Download watchOS, macOS Tahoe, iPadOS, tvOS and visionOS 26

Apple’s next set of platform releases are landing this fall throughout the lineup, sharing a canonical version number—watchOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26—and the macOS release referred to as Tahoe. Clear, device-specific instructions for downloading and installing these updates can be found below, along with tips on post-installation preparation and guidance on finding out if a given update applies to your phone.

Before you begin: backups, power and storage

Back up first. Employ iCloud, Finder or Time Machine to have a way out if something breaks. As per Apple Support, it is always suggested to have a recent backup before doing any significant (arbitrary) OS version upgrade.

Charge, if possible, to 50% or more and then plug in. Join a stable, Wi‑Fi network; make sure you have several gigabytes available for the download; and sign in with the proper Apple ID. If you are running beta profiles, switch to the public channel in Software Update to see the general release.

How to install watchOS 26 on an Apple Watch

Compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and higher all the way to Apple Watch Ultra, as well as Apple Watch SE 2nd and 3rd generation. Put your watch on its charger, and make sure that the paired iPhone is in range on Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth.

On your iPhone, open the Watch app and tap General, then Software Update. If asked, then enter your iPhone and Watch passcodes. Tap Download and Install, then let your watch update until the progress ring finishes.

Tip: If you’re not seeing the update, then reboot both devices, and make sure your watch has at least 50% battery before trying again.

How to install iPadOS 26 on iPhone

Compatible models include iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (8th generation and later) and iPad mini (5th generation and later). This also includes more recent Apple silicon models, including the iPad Pro M2 and M4, iPad Air M2 and M3, the iPad (A16) and the “iPad mini (A17 Pro).

On iPad, go to Settings and then tap General and Software Update. 1 Annnd when iPadOS 26 crops up, tap Update Now, then wait for the download and tap Install Now. Do not unplug the device or disconnect from Wi‑Fi while install is in progress.

Pro tip: If you’re using a set-up device at work or school, your admin might be delaying updates; check with IT if you don’t see the prompt.

How to download and install macOS Tahoe on your Mac

macOS Tahoe works with MacBook Air with Apple silicon (from 2020), MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (from 2020) as well as selected Intel-based models like the MacBook Pro 16‑inch (2019) and the model from 2020 with four Thunderbolt ports; iMac (from 2020); Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro all from late-2019.

Click on the Apple menu, then System Preferences, followed by General and then Software Update. When you see macOS Tahoe in the list, click Update Now. If so enter your admin password to continue. Give yourself some time—large macOS installs can require 30–60 minutes depending on your storage and network.

Advice: Make a backup with Time Machine first. If you rely on mission‑critical apps, confirm their compatibility in developers’ notes before upgrading.

How to get update tvOS 26 on Apple TV

All of the many Apple TV models can get tvOS 26, although certain visual components like fresh Liquid Glass interface are reserved for Apple TV 4K (2nd and 3rd generation) only. For the hardware that supports it an new karaoke experience to use your iPhone as a microphone is also available.

On Apple TV, open Settings, select System and then Software Update. Choose Update Software, and then the Download & Install button. You can even manually set up automatic updates from this menu in order to fly hands‑free on future releases.

If you’re running low on storage, delete unneeded apps under Settings or an installation might fail.

How to update visionOS 26 for Apple Vision Pro

visionOS 26 is made for Apple Vision Pro. Battery pack with enough charge to operate the installer. Free space in the memory.

In Settings, tap General > Software Update. Select Download and Install when visionOS 26 becomes available. It may prompt you to take off the headset while it’s being install–installation progress will be shown on the front of your device.

If the update doesn’t appear

Rollouts of software updates can be staged by region and device. If you’re not seeing the update, restart your hardware, toggle Wi‑Fi on and off, sign out of and back into your Apple ID or try again later. Look at Apple’s System Status page or release notes for known delays. If you are a beta user, uninstall developer or public betas and try the general release.

Adoption is usually quick on Apple platforms. Third‑party analytics including Mixpanel have historically tracked iOS upgrades as exceeding 50% within weeks, versus macOS uptake which typically develops at a delayed pace—a trend that can be seen in other industry dashboards like StatCounter. Our servers are expected to be a bit crowded after launch and downloads may be slower than usual during the first hours.

Why this cycle matters

It’s important to have consistent versioning numbers across platforms and this release shares the same visual language as Liquid Glass design, but stacks other platform‑specific functionality ends on top of it—windowed multitasking on iPad; richer faces and fitness enhancements for Apple Watch; and media features spanning Apple TV and Vision Pro. The consistency should make support easier on families and IT teams, and it decreases confusion when keeping up with multiple devices.

Bottom line: just back up, plug in and follow the platform steps above. If you have the patience for the rollout, you’ll get your update — and a more consistent Apple experience across your wrist, tablet, TV set, Mac computer and spatial computing headgear.