iOS 26.1 is not “coming out” in the future anymore – it was already released on November 3, 2025, and is available to install now on supported iPhones via Settings → General → Software Update.

Quick Scoop: When Did iOS 26.1 Come Out?

  • Public release date: November 3, 2025.
  • It rolled out in waves worldwide the same day, so some regions saw it a bit later in the day, but the official date is November 3.
  • Build number: 23B85 (shown in Settings → About after you update).

If your phone is still on iOS 26.0 or 26.0.1, you should see iOS 26.1 as an available update in Software Update on any supported device (iPhone 11 and newer, plus newer SE models).

Why People Asked “When Is iOS 26.1 Coming Out?”

Before it dropped, tech sites and forums were guessing late October or early November based on Apple’s usual schedule.

  • Earlier reporting suggested “late October” or “very early November” as the most likely window.
  • As October passed without a release candidate, coverage shifted to “early November” predictions, which ended up being accurate.

So if you’re seeing older forum threads asking “when is iOS 26.1 coming out,” they were from that pre-release prediction window.

What’s New in iOS 26.1? (Super Brief)

You didn’t ask for this specifically, but here’s a quick, useful snapshot so you know whether it’s worth installing:

  • First major point update to iOS 26 with several feature tweaks and UI refinements.
  • Improvements to the new Liquid Glass interface, including appearance controls and dark-mode refinements.
  • Quality‑of‑life updates in apps like Photos, Music, Phone, Safari, and some new accessibility and security options.
  • Usual bug fixes and security patches rolled in from earlier minor updates.

How Big Is the Update?

  • From iOS 26.0: roughly 740–820 MB download size.
  • From iOS 25: around 6.2 GB, since that’s effectively a full-generation jump plus 26.1 changes.

Simple Steps to Get It

  • Open Settings on your iPhone.
  • Tap General → Software Update.
  • If your device is compatible, you should see iOS 26.1 available to download and install.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.