As iOS 26.1 arrives for many Apple iPhone users, iOS 26.2 could be released soon. Here’s everything to know.
How your iPhone can screen calls, sit on hold for you
Apple’s iOS 26 gives your iPhone the power to screen unknown callers and hold your place in line.
Problem Solved
If your iPhone finally updated to the newest iOS and you aren’t really loving it, you’re not alone.
Since September, iPhone users have had the chance to update their phones to iOS 26, Apple’s software update that ushered in new features like the Liquid Glass design and tools powered by Apple Intelligence.
Apple released iOS 26.1 in November, so those users with automatic upd ates turned on are now likely seeing the new look and features, which are getting mixed reviews. The latest version of the iOS, 26.2, is expected to soon be available for users to download next.
While the release date of that update is not yet known, reporting from Forbes, MacRumors, and 9to5Mac say that the iOS 26.2 update could be released in the coming days.
As the updates roll out, here’s what to know about iOS 26 and what users think of it.
What is iOS 26.1?
The software update that is currently available for download for Apple users is iOS 26.1, which went live in November. Some users might already have iOS 26.1 downloaded if they have marked the “Automatic Updates” tab in the Software Update section of settings as “On.”
According to the description of the software, iOS 26.2 brings the liquid glass feature to lock screens and home screens, which creates a see-through, bubble effect. The description also touts live translation features, updates to messages, and enhancements to camera, photos, wallet, CarPlay, and more.
What is iOS 26.2?
iOS 26.2 is the next anticipated Apple software update, expected to be released at some point this month. Among the new features mentioned by MacRumors and Forbes for 26.2 are the ability to set an alarm for reminders, see lyrics in Apple Music offline, and new features for AirDrop and CarPlay.
Some users have already received access to the beta version of the software update, but it is not yet available publicly.
How do I download an iOS update?
If you’re wanting to download the latest update, start by plugging your device into power, connecting to Wi-Fi, then going to settings, said Apple.
In the Settings app, go to General, then tap Software Update. You’ll be able to see the currently installed iOS on your iPhone and whether an update is available and if you have enough storage to download it. If there is an update, tap to download and install it.
Can I change back to iOS 18?
Once you’ve updated to iOS 26, Apple does not let you downgrade to iOS 18, the USA TODAY Network reported.
What has the response been to iOS 26?
Some iPhone users have taken to social media to voice their concerns with the latest iOS update, including calling the liquid glass design “ugly” and “disgusting.”
A Dec. 8 post on Reddit went as far as to warn other users to “save yourself” from the latest update.
“I can’t focus. It’s disorienting,” the user wrote, saying that the app “takes up too much space.”
Users on X shared similar feelings, with multiple people saying their phones automatically updated to iOS 26 and they now regret the change. One person advised others not to download the update, adding “Your life will be significantly worse after.”
Some iPhone users, though, are embracing the bubbly new design. One X user praised the new liquid glass feature, calling its interactions beautiful, while another posted a photo of their screen with the caption “i love ios 26 lowkey.”
Paris Barraza contributed to this report.
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @katecperez_.
