Get ready, iPhone users, the wait is almost over! iOS 26 is officially dropping tomorrow, September 15th, bringing a massive update to your device. This isn’t just a simple polish; it’s a significant leap forward with a new design language, intelligent features, and major improvements to core apps.
Here’s a look at what you can expect when you hit that “Update” button:
1. A New Look with “Liquid Glass”
The most noticeable change in iOS 26 is the visual overhaul. Apple is introducing a new design language called “Liquid Glass,” which gives the entire operating system a translucent, three-dimensional look. App icons, menus, and controls now have a shimmering, glass-like quality that reflects and refracts light, creating a sense of depth and vitality. It’s a sleek and modern design that feels both familiar and entirely new.
2. Smarter Communication with Apple Intelligence
iOS 26 is packed with new features powered by Apple Intelligence, Apple’s on-device AI. This integration brings a new level of smarts to your iPhone.
- Live Translation: Say goodbye to language barriers! Live translation works in Messages, FaceTime, and even phone calls, automatically translating conversations in real-time.
- Call Screening & Hold Assist: Tired of spam calls and endless hold music? A new Call Screening feature prompts unknown callers to state their name and reason for calling before the call is sent to you. And with Hold Assist, your iPhone can wait on hold for you and notify you when a person is on the line.
3. Revamped Lock Screen and Home Screen
The Lock Screen continues to be a canvas for personalization. You’ll find new options for customization, including a “big clock” that can take up a large portion of the screen, and the ability to add 3D effects to any photo. Meanwhile, the Home Screen gets a more refined look with a new, simplified design for the Camera app and a new Preview app for editing PDFs and images.
4. A New Era for Messages
Messages gets some of the biggest and most requested updates. You can now add custom backgrounds to individual conversations and create polls directly within group chats. Plus, the app will now automatically filter spam texts from unknown senders into a separate folder, keeping your main conversations clutter-free.
5. Adaptive Power Mode
Beyond the visual changes, iOS 26 introduces a new Adaptive Power Mode. This smart feature works in the background to extend your iPhone’s battery life by making subtle performance adjustments when needed. It can automatically lower display brightness or reduce processor usage to give you more power throughout the day.
6. CarPlay Gets an Upgrade
CarPlay gets a fresh new look with the “Liquid Glass” design and a host of new features. You can now respond to messages with Tapbacks directly from your car’s screen, and Live Activities will be available on the Dashboard, letting you track things like flight arrival times or food orders at a glance.
7. New Apps and Tools
- Preview: The powerful Preview app from macOS is finally coming to the iPhone, giving you a native way to mark up and edit PDFs and images on the go.
- Apple Games: A new Apple Games app centralizes all your games in one place and provides a dedicated hub for all things Apple Arcade.
- Audio Enhancements: Podcasts now feature an “Enhance Dialogue” option to reduce background noise, and AirPods get a new “studio-quality” audio recording feature for clearer calls in noisy environments.
Are you ready to update?
Before you download, make sure your iPhone is compatible. iOS 26 supports a wide range of devices, but some of the most advanced features will require a newer model, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro and newer, due to the on-device AI processing.
The update is a free download and will be available to all eligible iPhone models starting tomorrow. Get ready to experience your iPhone in a whole new way.
