Apple has officially announced iOS 26, delivering its most visually striking redesign since iOS 7 with a new “Liquid Glass” aesthetic. This update brings a refreshed interface across the system, with translucent elements and dynamic, content-focused layouts. The Lock Screen now adjusts the clock layout to fit around wallpaper imagery, and spatial wallpapers add a 3D parallax effect. Core apps like Camera and Photos have been overhauled, while Apple Music, News, and Podcasts now feature a floating tab bar for more immersive browsing.
Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 receives powerful upgrades, including Live Translation for real-time audio and text translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. A new Visual Intelligence tool enables users to interact with on-screen content — such as asking contextual questions or searching for similar items — through ChatGPT or third-party apps. The Phone and Messages apps are also revamped: Phone now offers a unified view and introduces Call Screening and Hold Assist, while Messages gains spam filtering, custom backgrounds, polls, and Apple Cash enhancements in group chats.
Beyond communication and design, iOS 26 includes notable updates to entertainment and utility apps. Apple Music introduces Lyrics Translation, Lyrics Pronunciation, and an AutoMix DJ-style feature. Maps now tracks visited places and notable stops, while Wallet sports redesigned boarding passes with Live Activities and deeper integration with travel tools.
Available in the fall, iOS 26 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and above. This includes the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
