Apple has recently released the RC versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and additional updates. These significant software enhancements will be available to the public on Monday, September 15. Below are the complete release notes for iOS 26, the forthcoming major iPhone update.
### iOS 26 launches on Monday, September 15
After the end of its ‘Awe dropping’ event, Apple delivered the RC (release candidate) version of iOS 26 to beta testers. Alongside the RC build, Apple has published its comprehensive release notes for iOS 26, detailing what users can expect upon its release.
### Apple’s complete release notes for iOS 26
**Design**
– Liquid Glass improves interactions across iOS by refracting and reflecting content in real-time.
– Adaptive time on the Lock Screen adjusts fluidly to the available space, enhancing photo subjects.
– Spatial scenes create a 3D appearance for photo wallpapers.
– App icons get a refreshed appearance with Liquid Glass and enhanced customization choices.
– Animated album art enriches music playback with full-screen animations.
**Apple Intelligence**
– **Visual Intelligence**
– Discover content in any app by pressing screenshot buttons.
– Highlight to find specific items on your screen.
– Access Google search results or inquire with ChatGPT about on-screen information.
– **Live Translation**
– Automatically translate incoming messages in Messages and FaceTime.
– Real-time audio translation during Phone calls.
– AirPods facilitate hands-free translations.
– **Shortcuts**
– Smart actions incorporate Apple Intelligence features.
– “Use model” action accesses Apple Intelligence models or ChatGPT.
– **Genmoji & Image Playground**
– Generate Genmoji by blending emojis or descriptions.
– Adjust expressions and personal traits for Genmoji.
– Discover styles with ChatGPT for creating images.
**Camera**
– Simplified design for swift access to Photo and Video modes.
– Lens cleaning tips for smudged lenses (iPhone 15 and up).
– New gesture for AirPods to capture photos and videos.
**Photos**
– Dedicated tabs for Library and Collections for smoother navigation.
– Customizable Collections view featuring diverse layout options.
– Event recognition for concerts and sports.
**Phone**
– Streamlined layout for Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails.
– Call Screening for unidentified numbers.
– Hold Assist feature for waiting during calls.
**Messages**
– Screening for unfamiliar senders.
– Personalized backgrounds for chats.
– Polls for group decision-making.
– Typing indicators in group conversations.
**CarPlay**
– New layout with Liquid Glass for distinct interaction zones.
– Compact design for incoming calls.
– Tapbacks for rapid message responses.
**Maps**
– Visited Places feature for straightforward navigation.
– Preferred routes for regular journeys.
**Music**
– Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation functionalities.
– AutoMix for smooth song transitions.
– Pinning songs and playlists for quick retrieval.
**Wallet**
– Enhanced boarding passes with pertinent flight details.
– Order tracking feature utilizing Apple Intelligence.
– Installment financing options through Apple Pay.
**Apple Games**
– Consolidated gaming hub for iPhone.
– Compete with friends and monitor scores in real-time.
– Personalized recommendations based on gaming habits.
**Protecting Kids Online**
– Communication Requests for children to reach parents.
– Simple conversion to Child Accounts.
– Age-suitable experiences in apps.
– Communication Safety features for detecting nudity.
**Accessibility**
– Accessibility Nutrition Labels in the App Store.
– Accessibility Reader for adjustable text.
– Braille Access for diverse tasks.
**Other**
– Preview app for viewing and editing PDFs.
– Revamped FaceTime landing page.
– Reminder Suggestions leveraging Apple Intelligence.
– Local capture for high-quality audio and video recordings.
– Audio input selector in Control Center.
– Estimated charging time feature.
– Adaptive power management for longer battery life.
– Blood pressure tracking in Health app.
– New Workout tab in Fitness app.
– Adaptive Temperature regulation.
– Custom snooze options for alarms.
– Password History feature in Passwords.
– Markdown import/export functionality in Notes.
For details regarding the security features in Apple software updates, please visit: [Apple Security Updates](https://support.apple.com/100100).
Some features may not be accessible in all regions or on every iPhone model. For further information, please visit: [Apple Feature Availability](https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability).
