Apple is urging people to take action sooner rather than later

Apple iphone 16 black

People have been warned to update it asap (Image: Getty)

Apple has issued a message to millions of iPhone users across the UK and beyond.

On its website, the tech company has said that you may need to make some changes to your phone. It notes that people who are experiencing an issue may need to upgrade their current iOS in order to fix any bugs. Specifically, iOS 26.

Urging people to do this now, it further states that by doing so, you will gain access to the "latest features and security enhancements." 

As explained on its Apple Support page, "before downloading new software, back up your device to make sure that you have a copy of your important information."

Not everyone may be able to get this, though. It explains: "You will only see updates that are compatible with your current software version. If you have not downloaded the most current release, you will not see the option to install the latest release.

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Which iPhone models are compatible with iOS 26?

  1. iPhone 17
  2. iPhone 17 Pro
  3. iPhone 17 Pro Max
  4. iPhone Air
  5. iPhone 16e
  6. iPhone 16
  7. iPhone 16 Plus
  8. iPhone 16 Pro
  9. iPhone 16 Pro Max
  10. iPhone 15
  11. iPhone 15 Plus
  12. iPhone 15 Pro
  13. iPhone 15 Pro Max
  14. iPhone 14
  15. iPhone 14 Plus
  16. iPhone 14 Pro
  17. iPhone 14 Pro Max
  18. iPhone 13
  19. iPhone 13 mini
  20. iPhone 13 Pro
  21. iPhone 13 Pro Max
  22. iPhone 12
  23. iPhone 12 mini
  24. iPhone 12 Pro
  25. iPhone 12 Pro Max
  26. iPhone 11
  27. iPhone 11 Pro
  28. iPhone 11 Pro Max
  29. iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

In order to download the latest version, you can make sure you have updates automatically switched on meaning you don't need to do anything. Alternatively, you can check for updates manually in the Software Update settings.

To turn on automatic updates you can:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Tap Software Update.

  4. Tap Automatic Updates.

  5. Choose one of the following options:

    • Automatically Install: When an update is available, iPhone downloads and installs the update overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi. You’re notified before an update is installed.
    • Automatically Download: Downloads updates automatically when your iPhone connects to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked so you can install them later. To see this option, first turn off Automatically Install.

To manually install software updates:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap General.

  3. Tap Software Update. The screen shows the installed version of iOS and whether an update is available.

  4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.

One of the most highly anticipated features of the latest iOS is Liquid Glass. Hailed as its "broadest design update ever", the "new design across Apple platforms elevates the content people care about most and it creates a unified design language between platforms — all while maintaining the distinct qualities that make each unique."

Other features include Live Translation, an improved gaming experience, privacy updates and much more. You can read up more through the Apple Developer here.