Your iPhone will soon look a lot different when iOS 26 comes out this fall, but there’s more to see under the frosted glass facade. Announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the latest version of the iPhone’s operating system incorporates features that iPhone owners have watched their Android friends enjoy, plus plenty of other enhancements.
For instance, the Camera and Photos apps are gaining long-awaited functional redesigns; the Messages and Phone apps are taking a firmer stand against unwanted texts and calls; and Apple Intelligence contributes some substantial improvements. Here are the updates you can expect to see on the iPhone soon.
The next version of the operating system is due to ship in September or October, likely alongside new iPhone 17 models, but developer betas are available now, with a public beta expected in July.
Transparent New Liquid Glass Design
After more than a decade of a flat, clean user interface, an overhaul is coming to the iPhone. The new design extends throughout the Apple product lineup, from iOS to WatchOS, TVOS, and iPadOS.
The Liquid Glass interface introduces a third way to view app icons: the All Clear look, where every icon is a clear glass with no color. Lock screens can now have an enhanced 3D effect using spatial scenes, giving depth to your background photos.
Dynamic and Adaptable Lock Screen
Translucency is the defining characteristic of Liquid Glass, responding to light and color as it interacts with nearby objects. The “liquid” part refers to how controls dynamically morph. For example, the glassy time numerals on an iPhone lock screen stretch to accommodate images and notifications, while the dock and widgets become rounded, glassy panels that visually float above the background.
Camera and Photos Apps Go Even More Minimal
The Camera app is getting a simplified interface that takes minimalism to new heights. It will now show just two controls: Video or Camera, with easy swipe options for modes and settings.
With the updated Photos app, viewing captured images should be a breeze. It regains a Liquid Glass menu at the bottom of the screen, replacing the old scrolling interface that users found cumbersome.
The Phone App Gets a Revamp
The Phone app updates not only in its look but also in functionality. The Call Screening feature automatically answers calls from unknown numbers, ringing only when the caller shares their name and reason for calling. Hold Assist will mute hold music, ensuring you never miss an important call again.
Messages Updates
The Messages app will offer a more colorful experience, allowing users to add backgrounds to chat windows. New group text functionalities include polls, making it easier to keep track of suggestions.
Additionally, better spam detection will filter out unwanted texts, ensuring that the messages you see are truly the ones you want.
Safari Gets Out of Its Own Way
The Safari app features the Liquid Glass design, floating the tab bar above the webpage. As you scroll, the tab bar shrinks, creating a more streamlined browsing experience.
FaceTime Focuses on Calls, Not Controls
FaceTime also adopts a minimalistic look, with controls that disappear during calls to keep the focus on conversations. The landing page showcases your contacts in an appealing way, including video clips of previous calls.
New Music App Features
The Music app will introduce a new lyrics translation feature that displays translations alongside the lyrics, aiding listeners who enjoy international tunes.
AutoMix will blend songs like a DJ, making transitions seamless, while frequently played artists can be pinned for quick access.
New Games App Reminds Us That Gaming Exists on iPhone
Gaming on the iPhone is thriving, with half a billion users enjoying their favorites. A new Games app will serve as a dedicated portal to Apple Arcade and other gaming options, reducing friction and getting users right into action.
Live Translation Enhances Calls and Texts
Apple’s live translation feature will be perfect for communicating with speakers of different languages. Available in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps, it displays translated captions in real-time.
Maps Gets More Personal
The Maps app will now track frequently traveled routes and notify you of delays. Additionally, it will categorize visited places, making it easier to find your favorite spots in the future.
New CarPlay Features
CarPlay will inherit the Liquid Glass design, optimizing screen space for important updates without obstructing navigation. Widgets and Live Activities will become part of the CarPlay experience, providing relevant information while driving.
Wallet Improvements
The Wallet app will add a Digital ID for age verification, while also allowing for rewards and installment payments in-store. Enhanced tracking of product orders will utilize Apple Intelligence, consolidating information in one place.
New Features Powered by Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence gets some exciting features, including the ability to combine emojis into new expressions. Image Playground enhances creativity by using advanced image generation tools.
Visual Intelligence will allow users to capture screenshots and search for content online or in other apps, making it more adaptable for everyday use.
Some iOS 26 Updates Apple Didn’t Mention
Certain features didn’t get the spotlight during the keynote but are noteworthy:
- If you have AirPods with the H2 chip, you can use AirPods Camera Remote to start recording video.
- Choose your own snooze duration between 1 and 15 minutes for alarms.
- High-quality audio recording options are available for calls and video.
iOS 26 Availability
The finished version of iOS 26 will be released in September or October, alongside new iPhone 17 models. Developers can access the first betas starting soon with a public beta following shortly after.
iPhone Models Compatible with iOS 26
iOS 26 will run on iPhone 11 and later models, including:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 11
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)