Exploring the Exciting Features of iOS 26: What You Need to Know

The tech world has been buzzing with excitement as Apple rolls out its latest software update for iPhones: iOS 26. Released on September 15, 2025, this new operating system brings a host of changes that not only enhance user experience but also modernize the design language of iOS. With features like the new Liquid Glass design, enhanced communication tools, and innovative accessibility features, iOS 26 is definitely worth a look. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about iOS 26, from its visual overhaul to its practicality in daily use.

What is iOS 26?

For the first time since the inception of its iOS naming convention, Apple has jumped ahead with version numbers, skipping from iOS 18.7 to iOS 26. This decision aligns the versioning with a year-based system, similar to automobile model years, reflecting Apple's commitment to keeping its software relevant and cutting-edge. Alongside iOS 26, Apple also released iOS 18.7, aimed at addressing security concerns for older devices. So, if your iPhone isn't compatible with iOS 26, you still have an option to improve its security.

The Liquid Glass Design

One of the standout features of iOS 26 is the introduction of the Liquid Glass design. Apple describes this new aesthetic as a "translucent material" that gives your home and lock screens a fresh, modern look. This visual refresh is a significant departure from the familiar design users have grown accustomed to over the years.

What is Liquid Glass?

Liquid Glass presents a clean and sleek interface that enhances visibility while maintaining functionality. Here’s what you need to know about it:

• Translucent Appearance: The new design incorporates clear elements within apps and on the home screen, allowing for a more immersive experience.
• Dynamic Adaptability: The Liquid Glass interface can shift between dark and light modes based on your surroundings, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions.
• Floating Buttons: Many apps, including Phone and Maps, feature new floating buttons designed to be less distracting, while still being easy to spot.

Despite some criticism, the Liquid Glass design has received positive feedback for its overall aesthetic. Apple has even adjusted transparency levels based on user feedback during the beta phase, making this a thoughtful design evolution.

Adjusting Liquid Glass Settings

If you’re not a fan of the new look, Apple allows some flexibility. You can reduce the transparency and motion effects by navigating to:

• Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion
• Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency

While these settings won't completely revert to the previous design, they can help tailor the experience to your preference.

Notable Features of iOS 26

iOS 26 is packed with new features that are designed to enhance usability and communication. Below are some of the most notable changes:

1. Phone App Redesign

The Phone app has received a significant redesign that consolidates access to contacts, recent calls, and voicemail in one view. This streamlined interface makes it easier to manage your communications.

2. Live Translation

Live Translation is a game-changer for multilingual communication. This feature allows users to converse in real-time through phone calls, FaceTime, and text messages, breaking down language barriers seamlessly.

3. Group Polls

If you often find yourself lost in long group chats, the new polling feature will be a lifesaver. You can now create polls to quickly gather opinions on everything from dinner plans to movie choices.

4. Filtering Unknown Senders

Spam texts can be incredibly annoying. With iOS 26, unknown senders are automatically filtered out into a separate folder, allowing you to focus on the messages that matter.

5. Visual Intelligence

This new feature allows users to search for items visible on their screens, similar to a reverse image search. Simply take a screenshot and use Visual Intelligence to find products or information related to the image.

6. Photos App Enhancements

The Photos app has reverted to a more traditional layout, with separate tabs for Library and Collections, making it easier to find your favorite memories.

7. Camera App Improvements

Navigating the Camera app has become more intuitive, with buttons and menus conveniently positioned for quick access. A new feature even alerts you if your lens needs cleaning—handy for those who may overlook it!

8. Communication Safety in FaceTime

The new Communication Safety feature in FaceTime pauses video calls if it detects nudity, aimed primarily at protecting children from inappropriate content.

9. Lock Screen Customization

iOS 26 allows for greater customization of the lock screen, offering new clock designs, 3D wallpaper effects, and enhanced focus mode options.

10. New Alarm Settings

Gone are the days of the standard 9-minute snooze. You can now customize snooze times ranging from 1 to 15 minutes, giving you more control over your wake-up routine.

11. Screenshot Features

Taking a screenshot now comes with features like "highlight to search," which lets you search your image on Google or even ask ChatGPT questions about it.

12. The New Preview App

Apple has introduced a new app called Preview that allows users to scan documents, fill out PDF forms, and even remove backgrounds from images, making it a powerful tool for productivity.

What’s New in iPadOS 26?

iPad users also benefit from the iOS 26 update with specific enhancements for multitasking and visual updates. Here are some highlights:

• Multitasking and Windowing: iPadOS 26 introduces real windowing, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously, with the ability to resize and rearrange windows.
• Visual Update: Similar to iOS 26, the Liquid Glass design also makes its way to iPadOS, providing a cohesive user experience across devices.

Enhancements for AirPods

AirPods have not been left behind in this update. With the integration of iOS 26, users can expect several new functionalities:

• Enhanced Audio Recording: Experience studio-quality sound even in noisy environments.
• Camera Remote Control: Take photos and start or stop video recordings directly from your AirPods with a simple press.
• Live Translation Feature: Now available on AirPods Pro 3 and other compatible models, allowing seamless translations during conversations.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: The new AirPods Pro 3 includes heart rate monitoring features that sync with the Apple Health app.

Siri’s Status

While many users were hoping for major updates to Siri, Apple has announced that the anticipated improvements—expected to integrate advanced AI capabilities—will be delayed until next year. As of now, Siri remains in its current state, but rumors suggest that significant enhancements are on the horizon for 2026.

Compatibility and Downloading iOS 26

Most iPhones from 2019 onward are eligible for the iOS 26 update. Here’s a quick list of compatible models:

• iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e, 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max

iOS 26 is now available to download for free. If you're eager to explore the new features and improvements, be sure to check your device compatibility and make the upgrade.

Conclusion

iOS 26 marks a significant evolution in Apple's mobile operating system, bringing a fresh design along with a suite of practical features that enhance usability and accessibility. From the striking Liquid Glass design to the live translation capabilities, this update is sure to improve your iPhone experience. If you haven't upgraded yet, now might be the perfect time to dive into all that iOS 26 has to offer. Stay connected and enjoy exploring the new features—your iPhone is about to get a serious facelift!