Maya Robertson
Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, 2025, delivering a major update with changes to design, intelligence, communications, privacy, and more. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s changed, which features require newer devices, and how to take advantage of the update.
Design & Visual Interface Changes
- Liquid Glass Design Language: iOS 26 introduces “Liquid Glass,” a layered, translucent design aesthetic across system UI—buttons, sliders, controls, tab bars, navigation panels—that shifts dynamically as you scroll or interact.
- Icon & Widget Tinting & Clear Styles: App icons and widgets support new tinting options. There are light-tinted backgrounds, dark-glyph modes, and an “all-clear” (transparent glass) icon/widget style which can adapt with Light/Dark mode or match MagSafe case color.
- Lock Screen & Wallpaper Enhancements: The clock on the Lock Screen adapts to wallpapers with better photo subject display. Spatial scene effect is added: older or non-3D photos can be given a depth effect.
New Systemwide & AI-Driven Features
- Apple Intelligence & Screen Visual Search: Apple expands Visual Intelligence: users can search what appears onscreen (including via third-party apps), highlight content to look up, use inside images; also “Ask ChatGPT” is supported in certain contexts.
- Live Translation & Audio Translation: Live translation is now available for phone calls, FaceTime and conversations, with spoken and read-aloud transcription. Audio translation also works during calls.
Updates to Key Apps & Utilities
- Camera & Photos:
- Panorama improvements reduce motion blur.
- Mode wheel expanded for easier access between different capture modes.
- AirPods with H2 chip can be used as remote shutter or start/stop video.
- Spatial Scenes in Photos gives 2D photos a depth effect.
- Safari:
- Redesigned tab bar, customizable options (Compact, Bottom, Top placements).
- Expanded fingerprinting protection (for all browsing, not only Private mode).
- Web extension packaging without Xcode or Mac; users can upload ZIPs to App Store Connect.
- Messages & Phone:
- New conversation backgrounds, polls in chats, typing indicators in groups.
- Unknown callers are filtered; call screening tools expanded.
- Wallet & Travel ID:
- Digital ID support for passports (in the U.S.), new boarding pass experiences, and added functionality such as order tracking built into Wallet.
Privacy, Accessibility & System Improvements
- Privacy Enhancements: Advanced Fingerprinting Protection now applies across all browsing sessions; not limited to Private mode.
- Accessibility Upgrades:
- New reading mode (“Accessibility Reader”) and greater support for braille displays.
- More control for users with low vision or mobility needs: eye-tracking, switch control, head tracking, sound recognition updates, enhanced captions.
- Performance & Battery Considerations: Apple warns that during initial setup, installing iOS 26 can temporarily affect battery life. Some features are available only on newer flagships (e.g., certain visual intelligence tools, spatial scenes, etc.).
Device Requirements & Rollout
- Device Compatibility: Many new features require models supporting Apple Intelligence (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, all iPhone 16 and 17 models). Older iPhones will receive iOS 26 but not all features.
- Availability: iOS 26 is now available globally, though rollout may vary by region and may be gradual. Some users may need time before seeing all features.
Tips for Users
- Check Your Device Model: To know which features you’ll get, verify if your iPhone model supports Apple Intelligence.
- Explore Visual & Icon Settings: Experiment with the new Liquid Glass design, icon styles, tinting, and Home Screen customization.
- Try Translation/Live Conversation Tools: Enable them in Messages, Phone, and FaceTime if available.
- Review Permissions & Privacy Settings: New protections are in place—especially fingerprinting protection in Safari and privacy tools in shared communications.
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