Apple officially rolled out iOS 26 new features on September 15, 2025, and it has quickly become one of the most talked-about iPhone updates in years. This release delivers a fresh design overhaul, smarter Apple Intelligence tools, and several updates to core apps that aim to make everyday use faster, easier, and more personalized.
If you’re wondering what’s changed, which devices are supported, and whether you should update now, here’s a full breakdown of everything iOS 26 brings to the table.
Table of Contents
Liquid Glass Design
The first thing you’ll notice after installing iOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass interface. Apple has redesigned the system to feel lighter, more fluid, and more immersive.
- Translucent surfaces let background colors shine through app windows and menus.
- Rounded edges and floating panels give apps a more dynamic look.
- Depth effects shift as you tilt your phone, creating subtle 3D interactions.
From the lock screen to Control Center, everything feels cohesive, smoother, and more modern compared to iOS 25.
Apple Intelligence Upgrades
Apple has doubled down on Apple Intelligence, expanding its AI-powered tools throughout the operating system. Some standout improvements include:
- Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages for real-time language conversion.
- Visual Intelligence, letting you take actions directly from screenshots or content visible on screen.
- Smarter suggestions in Mail, Safari, and Messages, where iOS proactively offers relevant shortcuts, polls, or scheduling options.
- Order tracking in Wallet, with detailed delivery updates for purchases.
These upgrades show Apple’s push to make the iPhone feel more context-aware and helpful in everyday life.
Phone and Messages Updates
Communication gets a major boost with iOS 26:
- Phone app redesign brings a cleaner layout with faster access to Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail.
- Call Screening for unknown numbers helps you decide whether to answer.
- Hold Assist lets you step away while on hold and alerts you when someone picks up.
- Messages polls and backgrounds let you run group decisions more easily and customize chats.
- Built-in translation in conversations removes language barriers instantly.
These additions modernize how we handle calls and chats, making interactions more efficient and personal.
Home Screen and Lock Screen
Apple continues to refine personalization with new home and lock screen options:
- Spatial wallpapers that shift perspective as you move your device.
- Adaptive widgets that change appearance depending on wallpaper colors.
- More translucent icons and menus that blend into the Liquid Glass design.
The lock screen also now supports interactive elements, letting you check key updates or interact with widgets without unlocking your phone.
Safari, Music, Photos, and Wallet Enhancements
Several core apps also received fresh updates in iOS 26:
- Safari introduces floating tabs, smoother scrolling, and compact designs for easier one-hand use.
- Music adds AutoMix transitions, translated lyrics, and pronunciation guides for international songs.
- Photos gets simplified controls for switching modes, plus support for spatial wallpapers made from your own pictures.
- Wallet now supports more digital IDs, redesigned passes, and streamlined order-tracking summaries.
These smaller but meaningful improvements enhance daily use of the iPhone’s most popular apps.
Battery and Performance Features
iOS 26 also focuses on efficiency and performance:
- Smarter battery insights show exactly which apps are draining the most power.
- Adaptive Power Mode extends battery life automatically in low-charge situations.
- System-wide optimizations reduce background activity and make animations faster.
For heavy users, these tools should noticeably improve day-to-day reliability.
Supported Devices
Apple has tightened device compatibility with this update. iOS 26 works on:
- iPhone 11 and newer models
- iPhone SE (3rd generation and newer)
Older iPhones, including the iPhone XR and iPhone XS line, are no longer supported. This reflects Apple’s focus on delivering advanced features that require newer chips and hardware.
Language and Privacy
Apple Intelligence features such as Live Translation and Visual Intelligence are initially available in key languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Additional languages will be added in future updates.
Privacy remains central. Most intelligence features run on-device, ensuring personal data doesn’t leave your iPhone. For tasks requiring cloud processing, Apple states data is handled securely and not stored.
Things to Know Before Updating
Before installing iOS 26, consider the following:
- The Liquid Glass design may feel too translucent for some users. Accessibility settings let you reduce transparency.
- Not every feature is available on all supported iPhones. Advanced Apple Intelligence tools may require the latest chips.
- Ensure your device has enough storage space, a reliable internet connection, and sufficient battery charge before updating.
- As with any major release, minor bugs are possible at launch. Some users may prefer waiting for iOS 26.1.
Why iOS 26 Matters
This update isn’t just cosmetic. It signals Apple’s shift toward more intelligent, context-aware features and a consistent design language across devices.
- The Liquid Glass design is also present in iPadOS and macOS updates, unifying Apple’s ecosystem.
- Apple Intelligence tools position iOS as a smarter, more helpful operating system.
- By dropping older devices, Apple encourages users to upgrade, ensuring that future features work seamlessly on newer hardware.
Summary of Key Features in iOS 26
| Category | Feature Highlights |
|---|---|
| Design | Liquid Glass interface, spatial wallpapers, adaptive widgets |
| Apple Intelligence | Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, smarter suggestions |
| Communication | Redesigned Phone app, Call Screening, Hold Assist, polls in Messages |
| Core Apps | Safari floating tabs, Music AutoMix, Photos updates, Wallet order tracking |
| Performance | Smarter battery insights, Adaptive Power Mode |
| Compatibility | iPhone 11 and newer, SE (3rd gen and newer) |
Final Thoughts
The iOS 26 new features mark one of Apple’s most ambitious updates in years. With its Liquid Glass design, expanded Apple Intelligence, and smarter tools across apps, it delivers both style and substance. Whether you’re most excited about the design overhaul, battery improvements, or real-time translation, this update ensures the iPhone stays ahead in usability and innovation.
Which iOS 26 feature stands out to you the most? Share your thoughts below and let others know how your iPhone feels after the upgrade.