Apple announced in June that the release of iOS 26 would first appear as developer betas as usual, with the first public beta set for July. When it reaches general release it will be on the 2025 releases, iPhone 17 series, as well the iPhone 16 series and plenty of much earlier models.

Perhaps Apple can borrow some features from the latest version of iPadOS to take advantage of the larger screen. Of course, the iPad doesn't fold down the middle, so adjustments would need to be made, but it could set Apple on the right path if it borrows from its existing touch-based, large-screen interface.