A Deep Dive Into The New Features of iOS 26
While we await details on the new iPhone 17 hardware, Apple has given us a comprehensive look at the software changes coming with iOS 26. This update introduces a major design overhaul called Liquid Glass and brings significant enhancements to core apps like Photos, Messages, and Phone. Even with a delay for Siri's update, Apple Intelligence continues to power many new functionalities.
The next version of the iPhone's operating system is set for release this fall, likely alongside the new iPhone 17 models. For those eager to try it early, developer betas are currently available, and a public beta is expected later this month.
A Fresh Look with Liquid Glass Design
Apple is moving on from the flat UI that has defined its software for over a decade. The new Liquid Glass design language brings a transparent, glassy aesthetic that extends across the entire Apple ecosystem, including iOS, WatchOS, TVOS, and iPadOS.
This new interface introduces a third option for app icons on the home screen called "All Clear," where every icon becomes a colorless, transparent element. The lock screen also gets an upgrade with enhanced 3D spatial scenes that use machine learning to add depth to your background photos.
A Dynamic and Adaptive Lock Screen
The "liquid" aspect of Liquid Glass refers to how UI elements can dynamically morph and adapt. For example, the time on the lock screen can stretch or shrink to accommodate the subject of your background photo or to make room for incoming notifications. The dock and widgets are now rounded, glassy panels that appear to float above the background, enhancing the sense of depth.
Simplified Camera and Photos Experience
The Camera app gets a new, more intuitive design that pushes minimalism further. The streamlined interface shows only two primary modes: Video or Camera. You can swipe to access other modes like Pano or Cinematic and swipe up for settings like timers and aspect ratio.
Responding to user feedback, the Photos app is also getting a welcome redesign. The cluttered interface of previous versions is gone, replaced by a clean Liquid Glass menu at the bottom of the screen, making navigation much simpler.
A Revamped Phone App
The Phone app is finally getting a modern makeover that utilizes the larger screens of today's iPhones. A new unified layout reduces the need to switch between screens when managing calls.
Beyond looks, new features add major utility. Call Screening automatically answers calls from unknown numbers and only rings your phone after the caller provides their name and reason for calling. Additionally, Hold Assist detects hold music, mutes it, and alerts you once a live agent is back on the line.
Enhanced Messaging and Communication
The Messages app becomes more personal and colorful. You can now add backgrounds to chats, including dynamic ones that showcase the Liquid Glass effect. Group texts are getting more organized with the ability to create polls, so you no longer have to scroll through endless messages to find information. The app will also feature better spam detection to keep your inbox focused on the conversations that matter.
Streamlined Apps
In Safari, the tab bar now floats above the webpage and shrinks as you scroll, maximizing screen real estate. FaceTime also adopts a minimal look, with controls that disappear into a corner during calls to reduce distractions.
Upgrades for Music and Gaming
The Music app introduces a lyrics translation feature and a pronunciation guide to help you sing along to songs in other languages. A new AutoMix feature seamlessly blends songs like a DJ, and you can now pin favorite artists and albums to the top of your library.
Apple is also launching a new Games app, providing a dedicated portal for Apple Arcade and other games to reduce friction and get you into the action faster.
Apple Intelligence Powers New Capabilities
Live translation is a powerful new feature powered by Apple Intelligence. It provides near real-time translated captions during conversations in the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps.
Apple's Genmoji can now combine existing emojis, and Image Playground is getting integrated with ChatGPT's image generation tools. Visual Intelligence now works on your screen's content, allowing you to perform an image search on a screenshot or extract event details from a poster.
Personalized Maps and Smarter CarPlay
The Maps app will now learn your frequently traveled routes and alert you to delays. It also keeps track of places you've visited, organizing them to make rediscovery easier. CarPlay gets the Liquid Glass design, a more compact call interface, and support for widgets and Live Activities.
Wallet App Improvements
In iOS 26, the Wallet app will support Digital IDs for TSA screening, allow you to use rewards and set up installment payments for in-store purchases, and use Apple Intelligence to track product orders even if you didn't use Apple Pay.
Other Notable iOS 26 Updates
Some smaller but still significant features in iOS 26 include:
- Remote video recording activation via AirPods.
- Customizable snooze durations for alarms.
- High-quality audio recording options for calls and video.
- Enhanced accessibility features for Braille users.
- AI-powered suggestions in the Reminders app.
- Support for multiple journals and inline images in the Journal app.
iOS 26 Availability and Compatibility
The final version of iOS 26 will be released this fall. In the meantime, developers can install the first betas now. It's always wise to approach beta software with caution.
Follow the latest news from the WWDC 2025 live blog for more details.
iOS 26 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and later models, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). The full list of compatible devices includes:
- iPhone 16 and 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
