Apple has announced the upcoming release of iOS 26. The update delivers a refreshed design, enhanced intelligence capabilities, and new features across multiple apps.
Revealed in Cupertino, California, iOS 26 introduces Apple Intelligence. This systemwide AI integration brings smarter, more private, and personalized experiences. Apple reported that the update enhances the iPhone’s usability while keeping user privacy at its core.
According to Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, iOS 26 improves everyday interactions. It adds a beautiful new look, intelligent actions, and deeper integration across apps like Messages, Phone, and Safari.
The new design includes Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reflects its surroundings. It brings visual depth to app icons, widgets, and controls. On the Lock Screen, the time dynamically adapts to images, and spatial wallpapers now offer a 3D effect.
iOS 26 adds:
Apple Intelligence powers on-device features like Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. Visual intelligence enables users to act on screen content by suggesting calendar events, identifying images, and more. Integration with services like ChatGPT and Google enhances search and context understanding.
Genmoji and Image Playground allow users to create new emoji-like images. Intelligent shortcuts offer quicker ways to complete tasks. Apple Intelligence also reads and summarizes order tracking emails, even for non-Apple Pay purchases.
The Phone app now merges Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails. New tools like Call Screening and Hold Assist help manage calls more effectively. Messages now screen unknown senders and suggest polls based on context.
CarPlay updates include a compact view for calls and new features like Tapbacks and Live Activities. CarPlay Ultra offers deeper integration with iPhone across all car screens.
Apple Music gains Lyrics Translation and AutoMix for smoother song transitions. In Maps, the new Visited Places feature logs user locations with end-to-end encryption. Wallet updates let users pay with installments, share Live Activities from boarding passes, and access real-time travel updates.
Other key features include:
iOS 26 will be available later this year. Apple stated that these updates mark a major step forward in integrating intelligence, privacy, and design.
