Apple’s iOS 26 public stable version is just hours away, which means many of you are about to get the chance to install it on your iPhones.
This isn’t just another small patch – iOS 26 brings a fresh new look and plenty of features, so it is no surprise people are eager to hit that download button as soon as it drops.
But before you rush into it, there are a few things worth doing first. None of them are mandatory, of course, but they’ll make sure your iPhone runs smoothly during and after the update – especially if you are using an older model.
Check if your iPhone is compatible
First things first: make sure your iPhone can actually run iOS 26. Luckily, Apple is still supporting a lot of devices. If you’ve got an iPhone with an A13 chip or newer (that is iPhone 11 and up), you are good to go.
This step might sound boring, but it’s super important. A backup gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong during the update. You’ve got two main ways to do it:
iCloud Backup: Head to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and hit Back Up Now. Just make sure you’ve got enough iCloud storage available.
Computer Backup: Plug your iPhone into your Mac or PC. On a Mac, open Finder; on a PC, use the Apple Devices app. If you’re on an older Mac (macOS Mojave or earlier) or a PC without the Apple Devices app, open iTunes instead. Follow the prompts if it asks for your passcode or to trust the computer.
Free up some space
iOS 26 isn’t small. Apple recommends at least 20 GB of free space for a clean install. If you’ve been hoarding photos, videos, and random apps, now’s the time to do some cleanup.
Delete unused apps: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see which apps are hogging the most space. Delete them (if you don’t use them, of course) or use the Offload Unused Apps option to remove the app but keep its data.
Clear media files: Old videos, duplicate photos, or downloads you no longer need – get rid of them.
Clear app cache: Apps like Spotify or YouTube can store massive amounts of cached data. Clearing that out can free up a surprising amount of storage.
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Personally, I’ve already hit the wall on my iPhone 13 mini – it’s so packed with photos and videos that I had to make space to fit iOS 26 and going through your media might take a while, but it can actually be kind of fun – and deleting the stuff you don’t need frees up a ton of storage.
Update your apps
Before jumping into iOS 26, make sure your apps are up to date. Outdated apps can cause bugs, crashes, or weird compatibility issues.
The stock apps that come with iOS (Mail, Messages, Photos, Safari, etc.) will get updated automatically with the system update. But the ones you’ve downloaded from the App Store are separate, unless you’ve turned on automatic updates.
To update manually:
Open the App Store.
Tap your profile icon in the top-right.
Scroll down to see pending updates and tap Update All, or pick and choose.
Charge up and get Wi-Fi ready
The update process eats battery and takes time. Make sure your iPhone has at least 50% battery – or better yet, keep it plugged in while updating. Also, connect to a solid Wi-Fi network. The update file is big, and downloading it over cellular isn’t the best idea.
Get familiar with what’s new
Video credit – Apple
Every big iOS update changes the way your iPhone feels, and iOS 26 is no different. You’ll see the new Liquid Glass redesign, a revamped Photos app, plus useful tools like Call Screening and Live Translation.
Take a few minutes to read up on these changes so you know what to expect when you boot into the new OS.
Now, if you absolutely need your iPhone to work without hiccups – for example, for work, school, or just peace of mind – you might want to hold off for a few days.
Apple usually pushes out a quick bug-fix update (like iOS 26.0.1) right after the big release. Still, don’t wait too long, since these updates usually also patch important security issues.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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