Apple presented iOS 26 last week during WWDC 2025. Although Liquid Glass and iPadOS grabbed most of the attention, there are numerous smaller features for iPhone users that many will appreciate.
## Custom Ringtones simplified
For the first time in the 18-year history of the iPhone, users can directly establish a custom ringtone within iOS without the need for GarageBand or iTunes. After downloading an audio file, users can designate it as a ringtone from the share sheet.
## Calling enhancements
iOS 26 brings two new features to facilitate call management. Call Screening automatically responds to unknown callers and asks for their purpose of calling in the background. If the call is legitimate, the iPhone will start ringing. Furthermore, Hold Assist enables the phone to manage calls placed on hold, alerting the user when a live agent becomes available.
## Polls in Messages
Users can now initiate polls natively within iMessage group chats, eliminating reliance on third-party applications or tapbacks.
## AutoMix in Apple Music
Apple Music rolls out AutoMix, which improves transitions between songs by synchronizing beats and adjusting specific elements for a smoother listening experience. The app also includes Lyrics Translation for songs in various languages.
## Adaptive Power Mode
iOS 26 features Adaptive Power Mode, which aids in conserving battery life through minor performance tweaks. The display may dim more often, and the phone may perform slower when full power isn’t needed. Low Power Mode will trigger at 20% battery consistently. This mode adapts to user habits to enhance battery management and can inform users of the estimated charging time.
## Conclusion
In summary, iOS 26 is a noteworthy update. The refreshed interface featuring Liquid Glass is striking, but the update also includes numerous valuable features. Additionally, the camera app now has a popup reminder to clean the lens when it is smudged, contributing to better photo quality.
What are your thoughts on iOS 26 thus far? You can explore more of the iOS 26 coverage [here](https://9to5mac.com/guides/ios-26/).
