Apple has officially released its latest round of software updates following three months of beta testing. The rollout includes iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26, all of which are now available to download worldwide.
The most noticeable change is the introduction of the new Liquid Glass design language, which Apple says will deliver a more unified look across its devices. While the design shift is most prominent on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, users of watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will also see refreshed interfaces with cleaner icons, an updated Control Centre, and revised app settings.
Key updates across Apple devices
On iPhone, iOS 26 introduces Apple Intelligence with Live Translation, which works across Messages, FaceTime and standard calls. Apple Music now includes translated lyrics, while a new app store dedicated to mobile gaming, called Apple Games, gives users a central hub for downloads.
For iPad users, iPadOS 26 moves closer to the desktop experience of macOS. The update features a new multitasking system with resizable windows, a top menu bar for easier navigation, and an improved Files app with a List view for streamlined file management.
Mac users benefit from a more powerful Spotlight in macOS Tahoe 26. The tool can now play music, run shortcuts and access clipboard history directly from search, improving productivity and speed for everyday tasks.
Enhancements for wearables and home devices
On Apple Watch, watchOS 26 debuts a new sleep score to give insights into rest quality, while Workout Buddy uses exercise history and Apple Intelligence to deliver personalised guidance. Smart Stack hints, Live Translation in Messages, and redesigned watch faces round off the improvements.
For Apple TV, tvOS 26 adds karaoke-style features by letting users turn their iPhone into a microphone for Apple Music. Live Captions with translation now support more languages, including Mandarin, Korean and Spanish, expanding accessibility.
Meanwhile, visionOS 26 for the Vision Pro introduces spatial widgets, expressive Personas and immersive spatial scenes for photos. Users can also browse Safari in 3D, share experiences in real time with others in the same room, and enjoy 180- and 360-degree video playback from compatible action cameras.
How to install the updates
All of the updates are available as free downloads starting today. Apple recommends ensuring devices are fully charged and connected to Wi-Fi before installation, as updates may take some time to complete.
To update, users should open the Settings app, tap General and then Software Update. Following the on-screen instructions will complete the process, after which the device will restart with the new software.
