Apple iPhone 17 Pro
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May 31 update. This post, first published on May 30, was updated with more details of the prospective release schedule for iOS 27.
Apple iOS 27 is the next cycle of iPhone software and it’s almost upon us. Apple now has an established timetable for the various stages which lead up to the general release. Here’s all you need to know.
ForbesWWDC 2026 Apple To Unveil iPhone Updates Including New Siri — How To WatchBy David Phelan
Apple iOS 27 Big Reveal: June 8, 2026
Apple’s big unveiling of the new software, alongside that for the iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro, will happen when the annual Worldwide Developers Conference begins on Monday, June 8.
The keynote that opens WWDC will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific. Apple will reveal the major details of what’s coming, with in-depth previews to whet everyone’s appetite.
Apple iOS 27 First Developer Beta: June 2026
Exactly when the first usable version of the software restricted to anyone who has signed up as a developer, will come very soon after the WWDC keynote — possibly on the same day, before the announcements are finished. Failing that, expect the beta to go live for developers the following day, Tuesday, June 10, but probably no later than that.
Apple iOS 27 First Public Beta: July 2026
This is when the rest of us can get involved, and put the new software on our iPhones — though remember that early beta software will be buggy, so it’s best not to put it on the iPhone you use every day.
Exactly when it’ll arrive varies from year to year, though it’s often when the third developer beta goes live. That’s usually about the middle of July, though it was a little later last year, when Apple used the fourth developer beta instead.
At the time, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman commented on the later released. “Given that iOS 26 is such a significant design overhaul, it makes sense that Apple would want to take a little extra time to get things right,” he said.
Whichever is the case this time, mid-to-late July is likely.
Apple iOS 27 Release Candidate: Early September 2026
The Release Candidate is the final beta version of the software before it becomes generally available. It’s usually a few days before the September event when the next hardware that can run the software, which will this year include the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, are announced. Apple iOS 27 General Release: Mid-September 2026
The date of general release varies but is usually three to five days before the iPhone onsale date. That has yet to be revealed but I believe it’s likely to be Friday, September 18.
That would mean iOS 27 would go on general release some time around Monday, September 14 onwards. That also chimes with the schedule from last year.