Apple iPhone 17 Event: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and Everything You Need to Know


Apple has officially confirmed its iPhone 17 event for September 9, 2025. The announcement, dubbed “awe dropping,” promises not just new hardware but also the much-anticipated arrival of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. If Apple follows its usual schedule, users can expect to download the new operating systems starting September 16.

This year’s software updates are more than just incremental changes—they introduce bold new features like Liquid Glass design, Live Translate, and an overhauled Phone app. Let’s dive into what’s coming, which devices will be supported, and what it means for users holding onto older iPhones.

What’s New in iOS 26

Apple has been teasing Liquid Glass, a sleek redesign that transforms the look of your iPhone. App icons, buttons, and menus now carry a floating, glass-like aesthetic with options for light, dark, and transparent modes. It’s a visual overhaul designed to make Apple’s OS family more cohesive.

Other highlights include:

  • Phone app redesign: Contacts, recent calls, and voicemails now live on a single screen. A new Hold Assist feature even alerts you when a customer service rep joins the line.

  • Live Translate: Translate real-time phone calls or text messages in different languages directly on your iPhone.

  • System refinements: Faster performance, better app integration, and stability improvements, especially in the public beta releases.

Compatibility: Which Devices Support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26?

As expected, not all devices are making the cut this year. Apple is dropping support for 2018 iPhones, meaning the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max won’t get iOS 26.

Supported iPhones (2019 and later):

  • iPhone SE (2nd gen or later)

  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12 series

  • iPhone 13 series

  • iPhone 14 series

  • iPhone 15 series

  • iPhone 16 series, including iPhone 16e

  • iPhone 17 lineup (to be unveiled in September)

Supported iPads:

  • iPad Pro (M4)

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later)

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later)

  • iPad Air (3rd gen and later, including M2/M3)

  • iPad (8th gen and later, including A16)

  • iPad mini (5th gen and later, including A17 Pro)

If your device is eligible, you’ll be ready to experience the new features. If not, you’ll miss out not only on new tools but also on future security updates.

One of the biggest worries when upgrading to a new iPhone or installing a fresh iOS version is data transfer. That’s where third-party mobile transfer apps like Smart Transfer step in to make the process effortless. I was able to transfer my data without any hassle. 

Smart Transfer allows users to move contacts, photos, videos, and documents between iPhones, and Android devices—all wirelessly over Wi-Fi. This makes it the perfect iPhone app transfer solution if you’re planning to upgrade to the iPhone 17 or shift your data before installing iOS 26.

Unlike iCloud or iTunes, which can feel restrictive, Smart Transfer is fast, cross-platform, and simple to use—helping you carry your digital life forward without the stress of losing important files.

What If You Don’t Upgrade?

If your device isn’t compatible with iOS 26, you can continue using it, but there are risks. You’ll miss out on security updates, leaving your phone vulnerable to malware and data threats. Some apps may eventually stop supporting older iOS versions, limiting functionality.

In short: your iPhone will still work, but its capabilities will slowly diminish over time. For users who want to stay current and secure, upgrading is the smarter option.

When Will iOS 26 Launch?

Based on Apple’s history, iOS 26 is expected to roll out on September 16, 2025, one week after the iPhone 17 event. While beta versions are available now, the full release will deliver the polished experience Apple is known for.

Final Thoughts

This year’s Apple iPhone 17 event promises not only exciting hardware but also one of the most visually and functionally ambitious iOS updates yet. With features like Liquid Glass, Live Translate, and a refined Phone app, iOS 26 is shaping up to be a transformative release.

And when it comes time to upgrade, don’t forget tools like Smart Transfer, which make moving your digital life to a new iPhone seamless and stress-free.

Apple is once again preparing to reshape the way we interact with our devices—and September 9 is the date to watch.


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