How to download watchOS, macOS Tahoe, iPadOS, tvOS, and visionOS 26

With the launch of the iPhone 17 and the Apple Watch Series 11, it is officially update season for Apple fans. While iOS 26 has received most of the attention, the entire Apple hardware family is about to get a new operating system refresh. So, even if you don’t buy the latest gadgets from Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ event, you still have some fresh stuff coming, including the Liquid Glass makeover. 

Apple has updated its OS naming scheme to make sure the OS version numbers match one another, which will make everything a lot simpler for consumers moving forward. Thus, we have iOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and visionOS 26 coming through the pipes. If you own one of the devices that will get those updates, here are all the compatible devices and release dates.

How to download watchOS 26

The latest rendition of watchOS comes with a Liquid Glass design, new features, and four new watch faces. It will launch to the public on Sept. 15, 2025. Per Apple, it’ll be compatible with every Apple Watch from the Series 6 onward, along with all models of the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch SE 2 and 3. 

You may receive a notification to install the update when it finally drops. If not, follow these steps:

• On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app. 

• Head to the General section and then Software Update.

• The app will check for the update manually. You may need to enter your iPhone or Apple Watch passcode. 

• From there the update will download and install. 

• Note: You’ll want to keep your Apple Watch on the charger or have it charged to at least 50%. 

How to download iPadOS 26

iPadOS 26 is very similar to iOS 26 in that many of the same features will be around, including the Liquid Glass design. In addition, Apple has invented something called “Windows” that allows your iPad to run apps in windowed form. In any case, this update is coming on Sept. 15 as well and will be compatible with the following devices. 

• 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)

• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

• iPad Pro M2

• iPad Pro M4

• iPad Air M2

• iPad Air M3

• iPad (A16)

• iPad mini (A17 Pro)

And here’s how to install it:

• Go to your iPad’s settings menu.

• Navigate to General, and then Software Update.

• From there, your iPad will check manually for updates. 

• Once the watchOS 26 prompt appears, hit “Update Now.”

• After that, the update will download. Once done, tap “Install Now.” You’ll have to input your passcode to continue. 

• Note: Keep your iPad on a charger or have it mostly charged first. 

How to download macOS 26 Tahoe

As with the other updates, macOS 26 Tahoe will include Apple’s Liquid Glass design along with a slew of other cool features. As with the others, macOS 26 Tahoe will release on Sept. 15 as a free update. The update is compatible with the following Macs. 

• MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later)

• MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019 model)

• MacBook Pro (13-inch model from 2020 with four Thunderbolt ports)

• iMac (2020 and later)

• Mac mini (2020 and later) 

• Mac Studio (2022 and later)

• Mac Pro (2019 and later)

And here are the installation instructions:

• Click the Apple Menu button in the top corner of your screen. 

• Select System Settings.

• Once the window opens, tap General in the left sidebar. 

• From here, you’ll see the Software Update option in the main window. 

• Tap the Update Now button to begin your installation process. You’ll have to enter your admin password before it’ll actually install. 

• The update will download and install. 

• Note: Apple advises not to close the lid on your MacBook or let your Mac go to sleep. Just leave it and let it update. 

How to download tvOS 26

Like the others, tvOS 26 is coming with plenty of updates, including Liquid Glass and the ability to use your iPhone as a microphone during karaoke night. It’s also launching on Sept. 15. In terms of compatibility, all Apple TV models are getting this update. However, some of the features, like the Liquid Glass UI, will only appear for the 2nd and 3rd generations of the Apple TV 4K.

Here’s how to install it:

• Go to the Settings menu.

• Navigate to System and then Software Update.

• The device will check for updates. If there is one, hit “Download and Install.”

• Your Apple TV will download and install the update. 

• Note: Apple says to leave your Apple TV plugged in and on during this process. 

How to download visionOS 26

Finally, we come to visionOS 26. Apple has struggled to move these off of store shelves, with the huge price tag being the main culprit. In any case, for those few who do have it, the update comes on Sept. 15 with plenty of cool goodies to look forward to. As you may have guessed, it is compatible with the only Vision Pro that Apple currently sells. 

And the installation instructions are as follows:

• Open your Settings menu. 

• Navigate to General and then Software Update. 

• It’ll check for updates and display the visionOS 26 update. 

• When you’re ready, tap the “Download and Install Now” button. You may need to enter your Apple Vision Pro passcode at this step. 

• Once the update is ready, you’ll be told by the Vision Pro to remove the headset.

• From here, the update progress can be seen on the front of your device. 

Updates galore are coming soon

Those with a lot of Apple devices will have a busy Monday ahead of them. Most of these updates are bringing the same general redesign with platform-specific features, so there’s a ton to look forward to. Good luck with those installs.