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How to Access Portrait Camera Mode in iOS 26 on iPhone

21 March 2026 at 17:32
Camera app received a dramatic redesign with iOS 26, and many iPhone users have found that the new interface is confusing, leading them to believe that some prominent features of iPhone Camera have been removed. For example, many iPhone users running iOS 26 now think Portrait Mode camera has been removed or is no longer ... Read More

iOS 26.4: Top 10 New Features Coming to Your iPhone

iOS 26.4 isn't the major update with new Siri features that we hoped for, but there are some useful quality of life improvements, and a little bit of fun with an AI playlist generator and new emoji characters.



  • Playlist Playground - Apple Music has a Playlist Playground option that lets you generate playlists from text-based descriptions. You can include moods, feelings, activities, or make up something entirely nonsensical and let the AI figure out what you mean.

  • Ambient Music widget - Apple added a widget for the built-in Ambient Music feature in iOS, so it's quicker to play background sounds. You can choose Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing playlists curated by Apple.

  • Emoji - There are eight new emoji characters including trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature, fight cloud, orca, landslide, and ballet dancer.

  • Reduce Bright Effects - If you dislike Liquid Glass, there's a Reduce Bright Effects setting that cuts down on bright flashes when tapping buttons. Reduce Motion also limits Liquid Glass animations more than it did previously.

  • Keyboard Fix - iOS 26.4 fixes an iOS 26 keyboard bug that caused typos when typing quickly.

  • Purchase Sharing - Adults in Family Sharing groups no longer have to use the same payment method, and Apple now lets everyone add their own credit or debit card.

  • CarPlay AI apps - CarPlay users can use third-party chatbots with ‌CarPlay‌ starting in iOS 26.4. Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google will need to update their apps with ‌CarPlay‌ support, but the framework is in iOS 26.4.

  • Video Podcasts - The Podcasts app has native video episode support with HLS streaming, along with options to swap between audio and video and offline video downloads.

  • Average Bedtime - The Sleep feature in the Health app now records average bedtime for the past two weeks to give you a better idea of how your bedtime impacts sleep.

  • Stolen Device Protection - Stolen Device Protection is now on by default. It thwarts physical theft and access of your iPhone by requiring biometric authentication for things like viewing passwords and turning off Lost Mode on the iPhone. Some features like changing an Apple ID password have a one-hour security delay.


There are other new additions in iOS 26.4, like offline song recognition in Control Center, nearby concert suggestions and full-page album artwork in ‌Apple Music‌, easier access to subtitle customization options in media apps, and Apple Creator Studio support for Freeform, with details available in our full iOS 26.4 notes article.

Release Date


The iOS 26.4 release candidate is available to developers and public beta testers, and it's likely the update will see an official launch on March 23 or March 24.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

This article, "iOS 26.4: Top 10 New Features Coming to Your iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Releases Background Security Improvement Update for macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1

Apple today released the first Background Security Improvement (BSI) update, replacing the rapid security updates that it used to seed out a few years ago. The first BSI updates address a WebKit vulnerability that could allow maliciously crafted web content to bypass Same Origin Policy. There's a macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1 BSI update, as well as a ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3.2 BSI update exclusive to the MacBook Neo.


Apple says that the vulnerability was addressed with improved input validation.

Background Security Improvements were added with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌, and Apple tested them in iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 before today's official release.

The updates are meant to provide additional security protections between software updates for Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries. Background Security Improvements can be installed in the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app. Scroll down, and then select the Install option to install the update. If Automatically Install is toggled on, BSIs will be automatically installed when they come out.

Users who opt not to install Background Security Improvements will receive the fixes in a subsequent standard software update.

Apple warns that Background Security Updates can result in "rare instances of compatibility issues." Should that occur, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in another software update.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe
Related Forums: iOS 26, macOS Tahoe

This article, "Apple Releases Background Security Improvement Update for macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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AirPods Max 2 Reveal iOS 26.4 Launch Date

Apple today introduced the second-generation version of its over-ear AirPods Max headphones, and some of the software requirements in the fine print give us some insight into when Apple's iOS 26.4 update will be released to the public.


To use several of the added features like Live Translation, the AirPods Max 2 will need to be paired with an iPhone running iOS 26.4, an iPad running iPadOS 26.4, or a Mac running macOS Tahoe 26.4.

The AirPods are set to launch in early April, which means iOS 26.4 and its sister updates will need to launch during the same time frame. iOS 26.4 will be here by the first week of April, and it could even launch before the end of March.

We're at the fourth beta now, so the release candidate version could come at any time. The release candidate likely includes ‌AirPods Max 2‌ mentions in the code, so Apple was probably holding back on providing it to developers and public beta testers until the ‌AirPods Max 2‌ were announced.

Apple plans to begin accepting preorders for the ‌AirPods Max 2‌ on Wednesday, March 25. There is no more specific launch date than "early April," which suggests the first week and a half of the month.

Features that require iOS 26.4 include Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, "Siri" wake word support, Voice Isolation, and the new Digital Crown controls for using the AirPods Max as a camera button. Apple says the feature set will require the latest AirPods Max firmware as well as the iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 software.
Related Roundups: AirPods Max 2, iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forums: AirPods, iOS 26

This article, "AirPods Max 2 Reveal iOS 26.4 Launch Date" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26.3.1 Update Released for iPhone & iPad

5 March 2026 at 01:25
Apple has released iOS 26.3.1 for iPhone and iPadOS 26.3.1 for iPad. The new software updates include support for the new Apple Studio Display and Studio Display XDR. There are also unspecified bug fixes included in the small software updates. Separately, Apple has also released macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 update with support for the same displays, ... Read More

Apple Releases iOS 26.3.1 and iPadOS 26.3.1 With Bug Fixes and Studio Display Support

Apple today released iOS 26.3.1 and iPadOS 26.3.1, minor updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The software comes three weeks after Apple released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3.


The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

According to Apple's release notes, the update adds support for the new Studio Display and ‌Studio Display‌ XDR, and it includes unspecified bug fixes.

Apple is also beta testing iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, major updates that are set to come out this spring.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

This article, "Apple Releases iOS 26.3.1 and iPadOS 26.3.1 With Bug Fixes and Studio Display Support" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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3rd Beta of macOS Tahoe 26.4, ipadOS 26.4, & iOS 26.4 Released for Testing

2 March 2026 at 21:54
Apple has released the third beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS2 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, for users enrolled in the beta testing programs for Apple system software. The last beta was released a week ago, and the prior a week before that, suggesting an accelerated pace for releasing the final versions of these system ... Read More

Apple Seeds Third Betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to Developers

Apple today seeded the third betas of upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after Apple provided the second beta to developers.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 add multiple new features to the ‌iPhone‌ and the ‌iPad‌, but the first beta contained no sign of new Siri capabilities.

A Playlist Playground feature in Apple Music lets you generate songs for any idea, mood, emotion, or activity using a text-based prompt. There's also a Concerts Near You feature for finding local shows, and a redesigned look for albums and playlists with full-page artwork.

Apple Podcasts is getting native video podcasting capabilities that will make it easier to create, distribute, and monetize video podcast content through the Podcasts app. Video episodes will integrate with existing Apple podcasts features, like personalized recommendations and editorial suggestions.

Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS, which will eventually bring full encryption to text conversations between Android and ‌iPhone‌ users. Apple is testing ‌RCS‌ with iPhone-to-iPhone conversations and iPhone-to-Android conversations.

The first two betas didn't include new emojis, but we saw signs of them in the code so we might get them in the third beta. The new update is also expected to new emoji characters will include trombone, treasure chest, orca, landslide, and Bigfoot.

Stolen Device Protection is enabled by default, there's a new ambient music widget, new average bedtime metrics in the sleep app, and plenty more. All of the features in iOS 26.4 can be found in our iOS 26.4 beta features guide.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Is iPhone Battery Life Worse After Installing iOS 26.3?

26 February 2026 at 23:07
Some iPhone users feel that battery life is worse after updating to iOS 26.3, and that the battery drains faster even after the typical background maintenance routine completes. If you’ve recently installed the update and noticed your battery draining faster than expected, you’re not alone, and there are many complaints online of battery issues with ... Read More

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 2

Testing on the iOS 26.4 update is continuing, and Apple released the second beta today. The main new feature is an expansion of RCS encryption testing, but there are a few other small tweaks.


End-to-End Encryption RCS Testing


With the second beta of iOS 26.4, Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for text messages sent between iPhones and Android devices.



End-to-end encrypted messages can now be sent to an Android user, and if encryption is enabled, there will be a lock icon on the message. Encrypted conversations are not available for all devices or carriers during the texting period. iOS users will need to have iOS 26.4, and Android users need the latest version of Google Messages.

Apple does not plan to implement end-to-end ‌RCS‌ encryption in iOS 26.4, but it will come later this year.

Home Screen


The "Edit" menu on the Home Screen uses more transparent Liquid Glass.


Games App


In the Games app, the search bar has moved from the bottom of the display to the top of the display.


App Store and Apple Music


For the account hub options for the App Store and Apple Music, the "Apple Account" wording is now left aligned and has the same rainbow logo as the Apple Account in the Settings app


Accessibility


Under the Display and Text size section of Accessibility, there's a new "Reduce Highlighting Effects" option.


Software Build Numbers


When you're updating to a new iOS update in iOS 26.4, you can tap on the name to see the build number.

Beta Updates


Apple made a change to how betas work in iOS 26.4. If you are have betas toggled on but don't install any betas for a four month period, Apple will automatically switch you to the public release audience.


No Emoji


There are still no new emoji characters, despite signs of them found in the code in the first beta of iOS 26.4.

Playlist Playground


Playlist Playground is still limited to the U.S. and not available in Europe and other countries.

More New Features


We have a list of all the new features that were found in the first beta in our iOS 26.4 feature guide.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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iOS 26.3.1 Update for iPhones Coming Soon as 'Apple Experience' Nears

Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.3.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions.


iOS 26.3.1 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released within the next two weeks.

Last month, Apple released iOS 26.2.1 with bug fixes and support for the second-generation AirTag. Likewise, it is possible that iOS 26.3.1 will include support for some of the new products that Apple is expected to announce in the first week of March, such as the iPhone 17e, but this is merely speculation at this point.

Apple is reportedly planning a three-day stretch of product announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4. Selected journalists and content creators are expected to receive hands-on time with the products at an "Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai on Wednesday, March 4 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.

We have not confirmed if there will be any corresponding updates, such as macOS 26.3.1.

iOS 26.3.1 will be a stopgap update between iOS 26.3, released earlier this month, and iOS 26.4, which will likely arrive in late March or early April. While it lacks the personalized version of Siri, iOS 26.4 is shaping up to be a relatively significant update that adds many new features across Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, CarPlay, and more.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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4 Tips for Helping Fix iOS 26 Keyboard Complaints & Issues

19 February 2026 at 21:07
A fair number of iPhone users are complaining of problems with the keyboard in iOS 26. From typing lag, slow responsiveness, sluggish typing, incorrect characters, weird typos, entire words being corrected to the wrong word, aggressive autocorrect and autocorrection failures with typos, missed characters when typing words, and what those irritated say is a general ... Read More

iOS 26.4 Beta Tidbits: Hidden Features You May Have Missed

There is a long list of new features in the iOS 26.4 beta, many of which we highlighted yesterday, but we've since discovered several other smaller changes that Apple made in the software.



Health App


iOS 26.4 includes a new Average Bedtime metric for the sleep section of the Health app, providing a better idea of how bedtime can impact sleep quality.



Apple also updated the Vitals section of the Health app in the U.S., and now includes blood oxygen level on the line graph overview that's available each day. In iOS 26.3 and earlier versions of iOS 26, there was a section for the blood oxygen level, but the graph did not include a blood oxygen measurement.



Camera


In the Settings section of the Camera app, there is a new "Audio Zoom" option. The feature causes recorded audio to focus on the subject when the camera is zoomed while recording a video. It can be turned on or off, depending on the audio settings you prefer.


CarPlay


We found mentions of Apple TV support for CarPlay, indicating that Apple will eventually allow users to watch Apple TV content through their car's dashboard when the vehicle is not in motion.



At WWDC 2025, Apple said that it would add support for AirPlaying video content to a CarPlay display, and it appears that feature could come in the near future.

Apple Music


A song can be added to multiple playlists at the same time in the Apple Music app. In the add to playlist interface, there is a list button, and tapping it allows you to select multiple playlists at the same time.


Hotspot Data


Apple moved the location of hotspot data usage. Rather than having data usage metrics tucked away under Cellular, you'll see how much data you've used right in the Personal Hotspot section.


Live Captions


Chinese (Taiwan) is a new language option for Live Captions in the Accessibility section.


Passcode Settings


In the Face ID and Passcode section of the Settings app, when you enter a passcode to access your options, the text is now center aligned instead of left aligned.


Shortcuts


Apple added a Set Charge Limit action to the Shortcuts app. It sets a battery charge limit for the iPhone.


Read More


For more on all of the new features in iOS 26.4, we have a dedicated iOS 26.4 features guide.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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iOS 26.4 Beta Launches Without Apple Intelligence Siri Features

The first beta of iOS 26.4 is available to developers and public beta testers, and the software includes no new Siri features. There were expectations of at least some new Apple Intelligence ‌Siri‌ capabilities because of how long the delays have been and persistent rumors suggesting Apple was targeting an iOS 26.4 release, but we'll have to wait longer for ‌Siri‌ updates.


After Apple announced a delay for the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ version of ‌Siri‌ in March 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple had set an internal launch target for iOS 26.4. He repeated the iOS 26.4 timeline in several subsequent reports, and even at the end of January, he suggested that Apple would unveil the more personalized version of ‌Siri‌ in February.

Apple seemed to be aiming for an iOS 26.4 launch until right before the first beta came out, because just last week, Gurman said the ‌Siri‌ update wouldn't be coming in iOS 26.4 after all. Apple apparently ran into development issues and the new version of ‌Siri‌ has reportedly been delayed until iOS 26.5 or iOS 27.

Gurman said the ‌Siri‌ features will be spread across several upcoming iOS releases. Some or all of the new ‌Siri‌ features could be introduced in iOS 26.5, or Apple might wait for iOS 27, which will be previewed in June 2026 at WWDC.

Apple first showed off the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ version of ‌Siri‌ at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, and it was supposed to come in iOS 18. Apple had to upgrade ‌Siri‌'s architecture to make the promised functionality work, and so far, that's taken over a year.

‌Siri‌ is apparently taking too long to respond to requests, and some queries aren't processed properly, which is what led to the iOS 26.4 ‌Siri‌ delay. Engineers are apparently using iOS 26.5 for further ‌Siri‌ testing right now, so some functionality could come in that update. There's still a possibility that new ‌Siri‌ features will be introduced in a later iOS 26.4 beta, but that's not guaranteed.

Apple has been working to add personalization, onscreen awareness, and the ability for ‌Siri‌ to do more in and between apps. Not all of the features are working reliably and Apple is said to be having continual issues with accuracy.

After the report about the missed iOS 26.4 timeline, Apple confirmed to CNBC that the new version of ‌Siri‌ would still be coming at some point in 2026. Apple has never given a timeline more specific than 2026, so there hasn't been a second actual delay, just a disappointment based on rumors of an iOS 26.4 launch.

Since it's only February, Apple has until December to meet the 2026 launch target that it publicly promised. Even if the new ‌Siri‌ features are delayed until iOS 27, Apple will still meet its goal. Gurman claims that Apple executives are reluctant to push the new ‌Siri‌'s debut beyond spring 2026, so an iOS 26 launch could still happen.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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iOS 26.4 Adds Average Bedtime Metric and Restores Blood Oxygen to Health App Vitals Graph

In iOS 26.4, Apple added an Average Bedtime metric to the Sleep section of the Health app, letting users better monitor how bedtime impacts sleep quality.


Under a new Sleep Highlight, Apple lists the time that you went to bed and the time that you usually go to bed based on averages over a two-week period.

In iOS 26.3, Apple displayed average sleep time over the past seven days. That highlight still exists, but it is now supplemented with the daily bedtime readout.

Apple also updated the Vitals readout in the U.S., and it once again lists blood oxygen level on the line graph overview that's available each day. In iOS 26.3 and earlier versions of iOS 26, there was a section for the blood oxygen level, but the graph did not include a blood oxygen measurement.


Blood oxygen was available as a separate metric in the Vitals section, but it is now visible in the Vitals overview. The Vitals feature did not fully support blood oxygen because of Apple's ongoing legal dispute with Masimo. Masimo accused Apple of infringing on Masimo patents related to blood oxygen sensing, and it secured an import ban from the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Apple had to remove blood oxygen sensing from the Apple Watch starting in early 2024 to be able to continue to sell the Apple Watch in the U.S., but Apple was able to re-add it in August 2025 with blood oxygen readouts available only on the iPhone. There is still no option to measure blood oxygen with the Apple Watch and see the results directly on the wrist in the U.S.

iOS 26.4 is available to developers and public beta testers, with a public launch planned for spring.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 Public Beta Now Available

Apple today provided public beta testers with the first releases of upcoming iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and watchOS 26.4 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come a day after Apple provided the betas to developers.


Anyone can download and install public betas, and all that's required is to sign up on Apple's beta site. Once you've opted in, the software can be downloaded through the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device.

iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 include a long list of new features, though the first betas do not include new Siri capabilities. Rumors suggest Apple has pushed the new, Apple Intelligence version of ‌Siri‌ back, so we may or may not see updated ‌Siri‌ functionality in these betas.

Apple added a new Playlist Playground feature to Apple Music, allowing users to generate playlists with a text-based prompt. Users can create playlists based on an idea, mood, feeling, time period, and more. ‌Apple Music‌ also features a Concerts Near You feature and an updated look for albums and playlists with full-page artwork.

Apple Podcasts includes native video podcast streaming capabilities. The feature uses HLS streaming to provide a high-quality viewing experience, and video podcasts are being more deeply integrated into the Podcasts app.

Apple is testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages. The beta is limited to iPhone-to-iPhone ‌RCS‌ messages when iMessage is turned off, but eventually, E2EE will be available for iPhone to Android text message conversations. Encrypted ‌RCS‌ and iMessage conversations feature a lock icon in iOS 26.4.

Other new features include an updated Apple Account hub for the App Store and ‌Apple Music‌, an ambient music widget, and a compact tab bar option in Safari in iPadOS 26.4. All of the changes that we've found in the beta so far are listed in our iOS 26.4 feature guide.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Apple Music 'Playlist Playground' in iOS 26.4 Creates Playlists From Text Prompts

The iOS 26.4 update that Apple is beta testing includes a new "Playlist Playground" feature in the Apple Music app that's designed to let users create a playlist with a text-based prompt.


In the ‌Apple Music‌ app, there's an option to type in an idea and get automatic song suggestions for a playlist. Apple has some pre-set suggestions that include "morning coffee music," "hip-hop party songs," and "disco songs that defined the 1970s," but you can type in any idea, mood, or feeling.

From there, the Playlist Playground feature will automatically generate a list of 25 songs, along with a custom title. Playlists that you create can be customized further with additional text prompts, and you can select a cover and a description.

The Playlist Playground is available in the iOS 26.4 beta, and you can get to it by opening up ‌Apple Music‌, tapping into the Library, and tapping on the "+" button to create a new playlist. If it doesn't show up, you may need to restart your device or the ‌Apple Music‌ app.

Playlists can be shared and displayed on your profile, similar to standard playlists.

iOS 26.4 is limited to developers right now, but Apple will likely release a public beta in the near future. The software will launch in the spring.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Apple Reveals How Many iPhones Are Running iOS 26

Apple has shared updated iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 adoption figures, revealing how many iPhones and iPads are running those software versions.


These adoption numbers are based on iPhones and iPads that transacted on the App Store on February 12, 2026, according to Apple.

The statistics are as follows:
  • 74% of all iPhones introduced in the last four years are running iOS 26.

  • 66% of all iPhones are running iOS 26.

  • 66% of all iPads introduced in the last four years are running iPadOS 26.

  • 57% of all iPads are running iPadOS 26.
Here is how that compares to the iOS 18 adoption figures that Apple shared based on iPhones and iPads that transacted on the App Store on January 21, 2025:
  • 76% of all iPhones introduced in the last four years were running iOS 18.

  • 68% of all iPhones were running iOS 18.

  • 63% of all iPads introduced in the last four years were running iPadOS 18.

  • 53% of all iPads were running iPadOS 18.
At first glance, the iOS 26 and iOS 18 adoption figures appear to be similar, but this is only because Apple released the iOS 26 statistics later than usual. iOS 26's statistics are based on devices that transacted with the App Store approximately 150 days after the update was released to the public, compared to 127 days for iOS 18. In other words, iOS 26 was available for around three weeks longer by comparison.

As was suspected, this means that iOS 26 adoption has officially been slower than iOS 18 adoption, but not to the extent that some earlier, unofficial estimates had claimed. There is no way of knowing exactly why iOS 26 adoption has been slower, but some users have opted to avoid the new Liquid Glass design for now.

iPadOS 26 adoption figures are technically higher than iPadOS 18, but again, note that iPadOS 26 benefitted from three extra weeks of availability.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Related Forum: iOS 26

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Apple Confirms Revamped Siri is Still Coming in 2026

Apple is still planning to launch the smarter, more capable version of Siri in 2026, the company told CNBC today. Apple's statement comes just a day after Bloomberg reported Apple is having issues with the updated version of ‌Siri‌, leading to potential delays of the feature.


Apple initially intended to launch the Apple Intelligence-powered version of ‌Siri‌ in spring 2025, but right around when a debut was expected in March 2025, Apple said that Siri wasn't ready and needed more time. Later in the year, Apple said that it would launch its Siri update in 2026.

Though Apple never gave a timeline more specific than "2026," Bloomberg said the company was aiming to include Siri in iOS 26.4, an update planned for spring 2026. Bloomberg's latest report suggests the ‌Siri‌ functionality will not be ready in time to be included in iOS 26.4, so the new features could be pushed to iOS 26.5 or iOS 27.

Apple may miss its internal target for the 2026 ‌Siri‌ launch, but since the company never publicly gave timing beyond 2026, there's no actual delay yet. Apple has until December 2026 to launch ‌Siri‌ within the timeframe that it promised in summer of 2025.

Back in June 2024, Apple previewed three new ‌Siri‌ features, including onscreen awareness, personal context, and the ability to do more in and between apps. Apple has since started working on additional ‌Siri‌ features like image generation and a tool for searching the web.

In Apple's testing, ‌Siri‌ apparently sometimes doesn't process queries properly, and can take too long to respond to requests. Features are not working as intended, so ‌Siri‌'s new capabilities could roll out across several updates. We could still get one or two new ‌Siri‌ features in iOS 26.4, with other features set to come in future updates slated for 2026. There are still several iOS 26 updates planned for 2026, and iOS 27 will launch in September 2026.

Apple provided CNBC with a statement because the company's stock dropped five percent today, both due to the ‌Siri‌ delay rumors and FTC scrutiny over Apple News.

Apple is likely to release the first beta of iOS 26.4 later this month, giving us more insight into the ‌Siri‌ launch situation.
Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Tag: Siri
Related Forum: iOS 26

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iOS 26.3 Update Released for iPhone & iPad

12 February 2026 at 00:04
iOS 26.3 for iPhone and iPadOS 26.3 for iPad have been released by Apple for all supported devices. The software updates aim to provide important security updates and bug fixes. Additionally, Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.3 update for Mac, along with updates to Sequoia, Sonoma, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and older iPhone and iPad models ... Read More
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