10 game‑changing features you can’t miss

Liquid Glass interface

Beginning with the largest visible change, iOS 26 introduces a brand new design language referred to as “Liquid Glass”. Impressed by the translucent interface from visionOS, Apple has modified the look of issues like menus, choices and notifications, Management Middle and extra.

To match the brand new look, the tech large has additionally up to date the appear and feel of first-party apps like Messages, Cellphone and Digital camera. Additionally, person interface parts like toolbars and tabs are getting a visible overhaul. As a substitute of drop-down lists, iOS 26 now options rounded menus, which Apple says are much less distracting.

Revamped homescreen and lockscreen

With iOS 26, Apple has additionally modified the way in which the lock display and homescreen look. The lockscreen now has a redesigned time and date widget with a Liquid Glass interface, and there’s a brand new dynamic widget that adjustments the lock dimension in response to the wallpaper. What’s extra, customers can even create spatial scenes that provide depth and realism once they transfer their telephone. As for the homescreen, Apple is altering the way in which app icons look. With iOS 26, you now have the choice to make app icons translucent.

Redesigned digital camera app

For years, the digital camera app on iOS has principally stayed the identical. Nonetheless, with the newest iOS model, Apple has spiced up issues.

As a substitute of the acquainted and cluttered rows of modes simply above the shutter button, Apple has moved it to the underside of the display. The replace additionally hides the assorted choices that seem on the display, neatly hiding them in a menu that may be accessed by merely swiping up from the mode you might be in.

Reside translation

Powered by Apple Intelligence, iOS 26 is getting a brand new Reside Translation characteristic, which, because the title suggests, can robotically translate messages in your most well-liked language in actual time. The Apple Intelligence-powered characteristic can also be making its technique to different first-party apps like Cellphone and FaceTime.

AI-generated name summaries

Alongside real-time translation, the Cellphone app can also be getting a brand new characteristic that allows you to summarise your voice calls. These AI-generated voicemail summaries offer you an outline of what you talked about and are seen on the principle display. Apple has additionally launched a brand new unified structure that merges Favourites, Recents and Voicemails on the identical web page.

Apple Maps upgrades

Apple Maps can also be getting a bunch of upgrades. For instance, the navigation app will now keep in mind your most well-liked places and journey paths. Additionally, if an alternate route is on the market, Apple Maps will present a notification when driving.

Your iPhone will even be capable to log your visited places. This info is end-to-end encrypted and could be simply eliminated with a swipe.

New Video games app

iPhones working iOS 26 will even get a brand new Video games app that acts as a central hub for all accessible video games and offers you fast entry to Apple Arcade titles. You additionally get a devoted part for multiplayer video games and leaderboards.

Enhanced Visible Intelligence

Apple launched Visible Intelligence with iOS 18, however the characteristic was restricted to the digital camera viewfinder. However with iOS 26, the improved performance can even offer you details about what’s in your display.

Nonetheless, the characteristic is extra of a screenshot software, as you’ll have to seize a picture earlier than getting extra details about it. One other nifty addition is that Visible Intelligence can now scan a picture and ask if you wish to add particulars about an occasion to the Calendar app.

New emoji and picture era kinds

If you’re somebody who typically makes use of emojis, there’s some excellent news for you. With iOS 26, iPhone customers will be capable to combine two emojis utilizing Genmoji within the keyboard itself. Alternatively, you can even use the Picture Playground app to generate new emojis and blend and match them to your liking. Speaking of Picture Playground, Apple says customers can now ask ChatGPT to generate pictures in numerous kinds like Ghibli, lo-fi and extra.

CarPlay enhancements

Apple can also be bringing three of the largest additions launched with iOS 26 to CarPlay. These embrace widgets, dwell actions and tapback response.

Just like iMessage, customers can even select to pin their favorite conversations. Additionally, the incoming name UI will now not take over all the display, however as an alternative will probably be positioned on the backside of the display.

The way to set up iOS 26 in your iPhone?

Anybody utilizing an iPhone 11 or later can set up iOS 26 on their machine. Nonetheless, Apple Intelligence options are solely accessible on iPhone 15 Professional, iPhone 15 Professional Max, and all fashions within the iPhone 16 collection, together with the lately launched iPhone 16e.

To put in iOS 26 in your telephone, head over to “developer.apple.com” and log in along with your person ID. Now, allow Developer Mode by going to Settings> Privateness and Safety.

As soon as completed, open Settings > Common > Software program Replace > Beta Updates and select “iOS 26 Developer Beta”. Right here, faucet on the “Obtain and Set up” button and observe the on-screen directions.

Your iPhone must be working iOS 18.5 to get the iOS 26 Developer Beta. Additionally, be sure you have backed up your necessary knowledge and that there’s no less than 15GB of free house.

Word: Since iOS 26 is at present not secure, you may expertise some bugs and points right here and there, so be sure you chorus from set up iOS 26 in your main machine.