Major Redesign and Version Jump
Apple has launched iOS 26 for iPhone 11, iPhone SE 2, and newer devices. The update introduces a “Liquid Glass” interface inspired by Vision Pro, offering a translucent glass-like design across apps. The version jump from iOS 18 to iOS 26 aligns Apple’s operating systems under one numbering scheme and reflects the year of release. While visually striking, early users may need time to adapt to the new interface.
Key Phone and Messaging Features
The Phone app now combines favorites, recents, and voicemails in one screen, with an option to switch back to the classic look. A new call screening tool asks unknown callers for their name and purpose before alerting users, reducing unwanted interruptions. Messages adds group polls, conversation backgrounds, improved photo previews, typing indicators, and stronger spam filtering, though some navigation steps now take longer.
Gaming, Media, and Productivity Updates
The overhauled Games app consolidates current titles, arcade games, achievements, and friend activity in one hub. Apple’s Preview app, long available on Macs, comes to iOS for PDF editing, annotations, and signing. Apple Music gains automixing for seamless song transitions, lyrics translation, and playlist pinning. Apple Maps now supports preferred routes with live traffic notifications and a new places library. The Camera app adopts the Liquid Glass design with simplified controls and swipe gestures for advanced options.
AI and Translation Tools
iOS 26 expands AI-powered translation to system-wide use in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, supporting English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Live translation also extends to AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4. Visual Intelligence now understands screen content, suggesting calendar events or answering questions, though its activation overlaps with screenshot shortcuts. Genmoji allows users to merge emojis via text prompts, while Image Playground introduces customizations for hair, facial hair, and styles.
Other Enhancements
Users can now set alarm snooze times between 1 and 15 minutes, create digital IDs in Wallet, and use an updated boarding pass display. Voice recording gains input source selection, voice isolation, and local audio capture for podcasts. Reminders automatically generate grocery lists from recipes and surface tasks based on open emails or notes. The App Store now includes accessibility nutrition labels, while parental controls expand to manage communication and age-appropriate app experiences.