iOS 26 has been launched. The most significant redesign of iPhone software since iOS 7 in 2013 is now accessible as a complimentary update for compatible devices. Along with a fresh appearance, iOS 26 enhances core applications and advances Apple Intelligence in innovative ways. Here are the key features.
## Liquid Glass redesign across iPhone
Not since iOS 7 in 2013 has Apple altered the appearance of its software so dramatically. Apple refers to the new aesthetic as Liquid Glass.
The material bends and reflects what lies below, crafting a dynamic, fluid effect that adds depth to the Lock Screen, app icons, Control Center, and system applications. The redesign aims to make iOS more expressive while retaining its familiarity, and it also fosters consistency across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
The Lock Screen has been updated with a more dynamic clock that automatically adjusts to remain visible alongside notifications, while photos can transform into spatial scenes with subtle 3D depth as you move your device.
Album art in Music can animate behind playback controls, and app icons now provide greater personalization with light, dark, tinted, and clear styles.
Each app including Camera, Photos, Safari, and FaceTime has been reimagined with the same Liquid Glass foundation. Safari introduces a new floating tab design, while FaceTime receives a revamped landing page that showcases recent contacts with animated posters and video previews.
## Apple Intelligence in action
Apple Intelligence expands in iOS 26 with new functionalities. Visual intelligence can examine whatever is displayed on your screen, allowing you to add events from a flyer into Calendar, translate text, or inquire with ChatGPT about images and information without exiting the app.
Live Translation operates across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, offering on-device translated captions and even real-time translated audio during calls.
Shortcuts gain intelligent actions, such as summarizing documents, generating images with Image Playground, or leveraging Apple Intelligence models directly for more advanced automation.
Genmoji, a feature driven by generative AI, lets you blend emoji with text descriptions or personalize characters inspired by individuals in your Photos library. Image Playground provides similar creative control for producing visuals and integrates seamlessly with Messages.
## Core app upgrades
Several commonly used apps receive major updates in iOS 26. The Phone app presents a cohesive layout that combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail, while Call Screening assists in filtering unknown numbers and Hold Assist helps maintain your position in line when contacting businesses.
Messages adds dynamic backgrounds for conversations, live polls, and enhanced spam filtering. Group chats now show typing indicators for each participant and include Apple Cash for swift payments.
The Photos app divides Library and Collections into separate views, incorporating new customization options and immersive spatial photo effects. Camera features a simplified layout, quick-access controls, and even remote shutter support with AirPods.
Maps learns your preferred routes and remembers frequently visited places for quick access. Apple Music introduces AutoMix transitions, Lyrics Translation, and pinned favorites.
Wallet expands to include TSA-ready Digital IDs, in-store installment payments, and more comprehensive order tracking powered by Apple Intelligence.
Gaming introduces an all-new Apple Games app that centralizes your library, achievements, challenges, and Apple Arcade content. A Game Overlay enables tweaking settings or chatting without exiting a game, and MetalFX Frame Interpolation provides smoother frame rates.
## Everyday improvements
In addition to design and apps, iOS 26 encompasses a variety of smaller yet beneficial features. Reminders can propose tasks from text or web pages and automatically categorize them.
Accessibility sees the introduction of a system-wide Reader mode, new Braille tools, and enhanced motion cues. Safety features include expanded Communication Safety in FaceTime and Shared Albums, and parents can now set up child accounts more easily.
Other updates feature the capability to record high-quality audio with AirPods, Markdown support in Notes, improved alarms in Clock, estimated charging times in Battery, Focus-based SIM silencing for dual SIM users, and enhanced eSIM management while traveling.
Podcasts introduce Enhance Dialogue and adaptable playback speeds, while Journal offers multiple journals, inline images, and a map view.
## How to update
Updating is straightforward. On iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions. Ensure your device is backed up to iCloud or a Mac before starting. The download is free, although installation time may vary based on your model and storage.
iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 12 and later, including all iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 models, plus iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 16/17/Air models or iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Catch up on all our iOS 26 coverage since June [here](https://9to5mac.com/guides/ios-26/).
