Why the sudden jump to iOS 26?
Apple has released iOS 26, the latest major iPhone update, and it’s already showing up as an “Upgrade to iOS 26” option in the Software Update screen alongside iOS 18.7.1.
If you’re wondering why Apple skipped straight from iOS 18 to 26, and whether you should install it now, here’s what you need to know.
What’s new in iOS 26
iOS 26 debuts Apple’s Liquid Glass look plus a mix of system-wide and Apple Intelligence features. Anything marked “iPhone 15 Pro or newer” needs the newer A17-class chip; everything else works on all supported devices (iPhone 12, 13 and 14 series included).
- ✨ Liquid Glass interface – smoother, more translucent visuals throughout the system (all devices)
- 📷 Photos app redesign – separate Library and Collections tabs for easier browsing (all devices)
- 🔋 Adaptive Power – smarter battery and performance tuning (iPhone 15 Pro or newer)
- 🌐 Live Translation – in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls (iPhone 15 Pro or newer)
- 📞 Call Screening & Hold Assist – screen unknown callers and get an alert when a hold ends (iPhone 15 Pro or newer + supported carrier)
- 🔍 Visual Intelligence – on-screen object and text lookup anywhere in the OS (iPhone 15 Pro or newer)
Other Apple Intelligence perks, such as Genmoji and on-device image generation, also require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Why Apple jumped from iOS 18 to 26
Apple’s version numbering now lines up roughly with its yearly product cycle. The “26” refers to the 2025–2026 release era. It’s also a branding reset to mark the start of a new design generation.
You’ll still see iOS 18.7.1 listed as a minor update option, just like past transitions (for example, iOS 16.7 alongside iOS 17). Installing 18.7.1 keeps you on the older line with security fixes only, while choosing 26 moves you to the new system.
What to expect on an iPhone 13 Pro Max
- ⚡ Runs smoothly with the new Liquid Glass visuals and Photos app
- 📞 Adds Live Voicemail and Silence Unknown Callers; translation and call-screen features need iPhone 15 Pro or newer
- ⏳ May use more battery for the first few days while it re-indexes content
- 🚫 Doesn’t include Apple Intelligence extras such as Genmoji or Image Playground
Overall performance is excellent once the update settles, and most users report only minor battery changes after a week of normal use.
Features worth turning on
Available on all iOS 26 devices
- 📸 Lens Cleaning Alerts in Camera
- 💬 Live Voicemail
- 🚫 Silence Unknown Callers
Extras for iPhone 15 Pro / 16 / 17 (A17-class)
- 📞 Call Screening & Hold Assist (supported carriers only)
- 🌐 Live Translation in Messages / Calls
- 🔋 Adaptive Power Mode
- 🔍 Visual Intelligence lookup
Turning these on adds convenience without noticeably affecting battery life.
Features to test or avoid
- 🎵 Animated album art & motion wallpapers look great but may shorten battery life
- 📩 Unknown message screening can hide legitimate first-time contacts – handy, but check occasionally
- ⚠️ Leave any unofficial AI apps or Genmoji clones off older devices – they won’t work properly
PcRiot’s recommendation
If your iPhone is iPhone 12 or newer, upgrading to iOS 26 is safe and worthwhile. The update is legitimate, distributed directly through Settings → General → Software Update, and brings noticeable quality-of-life improvements.
If you prefer maximum stability, you can stay on iOS 18.7.1 until iOS 26.1 arrives, which usually includes additional bug fixes.
PcRiot can assist with iPhone updates, backups, and restoring settings if something goes wrong during the process. Contact us to schedule help or advice.