Ready to Upgrade? Here's How to Get iOS 26 on Your iPhone Today

Apple has now announced iOS 26 as the largest iOS update. From the entirely new Liquid Glass UI to blocking spam calls, Visual Intelligence updates, and a standalone Games app, there is a lot to get excited about if you own an iPhone in Ireland.

Whether you're testing on your current device or considering trading in your old iPhone for a newer model at our Dublin store, here's what you need to know.

1.   What's New in iOS 26?

Here are the highlight features:

• Liquid Glass UI: Taking a cue from visionOS, this new appearance features transparent backgrounds and a floating magnifier that gets bigger and smaller when you scroll and smoothly transitions into dark and light modes.
• New Games App: Your games, Game Center, and Apple Arcade content all in one place.
• Call Hold Assist: Awaits on hold for you automatically until a human answers.
• Spam Call Blocking: Improved spam filters to block unwanted calls and messages.
• Visual Intelligence Upgrades: Smarter photo organization, on-device AI for object recognition, and contextual actions.
• Message Filters & Polls: Better sorting in Messages and the ability to conduct group polls easily.

2.   Which iPhones Support iOS 26?

If you’re still on an older device, now might be the right time to trade in your iPhone at Fone4U.ie and upgrade.

Supported iPhones:

• iPhone 16 series (16, 16 Plus, 16e, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max)

• iPhone 15 series

• iPhone 14 series

• iPhone 13 series

• iPhone 12 series

• iPhone 11 series

• iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)

Sorry, iPhone X and previous models are not supported.

3.   How to Download iOS 26 Now

Developer Beta (Power Users)

If you'd like to try first:

• • • Visit developer.apple.com.
    • Log in using your Apple ID.

Join the Apple Developer Program (free for basic, €99/year for full access).

On your iPhone, navigate:

• • • Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates
    • Select iOS 26 Developer Beta.
    • Download and install.

Developer betas may be buggy. Use a secondary iPhone if possible.

Public Beta (Great for Enthusiasts)

If you like early access with fewer bugs:

• • • Visit the Apple Beta Software Program.
    • Log in using your Apple ID.
    • Enroll your iPhone.
    • Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
    • Select iOS 26 Public Beta when available (soon).

General Release (For Most Folks), For a smooth, bug-free experience, wait for later this fall's public iOS 26 release.

On your iPhone:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Tap Download and Install when iOS 26 is available.

You can also schedule Install Tonight or enable Automatic Updates to let your iPhone update overnight while it's charging.

4.   Tips Before You Update

• Back up your data using iCloud or your Mac/PC.
• Have a battery level of at least 50% and be on Wi-Fi.
• Ensure your apps are iOS 26 compatible (especially bank and core work apps).

Thinking of Upgrading Your iPhone?

If your current iPhone won't work with iOS 26 or is slow:

• Swap your old iPhone with Fone4U.ie for the best trade-in price in Ireland.
• View our refurbished iPhones with warranty, ready for the iOS 26 upgrade.
• Have your device inspected and battery swapped in-store to prepare for the upgrade.

Ready to Enjoy iOS 26 in Ireland?

From liquid-smooth animations using Liquid Glass to advanced spam filtering, iOS 26 will give your iPhone experience new life. You want to test it early or wait for the stable build, and now you have the process to begin.