Apple unveils iOS 26, detailing every novel feature users can expect:
Revised Article:
Apple's annual WWDC 2025 developer conference shook things up with some exciting revelations, none more so than the upcoming iOS 26 software update for iPhones. This fresh update is packed with impressive features, from a sleek design overhaul to AI integration and app enhancements. Here's a lowdown on all the goodies awaiting iPhone users.
The Liquid Shimmer: A Fresh Look for Your iPhone
iOS 26 adopts a new, vibrant design called Liquid Glass. With a translucent and dynamic aesthetic all across Apple's ecosystem, users can expect a visual treat with redesigned icons, widgets, navigation, and control elements. The Home Screen and Lock Screen acquire advanced customization options, including spatially aware wallpapers and adaptive lock screen clock positioning.
Apple Intelligence 2.0: Know More, Do More
Apple's AI capabilities are leveling up with iOS 26. Termed Visual Intelligence, it empowers users to perform contextual actions based on on-screen content, such as translating text, summarizing information, or searching within supported apps. It boasts real-time audio and text translation with Live Translation, included in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. The Genmoji and Image Playground also get an upgrade with the capability to create new visuals by mixing emojis and descriptors using generative AI.
Smart Summaries are now automated, thereby ensuring safe and secure handling of order tracking, email summaries, and in-line content parsing like extracting event details from messages—all handled locally on the device.
As anticipated, Apple offers API access to its on-device foundation model to developers.
A Helping Hand: Phone and Messaging Features Coming Soon
iOS 26 equips Call Screening, which automatically screens unknown calls with transcriptions before you take the call. It also includes Hold Assist, detecting when a support agent joins a call on hold, and Message Screening, which screens messages from unknown senders.
Exciting new additions expected in Messages include Polls, custom backgrounds, and Apple Cash.
CarPlay Evolves: A Smoother Ride Ahead
Apple has significantly updated CarPlay for a better driving experience. It provides a compact incoming call view, allowing for continuous navigation during calls, pinned conversations, tapbacks, and live activities. Live Activities and Widgets supply real-time updates and glanceable content on your car's infotainment system. CarPlay Ultra offers complete integration with vehicle systems across different screens.
Sparking Fun: App Updates and Features Galore
Expect several noteworthy updates for Apple's native apps with iOS 26. Apple Music introduces lyrics translation and pronunciation, as well as AutoMix DJ-style transitions. Apple Maps gets an upgrade with new Visited Places, private, end-to-end encrypted location history, and smarter route suggestions.
You'll have installment payment options for Apple Pay, real-time flight tracking, and integrated travel tools at your fingertips.
App Central: Organize Your Apps Like Never Before
The new Apple Games app serves as a one-stop hub for managing installed titles, accessing Apple Arcade content, and discovering new games. It keeps you updated on in-game events and news.
Hear More, Do More: AirPods Enhancements
AirPods (4th generation and Pro 2) receive two exciting features: Studio-Quality Recording offers improved audio capture for voice memos and calls, while Camera Remote Control lets you take photos or videos with a long press of the AirPods stem.
Parental Controls and Child Accounts: Stronger Protections for the Little Angels
Streamlined tools for managing Child Accounts in iOS 26 include contact request approvals, content blurring in FaceTime and shared albums. Users can also set exceptions for downloading apps with higher age ratings, subject to parental approval.
Privacy Matters: Safari Privacy Enhancements
Safari in iOS 26 boasts improved fingerprinting protection by default, ensuring user privacy across all browsing sessions.
Accessibility: Empowering Everyone
iOS 26 introduces new accessibility tools like the accessibility reader and Braille Access, making Apple devices more accessible for everyone. It also expands updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, and Personal voice.
Stay tuned for more on iOS 26, including when and on which devices you can expect the update. Expect the public beta version to roll out in July 2025, with the official release slated for September 16, 2025, together with the iPhone 17 series.
[Source: 9to5Mac][1], [iMore][2], [MacRumors][3]
[1] 9to5Mac: https://9to5mac.com/guides/ios-16/ [2] iMore: https://www.imore.com/ios-16 [3] MacRumors: https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-16/
Technology advancements are evident in iOS 26, as Apple's AI capabilities are given a boost with Visual Intelligence, allowing for contextual actions based on on-screen content and real-time translation (Text 3). Furthermore, the new operating system introduces several innovative features across Apple's ecosystem, such as the Liquid Glass design, CarPlay Ultra, and the Apple Games app (Text 9, 10, 11).
