Apple has just introduced iOS 26, and it’s a huge update for your iPhone. This new version comes with a stunning design, tons of cool features, and big changes to how your phone works.
In this review, we’re going to explore everything about iOS 26—what’s new, what’s updated, and how it’s different from before. Whether you want to know about the shiny new look or the exciting tools it brings, we’ve got all the details right here. Let’s jump in!
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is iOS 26?
- The Liquid Glass Design
- Home Screen and Lock Screen Changes
- iOS 26 Features
- App Updates and New Features
- Innovative Features
- Hardware-Specific Features
- Compatibility and Availability
- Conclusion
What is iOS 26?
iOS 26 is the latest system that runs your iPhone. It’s set to come out in the fall of 2025, and right now, it’s in beta—which means it’s still being tested. If you try it early, there might be some small problems, but Apple will fix them before the big release. This update is a big deal because it changes how your iPhone looks and adds lots of new things to play with. For example, there’s a brand-new design called “Liquid Glass” that makes your phone feel fancy and modern.
Wondering how it compares to older versions? Check out our detailed comparison of iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5 to see what’s changed!
The Liquid Glass Design
The first thing you’ll notice with iOS 26 is its new look, called “Liquid Glass.” It makes your iPhone’s screen look like a smooth piece of glass. Everything—your home screen, lock screen, and even app icons—has a see-through, shiny style. When you move your phone, the light on the screen shifts, making it feel alive and super cool.
The app icons are a big part of this change. They’ve got a glassy finish now, and there’s an option called “Clear” that makes them fully transparent. That means you can see your wallpaper right through them! It’s a fresh way to make your phone look unique. If you’re curious about how designs have changed over time, take a look at our iOS 18.5 Review to see where we started.
Home Screen and Lock Screen Changes
iOS 26 shakes things up on your home screen and lock screen too. Let’s break it down.
Home Screen Updates
On the home screen, those glassy icons really stand out. With the “Clear” option, they turn see-through, letting your wallpaper pop. When you tilt your phone, the light bounces off the icons, giving them a 3D feel. It’s like your screen has depth, and it makes everything look more exciting.
Lock Screen Changes
The lock screen gets some fun updates too. You can now change the size of the clock—make it big if you want it to stand out or small if you like a cleaner look. There’s also a new “spatial 3D effect” for wallpapers. This means your wallpaper moves a little when you tilt your phone, like it’s alive. It’s a simple change, but it makes your lock screen way more interesting.
iOS 26 Features
Now, let’s get into the heart of this update—the iOS 26 features! This section is all about the new stuff you can do with your iPhone. From redesigned apps to smart tools, there’s a lot to explore. Let’s check out what’s new.
App Updates and New Features
Apple didn’t just change how iOS 26 looks—they also updated a bunch of apps and added new ones. Here’s what’s different:
Camera App
The camera app looks totally new. It’s got a cleaner design with side menus, so it’s easier to find what you need. The Liquid Glass style is here too, making it feel sleek. Whether you’re taking pictures or videos, the new layout helps you get the perfect shot without confusion.
Photos App
The photos app is simpler now. It has two main sections: “Library,” where all your pictures live, and “Collections,” where you can see albums and groups. There’s also a cool feature that turns regular 2D photos into 3D spatial images. It’s like giving your memories a little extra pop!
Messages
Texting is more fun with iOS 26. You can set custom backgrounds for your chats—like a picture or color you love. In group chats, you can make polls to decide things, like where to eat, and see when someone’s typing. Plus, there’s better spam filtering, so annoying messages stay away.
Phone App
The phone app has a new look and some handy tools. It can filter out spam calls, and there’s “call screening,” where an AI answers unknown numbers for you and tells you who’s calling. There’s also “hold assist,” which waits on hold during calls so you don’t have to.
Music App
Listening to music is better with these updates. You can “pin” your favorite songs or albums so they’re easy to find. A feature called “AudioMix” blends songs together smoothly, like a DJ. And when you’re playing music, the lock screen shows big, full-screen album art.
New Apps
iOS 26 comes with two brand-new apps. The “Games” app is a place for all your games—it mixes stuff from the App Store and Game Center. The “Preview” app lets you edit pictures and PDFs right on your phone, kind of like on a computer.
Want to make the most of these updates? See our tips and tricks for iOS 26 for some great ideas!
Innovative Features
iOS 26 isn’t just about looks—it’s got some smart features that make your iPhone more helpful. Here are the standouts:
Visual Intelligence
This is a neat tool that lets you search for things on your screen. For example, if you see a cool shirt in a picture, you can take a screenshot and search for it online. It’s like having a super-smart assistant right in your phone.
Live Translation
Talking to someone who speaks another language? Live Translation can help. It translates phone calls, texts, and even song lyrics as they happen. It’s perfect for making friends around the world or understanding foreign songs.
Adaptive Power Mode
If your battery’s draining fast, this feature steps in. It tweaks things like screen brightness to save power when you’re using your phone a lot. It’s like your iPhone knows how to take care of itself.
Battery Intelligence
This gives you more info about your battery. You can see how long it’ll take to charge and get detailed stats on how you’re using power. It’s great for planning your day without running out of juice.
Custom Snooze
Ever wish your alarm snooze was longer or shorter? Now you can set it from 1 to 15 minutes. It’s a small change, but it makes waking up a little easier.
AI Enhancements
There are some fun AI updates too. “Genmoji” lets you mix two emojis to make a new one—like a smiley plus a heart. There’s also on-screen help that pops up when you need it, making your phone smarter.
Hardware-Specific Features
Some iOS 26 features only work with certain devices. Here’s what you need to know:
AirPods Features
If you have AirPods with the H2 chip, you’re in luck. You can press the stem to record video, and you’ll get better sound for video calls. It’s a cool way to use your earbuds in new ways.
Late Night Mode
This is a new sound setting, probably for quieter audio at night. Details are still coming, but it sounds perfect for late-night listening without waking anyone up.
Compatibility and Availability
Not every iPhone can run iOS 26. Apple stopped supporting older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. But if you have an iPhone 11 or newer, you’re all set. Here’s a table to show which phones work:
| iPhone Model | Compatible with iOS 26 |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | Yes |
| iPhone 12 | Yes |
| iPhone 13 | Yes |
| iPhone 14 | Yes |
| iPhone 15 | Yes |
| iPhone 16 | Yes |
| iPhone XR | No |
| iPhone XS | No |
| iPhone XS Max | No |
iOS 26 is in beta right now, so it’s still being tested. The full version comes out in fall 2025. If you want everything to work smoothly, wait for the official release.
iOS 26 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Liquid Glass design in iOS 26, and how does it change my iPhone?
The Liquid Glass design is a fresh visual style in iOS 26, inspired by light reflecting off glass. It gives your iPhone’s screen a sleek, glossy look with transparent app icons and menus. Tilting your phone creates a dynamic 3D effect as light shifts across the display. This design revamps the home screen, lock screen, and apps like Camera and Photos, delivering a modern, premium feel.
2. Which iPhones can run iOS 26?
iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and later models. Older devices won’t get the update. Here’s the breakdown:
- Compatible: iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
- Not compatible: iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
3. When will the full version of iOS 26 be released?
The full version of iOS 26 is slated for fall 2025. Right now, it’s in beta, so testers might encounter minor glitches. Apple will polish it up before the official launch.
4. What are the coolest new features in iOS 26?
iOS 26 packs some standout features:
- Customizable Lock Screen: Resize the clock and add 3D effects to wallpapers.
- Visual Intelligence: Search for items (like clothes or event info) directly from screenshots.
- Live Translation: Real-time translation for calls, texts, and lyrics.
- Adaptive Power Mode: Optimizes battery life by tweaking performance.
- New Apps: “Games” for gaming and “Preview” for editing images and PDFs.
5. How does iOS 26 compare to iOS 18.5?
Compared to iOS 18.5, which focused on minor tweaks like bug fixes and small app updates, iOS 26 is a major overhaul. The Liquid Glass design, new features like Live Translation, and refreshed apps make it a significant upgrade, offering a bolder, more innovative experience.
Conclusion
iOS 26 is a huge step forward for iPhone users. The Liquid Glass design makes your phone look amazing, and the new features—like the updated apps and smart tools—make it more fun and useful. Whether you love the 3D wallpapers, the redesigned camera, or the ability to translate calls, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re still on an older version like iOS 18.5, check out our iOS 18.5 Review to see how much has changed. And if you’re ready to dive into iOS 26, get excited—it’s going to make your iPhone feel brand new!
That’s our full review of iOS 26. We’ve covered the updates, changes, and what’s new, so you know exactly what to expect. Stay tuned for more as the release gets closer!