I’ve just spent a good amount of time with Apple’s latest mobile operating system, and I’m here to walk you through everything that’s new in iOS 26. This isn’t just a minor update; it feels like a significant leap forward, especially in how we interact with our iPhones daily. From a completely new design language to smarter features, there’s a lot to unpack.
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Apple has really focused on unifying its platforms this year. They’ve jumped the version numbers for all their operating systems to 26, which makes everything feel more cohesive. The most immediate change you’ll notice is the stunning new ‘Liquid Glass’ design aesthetic, which I’ll touch on here and cover in more detail in another guide.
But it’s not all about looks. We’re also getting powerful new tools like Apple Intelligence, brand new apps like Games and Preview, and significant upgrades to core functionalities like the Camera and Lock Screen. I’m excited to show you the key highlights that will change how you use your device.
✨ The Liquid Glass Revolution
The first thing that caught my eye is the new design, which Apple calls Liquid Glass. It’s a translucent, dynamic material that reflects its surroundings, making everything from app icons to notifications feel more alive. It’s a huge departure from the flat design we’ve been used to, adding a sense of depth and vitality to the entire system. It intelligently adapts between light and dark modes, making the interface feel both fresh and familiar.
This new look extends everywhere. You’ll see it on the Lock Screen, where the time elegantly tucks behind the subject of your photo. You’ll also notice it in the redesigned Control Centre, which feels more fluid and responsive than ever before. I think this new design isn’t just for show; it genuinely makes the interface more intuitive.
Even third-party developers will be able to adopt this new look. This means we can expect a wave of beautifully updated apps that feel perfectly integrated with iOS 26. Check out my full guide on Liquid Glass to see it in action.
🧠 Apple Intelligence Unlocked
I believe the biggest functional upgrade in iOS 26 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This isn’t just another AI assistant; it’s a deeply personal intelligence system that understands your context. It powers features like the new Writing Tools, which can proofread, rewrite, or summarize text for you in apps like Mail and Notes. It feels like having a personal editor right on my phone.
Another game-changer is Live Translation, which works on-device for maximum privacy. I was able to have a real-time conversation with someone speaking a different language, with audio and text translated instantly. This is a huge deal for travelers or anyone communicating internationally. This feature, however, requires a newer iPhone like the iPhone 15 Pro or later, as it’s quite powerful.
Siri also gets a massive boost from Apple Intelligence, becoming more natural and context-aware. You can even type to Siri now, which is great for those moments when you can’t speak out loud. For a closer look, I’ve prepared a detailed guide to Apple Intelligence.
📸 A Brand New Camera Experience
As someone who takes a lot of photos, I was thrilled to see the overhauled Camera app. The interface has been simplified, putting the most-used controls right at your fingertips. It’s much easier now to switch between Photo and Video modes with a simple tap. For more advanced modes like Cinematic or Pano, you just tap and hold to reveal the familiar slider.
The iPhone 16 and 17 series get a new dedicated Camera Control Button. This physical button is a game-changer for photographers. You can slide your finger on it to adjust zoom or exposure, making it feel more like a traditional camera. It even acts as a two-stage shutter, letting you lock focus with a soft press before taking the shot.
Action Mode for video has also been improved, giving you gimbal-like stabilization without any extra hardware. And for those with the latest Pro iPhones, you can capture Spacial Videos to relive your memories in 3D on an Apple Vision Pro. It’s clear that Apple is continuing to push the boundaries of mobile photography.
- The New Games App in iOS 26 – A Gamer’s Guide
- Liquid Glass in iOS 26 – An In-Depth Look at the New Design
- Mastering the iOS 26 Lock Screen – A How-To Guide
- Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 – A Practical Guide
- How to Use NameDrop in iOS 26 – The New Way to Share
- iOS 26 Messages App – A Guide to Advanced Features
- iOS 26 – A Guide to the New Preview App
