iOS 26 release date, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and AirPods Pro 3 headline flurry of Apple updates

Apple is lining up a packed week of product launches in September 2025. The iOS 26 update will be released on Monday, September 15, bringing a major design overhaul and new Apple Intelligence features. Days later, on Friday, September 19, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and AirPods Pro 3 will officially go on sale, after pre-orders open on September 12.

By staggering the software update first, then the hardware, Apple ensures that new devices ship with the latest version of iOS while current iPhone owners get access at the same time.

iOS 26: Release Date and Features

The free iOS 26 update lands on September 15 and introduces a striking Liquid Glass design, with translucent app icons, dynamic Lock Screen time displays, and updated system controls.

It also expands Apple Intelligence, offering:

• Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls.
• Visual Intelligence, letting users search or take action directly from what’s on screen.
• Call and Message Screening, filtering unknown senders and automatically asking callers to identify themselves.
• Polls and backgrounds in Messages, plus Hold Assist in the Phone app.

iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer, including the brand-new iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air.

iPhone 17 Pro Max: Apple’s New Flagship

iPhone 17 Pro Max leads Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup and launches on September 19. Pre-orders begin on September 12, with prices starting at $1,199 in the U.S. for the base model.

Key features include:

• A19 chip for faster CPU and GPU performance.
• A titanium frame with a refined design, balancing durability with a lighter feel.
• Upgraded camera system with improved low-light performance and enhanced computational photography.
• Display improvements carried over from iOS 26, including adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and peak outdoor brightness of 3000 nits.

As with past launches, the Pro Max is positioned as the device that best showcases the capabilities of iOS 26, particularly the expanded Apple Intelligence tools.

AirPods Pro 3: Smarter, Fitter, and Longer-Lasting

Arriving the same day as the new iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 represent Apple’s most advanced wireless earbuds yet. They are priced at $249 in the U.S. and also open for pre-order on September 12.

Highlights include:

• World’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, up to 2x stronger than AirPods Pro 2.
• A new five-size ear tip system, including XXS, with foam-infused tips for a secure and comfortable fit.
• Built-in heart rate sensing, tied directly into the Fitness app on iPhone.
• Support for Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, for real-time in-person conversations across multiple languages.
• Up to 10 hours of battery life in Transparency mode — a 67% improvement over the previous generation.

AirPods Pro 3 also carry an IP57 rating for sweat and water resistance, making them more durable during workouts and outdoor use.

How the Launches Fit Together

By releasing iOS 26 on September 15 and following it with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and AirPods Pro 3 on September 19, Apple is rolling out software and hardware in a way that feels like one connected update. Current iPhone owners will see the new design and AI features first, while those upgrading to the latest devices will get them baked in from day one.

For Apple users, the timeline is clear: download the update on Monday, then pick up new devices by Friday.