frankly, this is how it forces people to upgrade.
A whole new look: welcome to Liquid Glass theme
Jumping from iOS 18 to iOS 26 might sound like Apple has gone a bit wild with numbering, but it’s intentional. The company is now naming its operating systems by year rather than version number. Under that new name comes the biggest visual overhaul in years, built around a sleek new design language called Liquid Glass.
The interface feels lighter and more translucent. Menus float above the background, and buttons have a glossy, fluid sheen to them. Some elements have been stripped back entirely, while others now feel almost three-dimensional. It takes some getting used to, and yes, you can tone down the transparency if it gets too much.
Alongside the new visuals, Apple has completely reworked the Camera app. The cluttered interface has been replaced by simple mode toggles for photo and video, with a swipe-based carousel for other modes like portrait or panorama. It’s faster and easier to use, which matters when you’re trying to capture something in the moment.
Features worth trying (if your phone supports them)
iOS 26 also comes loaded with new features, though some are limited to newer iPhones. The Apple Intelligence tools, like on-device live translation, only work on the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup. The Spatial Scenes feature, which adds 3D depth to your lock screen photos, works on iPhone 12 and newer.
Other changes are more universal. The Messages app has a new group polling feature for quickly voting on plans, and you can now customise chat backgrounds. The Photos app has been reorganised, making it far easier to navigate your library. Maps now tracks your Visited Places, though that’s launching only in select countries for now.
Before you update
Before installing iOS 26, back up your iPhone. Make an archived backup if you can, so you can roll back if anything goes wrong. It’s rare, but a little caution can save a lot of pain.
If you’re in Pakistan, check for the update after 7 PM and expect it to appear by around 9–11 PM. Once installed, take a few minutes to explore the new look and tweak your lock screen and widgets. It’ll feel like a fresh phone without spending a rupee.
Apple is releasing new software for iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and even the Apple Vision Pro today as well, but it’s iOS 26 that will be the main event for most people.