Apple has officially released iOS 26, alongside the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup, marking the most significant overhaul of the iOS experience since iOS 7 in 2013. The update introduces a brand-new design language called Liquid Glass, deeper Apple Intelligence integration, live translation, enhanced customization, improved camera tools, and major updates across native apps and services.
A New Design: Liquid Glass
The Liquid Glass interface brings a dynamic, translucent 3D effect that adapts to light and user interactions. From the lock screen to app icons, the new design delivers a fluid, immersive experience. Icons now support extensive customization with options for color, contrast, and transparency, while music albums display animated, full-screen artwork.
Apple Intelligence and Live Translation
Apple has expanded on-device AI with Apple Intelligence, ensuring privacy-focused data processing. Key features include:
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Live Translation for Messages and FaceTime, providing instant subtitles or spoken translations.
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Visual Intelligence, which allows users to interact with any on-screen content, search instantly, or query integrated ChatGPT.
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Genmoji, an AI-driven emoji generator for creating personalized or hybrid emojis.
Camera and Photos Enhancements
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Simplified camera interface with easier mode switching.
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Automatic lens cleaning alerts (iPhone 15 and later).
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Photos app redesign with improved organization, event recognition, and flexible viewing modes.
Major App Updates
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Phone App: Unified interface for calls, favorites, and voicemail. New features include Call Screening and Hold Assist for handling customer service queues.
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Messages: Smarter filtering of unknown senders, chat wallpapers, built-in polls, and enhanced group chat indicators.
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CarPlay: Complete redesign with Liquid Glass, quick navigation bar, integrated calls, Live Activities, and pinned conversations.
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Maps: New Visited Places feature, smarter daily commute suggestions, and encrypted travel history.
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Apple Wallet: Installment payments via Apple Pay, real-time boarding pass updates, baggage tracking, and in-airport navigation.
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Safari: Advanced privacy protections, accessibility features like Braille Access and Reader customization.
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Preview: New productivity and media tools, including Local Capture for high-quality video/audio recording.
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Health: Blood pressure logging, PDF reports for doctors, fitness tracking upgrades, and expanded Apple Watch integration.
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Clock: Customizable snooze times (1–15 minutes) and Password History for account management.
Hardware and Accessory Features
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AirPods (Gen 4 and Pro 2+): Studio-quality audio recording, photo/video capture via press gestures.
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Battery: Adaptive Power extends battery lifespan by learning daily usage patterns.
Family Safety and Privacy
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Expanded parental controls with child accounts, content masking in FaceTime, and restrictions on unknown contacts.
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Stronger Safari anti-tracking and fingerprinting protection.
A Milestone Update
Apple’s shift to year-based OS naming (iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, etc.) reflects the scale of this redesign. By combining beauty, intelligence, and stronger privacy, iOS 26 redefines the iPhone experience and is expected to drive adoption of the iPhone 17 generation.
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