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iOS 26 Complete Updates: New Features, Apple Intelligence & iPhone Compatibility

Shravan Rajpurohit

By Shravan Rajpurohit

June 24, 2025

iOS 26 Complete Updates: Introduction

Apple’s latest iOS 26 update (announced June 2025) brings a sweeping redesign and powerful on-device AI enhancements. According to Apple, iOS 26 is “a major update” with a beautiful new design and more capable Apple Intelligence features. It revamps core apps (Phone, Messages, Safari, etc.) and adds new apps (like Apple Games) and features (e.g., live translations and custom app icons) across the system. 

iOS 26 was unveiled at WWDC 2025 and will be available as a free update for supported iPhones this fall. This article explores what’s new in iOS 26, device compatibility, and how it compares to prior versions like iOS 18.

 

A Stunning New Design with “Liquid Glass”

A Stunning New Design with “Liquid Glass”

One of the headline changes in iOS 26 is a system-wide redesign. Apple calls the new aesthetic “Liquid Glass,” a translucent material used throughout the interface. In practice, this means UI panels, controls, and even app icons have clear, blurred backgrounds that reflect content underneath. 

Apple says this makes the interface more “expressive and delightful” while still familiar. For example, the Home Screen and Lock Screen gain new levels of personalisation with clear (see-through) app icons and widgets, and wallpapers gain a subtle 3D “spatial” effect when you tilt the iPhone.

Figure: The iOS 26 Home Screen (left) and Lock Screen (right) showcase the new Liquid Glass look, with translucent widgets and icons.

Other design refinements include:

  • Adaptive layouts: The lock screen clock now automatically adjusts its size and position to fit different wallpapers.

 

  • Streamlined apps: The Camera app gets a simplified layout, and Photos separates Library and Collections into tabs for easier browsing.

 

  • Full-bleed Safari: Safari content now flows to the top and bottom edges, giving more screen real estate, while frequent actions (refresh, search) remain easily reachable.

 

  • Floating tab bars: In apps like Apple Music, News, and Podcasts, the bottom tab bar now “floats” over content and shrinks/expands dynamically as you scroll.

 

In short, iOS 26’s new design makes use of translucency, depth, and animation to create a fresh visual experience. Apple has even provided developers with new APIs so third-party apps can adopt Liquid Glass effects, meaning more apps will get this look in the future.

 

Powerful Apple Intelligence Everywhere

iOS 26 greatly expands Apple Intelligence (Apple’s on-device AI) throughout the system. This means new AI-powered features for communication, productivity, and media. Highlights include:

Powerful Apple Intelligence Everywhere

  • Live Translation: iOS 26 builds real-time language translation into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls. You can type or speak in one language, and the recipient will see/hear it translated into their language on the fly. Apple’s on-device models handle this entirely on the iPhone, preserving privacy.

    For example, a friend abroad can type a message in French and you’ll receive it in English (and vice versa) without ever leaving Messages.

 

  • Visual Intelligence: The system can now analyze anything on your screen and let you act on it. By invoking Apple Intelligence, you can ask questions about what you see (even sending it to ChatGPT or searching Google/Etsy for similar items).

    It can recognize text in screenshots or images and suggest context-aware actions, for instance, seeing an event invite on screen and automatically offering to add it to Calendar. This extends Apple’s Visual Lookup features to all on-screen content and integrates third-party knowledge (e.g., ChatGPT) for richer results.

 

  • Genmoji & Image Playground: iOS 26 adds new creative tools. Genmoji lets you blend multiple emojis and text descriptions to create unique custom stickers. Image Playground has been enhanced with a ChatGPT-powered “Any Style” mode, where you describe an image style or effect and the iPhone generates it for you.

    For example, you could tell Image Playground to draw a park scene in watercolor style, and it will produce a matching image. These tools let you easily create bespoke illustrations or custom emoji-like graphics right on your device.

 

  • Smarter Shortcuts and Mail: The Shortcuts app in iOS 26 includes “intelligent actions” pre-built shortcuts powered by Apple Intelligence (like quick text summarization or image prompts) for common tasks. In Mail, Apple Intelligence can now summarize order and tracking emails.

    If you shop online, the iPhone automatically extracts your order details and delivery status into a neat summary view, even if you didn’t pay with Apple Pay.

 

Overall, Apple is pushing its on-device LLM (large language model) into all corners of iOS 26. The company has even announced that developers will have access to the core Apple Intelligence model in iOS 26, enabling privacy-centric AI features within any app. 

Many of these AI features (like live translation and Genmoji) will initially work on iPhones with the latest chips (A17 Pro and beyond) and supported languages, but Apple plans to roll out more languages and expand support over time.

Figure: Live Translation in action during a Phone call on iOS 26, the iPhone displays translated subtitles in real time.

 

Phone and Messages: Connected, No Interruptions

iOS 26 introduces several enhancements to Phone and Messages that help you stay connected only when you want to be. Notable updates include:

  • Unified Phone layout: The Phone app now merges Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail into a single combined view. This means easier access to all your contacts and call history in one place.

 

  • Call Screening and Hold Assist: Building on the existing spam-filtering Live Voicemail, iOS 26 adds smarter screening. When an unknown caller dials you, the iPhone uses AI to gather info (via Siri or the network) and shows you details to help decide whether to pick up or not.
    Call Screening and Hold AssistIf you get stuck on hold, a new Hold Assist feature detects when a real agent answers your call and notifies you immediately, so you don’t have to keep listening to hold music.

 

  • Message Filtering and Polls: In Messages, unknown senders are now kept out of your main thread list. Messages from new numbers automatically go into a screening folder, staying silenced until you accept or block them. This helps reduce spam texts. iOS 26 also adds fun new conversation tools: group chats can now have polls (iMessage can even suggest a poll via Apple Intelligence), and every user can have a custom background per chat.
    Message Filtering and PollsThese backgrounds can be AI-generated to match the conversation tone. Group chats finally show who’s typing, and you can now request or send Apple Cash right in Messages, making splitting bills easier.

These updates make Phone and Messages more helpful and less distracting. You’ll see calls and texts only from contacts or vetted senders (cutting down spam), and conversations gain richer interaction features (polls, custom wallpapers) for social groups.

 

Enhancements to CarPlay

Enhancements to CarPlay

 

For drivers, CarPlay in iOS 26 gets a refresh. CarPlay is now cleaner and more consistent with iOS’s Liquid Glass look. Incoming calls are shown in a compact view so you don’t lose sight of navigation directions. 

You can now use Tapback reactions and pin conversations in Messages on the CarPlay screen, just like on your iPhone. Widgets and Live Activities (like ongoing timers or sports scores) can be shown on CarPlay too, keeping you informed without taking your eyes off the road.

All these CarPlay updates are also supported on CarPlay Ultra, Apple’s next-level integration for vehicles. CarPlay Ultra now displays the iPhone’s new interface on all the car’s screens (dash, center console, instrument cluster) and can control car functions like climate and radio. 

In practice, this means the same Liquid Glass style and CarPlay widgets you see on your phone will appear seamlessly in your compatible car.

 

Updates to Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet

Several built-in apps also have smart new features:

  • Apple Music: New Lyrics Translation shows song lyrics in two languages, helping you understand foreign lyrics. Lyrics Pronunciation audibly teaches you how to say each word (great for singing along).

    There’s also AutoMix, an intelligent DJ feature that smoothly blends songs using time stretching and beat matching, making transitions between tracks feel natural.

 

  • Apple Maps: A new Visited Places feature remembers restaurants, shops, and other locations you’ve been to, letting you view them on a map if needed. This history is encrypted and not shared with Apple.

    iOS 26 also uses on-device intelligence to learn your daily commutes: Maps will automatically present your preferred route when you’re heading home or to work, and proactively alert you to delays or better routes.

 

  • Apple Wallet & Travel: Wallet now lets you pay with installments or apply reward points when using Apple Pay in stores, simplifying checkout. Boarding passes get a facelift: they show Live Activity progress (e.g., flight status countdown) and quick links to the airplane’s gate map (via Maps), luggage tracking (via Find My), and more.

    In short, Wallet helps travelers by putting relevant info (gate directions, bag location) right on the pass or Lock Screen when needed.

These updates make common tasks easier, whether you’re enjoying music, exploring the city, or traveling, iOS 26’s intelligent features and redesign elements extend into Apple’s apps.

 

Other Notable Features

Other Notable Features

Beyond the core UI and AI developers & improvements, iOS 26 adds several other features:

  • Apple Games app: A brand-new app that acts as a central hub for all your games. It helps you pick up where you left off, discover new games, and stay updated on in-game events. It also serves as the front end for Apple Arcade, so you can browse Apple’s subscription game library in one place.

 

  • AirPods enhancements: If you have AirPods (4th gen) or AirPods Pro 2, you’ll see new capabilities. Voice Isolation gets even better, and there’s a studio-quality audio recording mode, your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can record with AirPods and get clearer audio (ideal for video or podcasting).

    You can also use AirPods to remotely trigger the camera: long-press the AirPods stem to snap a photo or start/stop video on your iPhone.

 

  • Family and Safety: Parents gain more control with an easier way to set up or convert a child’s account and updated parental controls. For example, parents can now approve new contacts for their kids, auto-blur sensitive content (like nudity in Photos or FaceTime) for underage users, and even grant an exception to let a child download an age-restricted app on a case-by-case basis.

 

  • Safari Privacy: Browsing gets more private by default. The updated Safari in iOS 26 includes advanced fingerprinting protection that covers all websites, making it harder for trackers to follow you online.

 

  • Accessibility: iOS 26 introduces Accessibility Reader, a system-wide reading mode that highlights text on screen for easier reading. There’s a new Braille Access interface to better support users with Braillee displays. Other accessibility features like Live Listen, Background Sounds, and Personal Voice (for generating a synthetic voice) also receive improvements.

 

In summary, iOS 26 packs a lot of smaller but meaningful updates across gaming, audio, family, and accessibility, making the overall experience richer for many users.

 

iPhone Compatibility and Availability

iOS 26 will be a free software update this fall. Supported iPhone models include all devices from iPhone 11 onward. In other words, any iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 series handset (including the Pro/Max and Plus models) can install iOS 26. Older phones like iPhone X/XS or the original iPhone SE are not compatible. (This is in line with Apple’s typical ~5–6 year support policy.)

Apple Intelligence features (the live translation, on-device LLM, etc.) have additional requirements. According to Apple, the new AI capabilities in iOS 26 will only work on iPhones with the latest chips, specifically, all iPhone 16 models and iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max. 

This means that while an iPhone 11 or 12 can run iOS 26 and get the new design and many app improvements, some advanced AI-powered features will only appear on iPhone 15 Pro/Max and iPhone 16 devices. (Apple plans to add more supported devices and languages over time.)

The beta program will begin in summer 2025: developers can test iOS 26 features now (June 2025), and a public beta will open next month. The official release should arrive around September or October 2025.

 

How iOS 26 Compares to iOS 18

To put iOS 26 in context, Apple’s previous update (iOS 18, released in fall 2024) already introduced some significant features. iOS 18 brought deeper home screen customization (rearranging apps/widgets, tinting icons, customizing Control Center, etc.) 

And was the first to introduce Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro-series (with writing tools, Genmoji, enhanced Siri, and memory movies). However, iOS 18’s design remained similar to iOS 17, focusing on customization rather than a full visual overhaul.

By contrast, iOS 26 represents a bigger leap in UI and AI. The Liquid Glass design is a new look that never appeared before; iOS 26 also expands AI features system-wide (e.g., live translations and visual search) beyond the more limited capabilities in iOS 18. Messaging got more playful in iOS 26 with custom backgrounds and polls (iOS 18 had added text effects. 

And emoji tapbacks, but iOS 26 goes further). In short, iOS 26 builds on the foundations of iOS 18’s personalization and intelligence but takes them to the next level with a redesigned interface and far-reaching AI enhancements.

 

How to Update iOS on Your iPhone

When iOS 26 officially launches, updating is straightforward:

  • Back up your iPhone (via iCloud or your computer) to safeguard your data.

 

  • Connect to Wi-Fi and plug into power (or have sufficient battery).

 

  • Go to Settings → General → Software Update. The iPhone will check for available updates.

 

  • When “iOS 26” appears, tap Download and Install. (If Automatic Updates are enabled, your iPhone may download and install overnight on its own.)

 

  • Follow on-screen prompts; your iPhone will restart and install iOS 26.

 

The whole update process (download + install) typically takes 15–30 minutes, though it depends on internet speed and device model. New iOS versions often require a bit of time, so plan accordingly. After installation, you’ll have the latest iOS 26 features. For details on any step, Apple’s support site offers guidance (see [Apple Support: Update or iOS on iPhone]).

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Conclusion

iOS 26 is Apple’s most ambitious iPhone update to date. It blends a fresh Liquid Glass design across the OS with deep on-device AI features, making everyday tasks more intuitive. From live language translation in your chats and calls to intelligent on-screen search and custom AR-like home screens, iOS 26 feels like a next-generation system. 

Most users with recent iPhones (iPhone 11 or newer) can upgrade later this year and immediately benefit from the new look and usability improvements. The main caveat is that the fancy AI features shine on the latest hardware (A17/A18 chips), but nearly everyone will notice the performance, privacy, and design upgrades.

Whether you’re an iPhone veteran or an Android user curious about Apple’s latest, iOS 26 offers compelling new experiences. If your device is supported, you can start trying iOS 26 in the public beta this summer or wait for the official fall release. Either way, Apple has packed iOS 26 with innovations, making it one of the most significant iOS updates ever.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Should I update to iOS 26?


A: If your iPhone is eligible (iPhone 11 or later), updating to iOS 26 is generally recommended. It delivers new features (UI overhaul, AI tools, security updates) and improved app performance. 

However, if you heavily rely on niche apps, you might wait until mobile app developers confirm compatibility. Also, if you value stability over new features, some users prefer waiting a few weeks for any minor bug fixes. Overall, for most users with supported devices, updating to iOS 26 will enhance the iPhone experience.

Q. How long does an iOS 26 update take?


A: The update process usually takes on the order of 10-30 minutes after downloading. First, the download time depends on your internet speed (iOS update files can be several GB). Then the installation and restart typically take another 5-15 minutes. 

In practice, budget about half an hour. You can download in advance and install overnight; Apple’s Automatic Updates (if enabled) can apply the update while you sleep. If it’s taking much longer (hours), check your Wi-Fi or restart your iPhone.

Q. Why won’t my phone update to iOS 26?


A: There are a few common reasons:

  • Unsupported model: Only iPhone 11 and newer support iOS 26. If you have an older iPhone (e.g.,iPhone X, 8, 7, or the original SE), iOS 26 won’t appear because the hardware isn’t compatible.

 

  • Not yet released: If you’re looking immediately after WWDC, remember that iOS 26’s final public release is scheduled for fall 2025. Initially, only iOS developer betas and public betas will show up. If you’re on the public channel, wait for Apple’s official release (usually September).

 

  • Storage or battery: Ensure you have enough free space (a few GB) on your iPhone and that it’s at least ~50% charged (or plugged in). Lack of space or power can prevent the update.

 

  • Network issues: Make sure you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. Software updates typically won’t download over cellular unless allowed in Settings.

 

  • Update settings: Check Settings > General > Software Update manually. Sometimes, a restart of the iPhone or toggling Automatic Updates off and on can help.

 

  • Profiles or restrictions: If your iPhone is managed by an organization (work/school) or has a configuration profile installed, it might block updates. Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for any profiles that could restrict updates.

 

In most cases, if your iPhone model is supported and the update is officially out, going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Download and Install will resolve it. If problems persist, you can also update via a Mac or PC using Finder/iTunes (see Apple’s support guide on updating iOS).

 

Shravan Rajpurohit
Written By,
Shravan Rajpurohit

Written By, Shravan Rajpurohit

Shravan Rajpurohit is the Co-Founder & CEO of The Intellify, a leading Custom Software Development company that empowers startups, product development teams, and Fortune 500 companies. With over 10 years of experience in marketing, sales, and customer success, Shravan has been driving digital innovation since 2018, leading a team of 50+ creative professionals. His mission is to bridge the gap between business ideas and reality through advanced tech solutions, aiming to make The Intellify a global leader. He focuses on delivering excellence, solving real-world problems, and pushing the limits of digital transformation.


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