Apple has launched its latest operating system, iOS 26, on the occasion of this year’s WWDC 25. Due to smart features, new tools and privacy improvements, it has become the most intelligent operating system of Apple.
This time, Apple has decided that instead of giving different names to the updates of all its devices, it will give them the same operating number, which will be according to the upcoming year. This is the reason why this time, instead of iOS 19, we have got to see iOS 26.
If you are an iPhone user, a developer, or a technology enthusiast, then this blog is for you. We will be covering all the new iOS 26 features, performance enhancements, and the design changes this update brings. Let’s explore the iOS 26 features and other changes introduced in this update.
iOS 26 release timeline
Developer Beta version: iOS 26 was officially unveiled at Apple’s WWDC on June 9, 2025. Developer Beta 1 was released the same day for registered Apple Developers.
Public Beta version: The public beta becomes available in mid‑July 2025 via Apple’s Beta Software Program. This version is more stable than the developer beta, but may still contain bugs.
Stable version: iOS 26 is expected to launch in mid-September 2025, typically following the iPhone 17 event. Sources state September 16, 2025, as the most likely release date
Top iOS 26 features
With each major iOS update, Apple takes the iPhone experience to a whole new level—and iOS 26 is no different. This latest version is loaded with smarter AI, a more polished design, and enhanced personalisation options, making it a game-changer. Whether you’re just a casual user or a die-hard tech fan, let’s dive into the standout features of iOS 26 that you need to check out!
Liquid Glass Design
The biggest change we have seen after iOS 26 is the liquid glass effect, which has given your iPhone a new glassy look. You will see this liquid glass effect everywhere, be it the control centre, home screen, lock screen or your notifications. Apart from this, you will also see this liquid glass effect somewhere in other apps, which will greatly improve your overall experience.
Home Screen Customisation
Talking about the home screen, the biggest change that you will see is that you can now apply the liquid glass effect on apps as well, which gives these apps a transparent look that looks very sleek. Apart from this, you will now see a gradient shine on apps and widgets that move with the phone’s movement. Overall, the new iOS 26 has given a completely new look to your home screen.
Lock Screen Customisation
Apple brings some changes to the lock screen in every iOS update. This time, too, Apple has made major changes in the lock screen in iOS 26. Now, you can change the size of the time widget. The coolest change that you will see in the lock screen is the 3D effect. Yes, now you can change the wallpaper of your lock screen to a 3D image, which gives a very premium look to your lock screen.
Battery Intelligence
The change that has been introduced in the battery in the new iOS 26 has been named battery intelligence by Apple. After you put your iPhone on charge, it will tell you how long it will take for the battery to be fully charged. Although this feature has been available on Android phones for a long time, it has finally been introduced to iPhones as well.
Simpler Camera Interface
Talking about the camera, the camera has been made very simple in the new iOS 26. Earlier, there were so many options to see in one place. Now, a simple look has been given to the camera, which is very easy to understand. Now, you have to swipe across the screen to have access to other options.
New 3D Photo Effect
In the new iOS 26, the UI of the Photos app has been changed quite a bit, wherein you can now collapse or expand collections of photos. Apart from this, you can also see the liquid glass effect in the Photos app, and just like the 3D effect Apple has introduced in the lock screen, you can now apply the same effect on your photos as well. Now, you can convert any of your images into a 3D image, even if it is downloaded.
Safari Customisation
Talking about Safari, now you can add the background of your choice to it, and while browsing, you will get to see the floating address bar, in which Apple has also applied the liquid glass effect.
Redesigned Phone App
The UI of the phone app has been changed a lot in the new update, wherein you will now get to see all your frequently contacted contacts separately.
You can also switch back to the old classic phone UI, as it had in iOS 18.
Apart from this, you will now get to see the live translation feature in calling and another feature called hold assist has been added, wherein if the other person puts the call on hold, your iPhone will also automatically put the call on hold and when the other person removes the call from hold, your iPhone will notify you. Isn’t it a very cool feature?
New Message Experience
You can also add a background of your choice to the message. You can create a background with AI or import it from your photos. Apart from this, the poll feature has also been added to group chat. Although this feature was available on WhatsApp for a long time, the iPhone has added this feature to its messages as well.
New GAME App
A new game app has been introduced in the new iOS 26, which we have seen earlier in Samsung phones. Its function is similar to an iPhone as well. All your downloaded games will now be available in this app. Apart from downloaded games, you can also play many online games in this app and challenge your friends as well.
Visual Intelligence
In iOS 26, one significant update has been seen in the name of visual intelligence, in which you can take a screenshot and directly use this image to search on the Internet. And you can also draw on any part of the image and search only about that specific part, just like the circle to search feature in Android.
Image Playground
Talking about Image Playground, new Genmoji and ChatGPT features have been added, through which any type of emoji and image can be generated. You can also blend two emojis to create a new custom emoji.
FaceTime
The UI of the FaceTime app has been changed a bit, and like normal calling, features like live translation and hold assist have been added to it, which elevates the user experience a lot.
Apple Music
In Apple Music, you can now translate the lyrics into your language. Apart from this, you can also pin your favourite artists. In iOS 26, a feature called audio mix has been given, and when we switch from one song to another, the music is blended, just like we used to see earlier on Spotify.
Update for AirPods
Beta update has been released for AirPods as well, through which you can now also record voice using the microphone of AirPods.
Apart from this, a feature called keep audio in headphones has been added, through which your audio will not be routed to other connected devices when your iPhone is connected to your AirPods, but will only play in your AirPods or headphones.
Your AirPods can now detect when you fall asleep and can pause the media automatically.
Now you can control your camera using AirPods gestures.
Hidden Features & Smart Enhancements in iOS 26
Apart from those major features which have been explained above, there are some features which are not being mentioned specifically, but they have improved the user experience a lot.
- Call screening: Apple has introduced call screening, allowing your iPhone to intelligently detect and filter spam or unknown calls before they reach you—ideal for avoiding robocalls.
- Message Screening: Similarly, message screening uses on-device intelligence to filter suspicious or unwanted messages, keeping your inbox cleaner and safer.
- Power Mode: This feature takes Low Power Mode to the next level, allowing users to have more control over background processes and performance settings. It helps to extend battery life while still keeping essential functions intact.
- Lens Cleaning Suggestion: If your camera lens is blurred or there is some kind of dirt on it, the Camera app will automatically detect your iPhone’s blurriness and suggest that you clean the camera.
- Maps: The Maps app now predicts frequently taken routes, showing traffic and ETA updates for places you travel to often, like your home, work, or gym.
These hidden gems may not grab headlines, but they make the iOS experience significantly better.
iOS 26 compatible devices
Any iPhone model with an A13 chip or newer is compatible with iOS 26. That means the iPhone XR and iPhone XS models are not getting this update after iOS 18.
To check your iPhone model, go to Settings> General >About » Model Name.
iPhone 16e (A18)
iPhone 16 Pro Max (A18 Pro)
iPhone 16 Pro (A18 Pro)
iPhone 16 Plus (A18)
iPhone 16 (A18)
iPhone 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro)
iPhone 15 Pro (A17 Pro)
iPhone 15 Plus (A16)
iPhone 15 (A16)
iPhone 14 Pro Max (A16)
iPhone 14 Pro (A16)
iPhone 14 Plus (A15)
iPhone 14 (A15)
iPhone SE (3rd generation, A15)
iPhone 13 Pro Max (A15)
iPhone 13 Pro (A15)
iPhone 13 mini (A15)
iPhone 13 (A15)
iPhone 12 Pro Max (A14)
iPhone 12 Pro (A14)
iPhone 12 mini (A14)
iPhone 12 (A14)
iPhone SE (2nd generation, A13)
iPhone 11 Pro Max (A13)
iPhone 11 Pro (A13)
iPhone 11 (A13)
iOS 26 vs iOS 18: How Far Apple Has Come
If you are an old iPhone user or just curious as to what changes have been made to the iPhone, then the upgrade from iOS 18 to iOS 26 has changed the iPhone a lot.
Whereas in iOS 18 we could see only basic customisation like some changes in the control panel, home screen widgets and app library, iOS 26 has taken personalisation to a different level, be it 3D lockscreen wallpaper or liquid glass design. Features like call and message screening have improved user privacy a lot.
Additionally, features like call screening, lens cleaning suggestions, and frequent route predictions in Maps simply didn’t exist back then. In terms of design, performance, and intelligence, iOS 26 makes iOS 18 feel noticeably dated.
How to Install ios26—Complete Guide
Before installing it, make your phone’s complete backup of iOS 18. You can make it anywhere—whether it is on a Mac, a Windows PC, an iPhone, or iCloud. But it is important to have that backup. If you don’t have that backup and you install iOS 26, then later, when you want to return to iOS 18 and if there’s a problem, all your data will be lost. This is because the backup of iOS 26 will not work on iOS 18.
- Open Safari Browser
- Visit developer.apple.com
- Open the double dot menu in the top left corner
- Go to Account
- Sign up for a developer account
(If you have already created a developer account, you don’t need to follow the above-mentioned steps)
After creating a developer account, proceed as follows:
- To get started, head over to Settings, then General, and select Software Update. From there, look for Beta Updates on your device.
- If the Apple Account shown isn’t the one linked to the Developer Program, just tap on it to switch to the right account.
- Next, choose the “iOS 26 Developer Beta” option.
- Once you’re back on the Software Update screen, simply tap “Update Now” to install the beta as soon as it’s available.
Should you install the new ios26?
While iOS 26 introduces exciting features and a fresh user interface, early adopters have reported a few bugs you should be aware of before updating.
Common Bugs Noticed:
- Auto Restart: Some users have reported that the phone automatically restarts while on the go, which ruins the user experience.
- Overheating: The phone is overheating more than before, especially during charging and heavy tasking.
- Lagging: Occasional lags and stutters have been noticed in animations and app transitions.
- Battery Drainage: The issue of faster battery drain has also been noticed in the beta version of iOS 26.
- Battery Health Concerns: While not officially confirmed, some users have claimed that their battery health has dropped after updating to iOS 26.
Apart from the bugs mentioned above, some users have also complained about some issues. Many users have said that the new liquid glass design has made the control panel transparent, which does not have a good background contrast, ultimately affecting visibility and negatively impacting the overall user experience.
Concluding, if you completely rely on your phone for daily tasks and cannot afford any kind of interruption, then you should wait for the stable version of iOS 26. However, if you are excited to test the new features and don’t mind a few hiccups, then you should give a try to the new iOS 26.
FAQs
Q1: Why is this update called iOS 26 instead of iOS 19?
A: Apple has decided to sync its OS version numbers across devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) based on the release year. Since it’s 2025, the new version is named iOS 26 to match the 2026 product cycle.
Q2: Is iOS 26 available for all iPhones?
A: No. iOS 26 supports only devices with the A13 chip or newer. iPhones older than iPhone 11, including iPhone XR and iPhone XS, are not eligible.
Q3: When will the stable version of iOS 26 be released?
A: The stable public release is expected around September 16, 2025, after the launch of the iPhone 17 series.
Q4: Is it safe to install the iOS 26 Developer Beta?
A: Developer Betas often have bugs and stability issues. If you rely on your iPhone for daily use, it’s better to wait for the stable release or install it on a secondary device.
Q5: Will my data be safe after updating to iOS 26?
A: Yes, but it’s strongly recommended to take a full backup before updating. Without a backup, you won’t be able to revert to iOS 18 without losing your data.
Q6: Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to iOS 18 later?
A: Yes, but only if you have a backup of iOS 18. Once you update and create a backup on iOS 26, that backup won’t work on earlier versions.
Q7: Is the liquid glass design customizable or optional?
A: Currently, the liquid glass design is a system-wide visual update and cannot be turned off entirely. However, you can personalise some aspects, like app transparency and background gradients.
Q8: Will iOS 26 affect battery life?
A: The beta version has shown signs of faster battery drain and heating issues for some users. Apple is expected to fix these in the final release.
Q9: Does iOS 26 support third-party app updates with 3D and AI features?
A: Yes. Many third-party developers are expected to update their apps to utilise new features like 3D images, AI backgrounds, and the liquid glass effect.
Q10: Are AirPods required to use all audio features in iOS 26?
A: Some features like “Keep Audio in Headphones” and voice recording from AirPods are exclusive to AirPods, especially newer models with firmware support.