Apple released the all-new software for the iPhone, iOS 26, on Sept. 15. It looks like the first update will land in a matter of hours. Here’s what is known so far.
As soon as the software went live, there were two quick updates in a matter of three days — though these were initially only seen by press reviewers with iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max handsets as no earlier iPhones were affected. Customers who bought the new phones on launch date, Friday, Sept. 19, found that their handsets needed day-one updates. The build number changed but the overall name remained iOS 26.
But then reports started swirling on Sept. 20 that an update was on its way, called iOS 26.0.1. At that time, it seemed that the update might be to address an issue discovered by reviewers concerning the iPhone Air camera. Apple acknowledged the issue but said it happened in very rare cases for the Air and iPhone 17 Pro. Apple said it would be addressed.
It also looked liked the update could land very swiftly, perhaps as soon as Monday, Sept. 22, but that didn’t happen.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, 9to5Mac updated its original report with more details. The first report highlighted an anonymous private account on X that “regularly shares accurate information about upcoming Apple software updates,” as it put it.
Now, it says the update is closer: “We’re still waiting on Apple to release iOS 26.0.1 to everyone, but it seems very close. An anonymous account on X indicates the update will feature the build number 23A355. I’d expect the update to be released in the next several days,” Chance Miller commented.
That sounds to me like the update will arrive this coming week, most likely Monday, Sept. 29 or Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The site also comments on what might be in the update, whenever it comes: “There have also been recent reports of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and CarPlay problems for iPhone 17 users. Hopefully, iOS 26.0.1 will fix those problems,” Miller added.
I’ll be reporting on the update the second it launches, but so please check back.
