Now that the dust is settling on the new Apple hardware that was announced during the ‘Awe dropping’ event, it’s time to turn our eyes over to software. When can we expect all the new software to be released?
iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26 and visionOS 26 all come out of beta testing on 15 September 2025. The upgrades are free and available through Software Update on compatible devices.
tvOS seems to be held back. That’s likely because Apple is planning to release a new version of its set-top box hardware.
iOS 26 will be available on iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 devices, as well as iPhone SE 2 or later. However, not all software features will work on all devices. For example, Apple intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later. iPhone 15 won’t get Apple Intelligence.
watchOS 26 will work on Apple Watch SE 2 or later, Apple Watch Series 6 or later and all Apple Watch Ultra variants.
With macOS Tahoe 26, the compatibility list is reasonably straightforward. If your Mac runs an M1 or better system chip, then it will run macOS Tahoe 26. If you have an Intel-powered Mac, only the MacBook Pro (16‑inch, 2019) and MacBook Pro (13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) will work with macOS Tahoe 26. And this is the last software version that will work with Intel-based Macs.
iPadOS 26 follows a similar story with any M1 or better iPad compatible. But there are also a number of A-series powered iPads that will work with iPadOS 26. The full list of compatible models is:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (M2 and M3)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
visionOS 26 will work with, you guessed it, the Vision Por as it’s the only device it can work on.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.