iOS 26, Apple’s biggest iPhone redesign in years, is now available for users: Key features

Apple iOS26

Apple has rolled out iOS 26, a free software update for iPhones that marks the platform’s most ambitious design overhaul in more than a decade. While the new look grabs attention, the update also brings meaningful app upgrades and extends Apple’s intelligence features deeper into daily use.

Liquid Glass redesign

The standout change is the “Liquid Glass” design language, a fluid, refractive effect that adds depth across the system — from the Lock Screen to app icons and Control Center. It creates a more expressive but still familiar feel, aligning iPhone visuals with Apple’s broader ecosystem. Lock Screen elements now adapt dynamically to notifications, while photos can morph into subtle 3D scenes. Music gets animated album art, and icons can be personalised with light, dark, tinted, or clear styles. Core apps such as Safari, FaceTime, Photos, and Camera have all been rebuilt around this new foundation.

Apple Intelligence everywhere

Apple Intelligence takes a visible leap in iOS 26. Visual intelligence can read what’s on screen — say, turning a flyer into a calendar event or translating text instantly. ChatGPT integration allows contextual lookups without leaving the app you’re in. Live Translation brings real-time captions and translated audio across Messages, FaceTime, and calls. Shortcuts also gain smarter actions, from summarising documents to generating visuals on the fly. Meanwhile, Genmoji lets users create customised emoji, while Image Playground offers creative image generation right inside Messages.

Native app upgrades

The Phone app now combines key functions into one streamlined layout and introduces Call Screening and Hold Assist. Messages gets dynamic chat backgrounds, live polls, and group typing indicators, while Photos separates Library and Collections with more immersive viewing. Maps learns your preferred routes, Music adds AutoMix transitions and lyrics translation, and Wallet now supports digital IDs and enhanced order tracking. Gaming fans gain a dedicated Apple Games hub and smoother frame rates through MetalFX Frame Interpolation.

Other features

Smaller but welcome changes include smarter reminders, enhanced accessibility tools, upgraded parental controls, and high-quality audio recording via AirPods. Notes now supports Markdown, Battery shows charging estimates, and dual SIM users can silence a line based on Focus mode. Even Podcasts and Journal see new quality-of-life features.