Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26, a major software update that introduces the most dramatic design change in years along with powerful new features across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and even Vision Pro. Unlike previous incremental updates, iOS 26 syncs up version numbers across Apple’s ecosystem, bringing a consistent design language and functionality to all devices.
From the stunning new Liquid Glass interface to live translations with Apple Intelligence, this update isn’t just about looks — it transforms how users interact with their devices every day. Whether you’re eager to try the new call screening tool, customize your messages, or explore Apple’s brand-new Games app, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a complete look at the top features of iOS 26 and what makes it one of Apple’s most ambitious software releases to date.
The biggest visual overhaul in years, Liquid Glass redefines the design across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This translucent material makes apps and system elements look like they’re crafted from real glass, reflecting and refracting background details.
On iPhones, the effect shows up in app icons, widgets, navigation bars, and controls. While beautiful, Apple has fine-tuned the look since its beta phase to keep readability strong. It may take some users time to adjust, but this is the first time Apple has unified its design across every platform.
2. Apple Intelligence Expands
Building on its AI foundation, iOS 26 extends Apple Intelligence across apps and devices:
Live Translation works in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, letting you break language barriers in real time.
Visual Intelligence can analyze screenshots or on-screen content, helping users learn more, add events to calendars, or find similar products online.
Genmoji now lets you combine emojis or create new ones with text prompts.
The Image Playground app integrates with ChatGPT, offering more styles and editing options for fun, personalized images.
Apple’s AI tools continue to focus on privacy, running many features directly on-device.
3. Redesigned Phone App and Call Screening
A new card-style layout for voicemails, recents, and favorites is added to the Phone app. It is still possible for users to revert to the old interface.
Call Screening, which answers unfamiliar calls, requests the caller’s identity and reason, and transcribes the response before you choose to answer, is the most notable function. Many people will avoid spam and unsolicited calls only by doing this.
Another ingenious feature is Hold Assist, which allows your iPhone to alert you when a live agent returns to the line while you’re on hold.
4. Smarter Messages with New Tools
Apple is finally catching up with competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram by giving Messages:
Conversation backgrounds
Polls inside group chats
Typing indicators in groups
Improved photo previews
Spam filtering that moves texts from unknown numbers into a separate folder
It’s easier to keep personal and transactional messages organized, though some users may need a few extra taps to access certain tabs.
5. Apple Music Gets Lyrics Translation
iOS 26 presents live Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation within Apple Music. This feature offers an enjoyable and educational element, whether you are studying a language or simply interested in international music. Additionally, Apple Music incorporates automixing for more seamless transitions between playlists and allows users to pin their favorite songs or playlists.
6. Maps Learns Your Preferred Routes
With Visited Places and customized commute routes, Apple Maps has become more intelligent. Before you leave, the app can provide options and alert you to traffic delays. Maps highlights your favorite locations for convenience if you return to them, such as eateries or shops.
7. Apple Wallet Adds Passport Storage
For those who travel often, Apple Wallet has introduced the capability to store digital passports, in addition to cards, tickets, and boarding passes. This represents another advancement in transforming the iPhone into your comprehensive travel companion.
8. iPadOS 26 Brings a Desktop-Like Windowing System
iPad users see the biggest productivity leap ever. With iPadOS 26, you can:
Open multiple windows, similar to a desktop
Use a new menu bar for app commands
Manage files better with an upgraded Files app
Access a dedicated Preview app for editing PDFs with Apple Pencil
Capture high-quality recordings with new Background Tasks
This transforms iPads into more serious productivity tools without losing their simplicity.
9. Mac and watchOS Updates Worth Noting
While this article focuses on iOS 26, Apple’s other platforms get major boosts too:
macOS Tahoe: New Spotlight with enhanced search, transparent menu bar, and a redesigned Control Center.
watchOS 26: Sleep score tracking, FDA-cleared hypertension alerts, and Workout Buddy with motivational audio.
These improvements show how Apple is using iOS 26 as the foundation for its entire ecosystem.
10. Apple Games App Arrives
For the first time, iOS introduces a dedicated Apple Games application. This app consolidates your gaming history, achievements, and recommendations into a single location, while also allowing you to view what your friends are playing. Consider it a central hub for all gaming-related activities on the iPhone.
11. Camera and Photo Updates
Advanced settings may now be accessed by swiping up, however the Camera app now comes with a basic Photo/Video layout by default. It’s simpler to switch between controls like Flash and Night Mode. Spatial scenes in Photos enable you to produce vivid, 3D-like memories that make your images come to life.
12. Compatible Devices for iOS 26
iOS 26 is available starting September 15 for:
iPhone 11 and later
iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
iPad models running iPadOS 26
Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 26
If you’re using an older iPhone, this might be the nudge to upgrade to a newer model like the iPhone 17 series.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26 is one of Apple’s boldest software updates in years. The Liquid Glass design gives iPhones a fresh new look, while features like Call Screening, Live Translation, and the Apple Games app bring practical improvements to daily use.
Some changes may take time to get used to, but the update reflects Apple’s vision of creating a unified experience across its devices. If your iPhone supports it, downloading iOS 26 is a no-brainer. It’s not just an upgrade — it’s a step into the future of Apple’s ecosystem.
FAQs
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest version.
No. iOS 26 requires iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd gen), or later.
Apple hasn’t made major claims, but optimization and background task handling should help efficiency.