What’s New in iOS 26? Big Visual Shift, Smart Updates
Apple reveals iOS 26 at WWDC 2025. Major UI changes, better Messages, and real-time translation will arrive with the iPhone 17 launch.
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Apple introduced iOS 26 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), calling it the most significant design transformation since iOS 7. The company has revamped the interface with a new aesthetic called "Liquid Glass," which will influence iPhones, iPads, and Macs alike.
The redesigned operating system delivers changes across the home screen, lock screen, and control center. Apple emphasized that iOS 26 marks a foundational shift in how users will navigate their devices moving forward.
The iOS 26 public rollout is scheduled for fall 2025, in line with the anticipated iPhone 17 series launch. Early adopters can access the developer beta, but Apple recommends backing up devices before installation.
Devices eligible for the update include iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer), iPhone 11 through 16 series, and all forthcoming iPhone 17 models. Older models such as the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not receive the update.
The update applies consistent visual styling across Apple ecosystems. Redesigned icons and more intuitive layouts aim to enhance usability. Notably, the Phone app now consolidates contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into a unified scroll view.
One of the new tools, "Hold Assist," notifies users when a customer service representative joins the call, allowing multitasking while on hold.
iOS 26 introduces Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps, enabling real-time multilingual conversation. While initial testing noted slight delays, the feature is designed to enhance cross-language interaction.
Group messaging now includes a polling option for quick group decisions. A filtering tool for unknown senders automatically categorizes spam texts, improving inbox management.
"Visual Intelligence" enables users to identify items in images and search for similar products online, by simply capturing a screenshot.
Apple also rolled out an on-device 'Communication Safety' feature in FaceTime to detect and pause calls involving explicit content, enhancing user safety and maintaining data privacy.
iOS 26 reintroduces the Library and Collections tabs in the Photos app, based on user feedback. This change aims to streamline photo navigation, addressing issues users raised following previous updates.
Apple has yet to confirm the exact release date but reaffirmed the rollout will begin in the fall.
