iOS 26 marks one of the biggest transformations ever seen in the iPhone operating system.
Officially unveiled at WWDC 2025, the new system brings a powerful combination of a new features, including:
- An interface update, featuring the innovative “Liquid Glass”
- Advanced artificial intelligence features integrated into the system
- Significant improvements in usability, communication and accessibility.
Let’s explore these new updates and how they promise to redefine the experience on the iPhone!
Launch and Availability
Apple announced the new, revolutionary iOS 26 at WWDC on June 9, 2025. At the time, only the beta version for developers was available.
Public beta is scheduled to start in July 2025, and the final version is set to go live in September 2025, along with the launch of the iPhone 17.
Compatibility
iOS 26 will be compatible with iPhones from iPhone 11 onwards.
Unfortunately, older models like the XR and XS, will not receive the update. Some advanced features, like those related to Apple Intelligence, will only be available newer iPhone models, from the iPhone 15 onwards.
“Liquid Glass” Design: A New Experience
iOS 26 marks the first systemic visual redesign of the iPhone since 2013, with a distinct, translucent, interface.
Living up to its name, the look of the Liquid Glass interface will respond like water: Depending on how the device is held or tilted, Elements such as icons, widgets, centre control, folders and menus reflect movement and depth.
For users who would prefer a less fluid look, there is an option in Settings > Accessibility to reduce the effects without losing the design.
Apple Intelligence & AI Features
Apple’s latest update will also leverage AI in a more intuitive way, allowing the typical tasks performed by users to be baked into the system for more flow. Here are some examples of what can be expected from iOS 26:
- Real-time Live Translation: Calls, FaceTime and Messages will feature an automatic language translation option.
- Visual Intelligence: Screenshots will recognise products, dates, locations, etc.
- Smart shortcuts: iOS 26 will fast-track AI-powered image creation, summaries and contextual activations. This feature will only be available on iPhone 15 and newer models.
- Enhanced Genmoji and Image Playground: Varying styles for emojis and images, allowing for a greater creative range for expression.
- Apple Wallet will come with automatic AI-powered package tracking.
Calls, Messages & Communications
The new iOS 26 update will also change the game with new possibilities for calling and messaging. Some of the features mentioned include:
- Hold Assist: Users will no longer have to listen to frustrating music whilst being on hold. Instead, they can opt to be notified when their call is answered.
- Call Screening: iPhone users will have the ability to block and transcribe unknown calls.
- Messages Updates: iPhone Messages will also have an array of new features to keep up with rival messaging apps. These include group voting, customisable backgrounds, payments via Apple Cash, and an ‘unknown sender’ filter.
Other Updates
iOS 26 brings an array of other fun updates into the mix, to make the user experience both more fun and convenient:
- Apple Games: Arcade games and social lists will be centralised via Apple’s Game Center.
- Notes Transcription: The Notes App will be able to transcribe recordings and export in Markdown.
- Intuitive Apple Maps: The app will learn your most frequent trips, and provide suggestions as well as tracking where you’ve already visited.
- Enhanced Parental Controls: Children need permission for new communications, explicit content detection, and detailed age ranges in the App Store.
Conclusion
iOS26 brings Apple’s most ambitious visual redesign in over a decade, fusing advanced graphics technology and embedded intelligence across nearly the entire system.
AI-powered features, more efficient communications, new apps, and improved attention to accessibility create a modern and inclusive experience. However, to take full advantage of the new features, only the latest iPhone models will be able to enjoy all the features.