iOS 26 Review: New Settings, Features, Updates, Changes and What's New?
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iOS 26 brings a fresh design and useful tools to your iPhone, with changes that focus on looks, speed, and daily tasks. In this iOS 26 review, you will find details on the new settings, features, updates, changes, and what stands out compared to past versions. Apple released this update on September 15, 2025, and it works on iPhone 11 and later models.
iOS 26 Review
This iOS 26 review covers the core parts of the update. Apple rebuilt the system with a new style called Liquid Glass. This makes icons, menus, and notifications look clear and shiny, like glass. The light shifts on app edges when you move your phone, which adds a three-dimensional feel. Icons and widgets now have a see-through look that lets your wallpaper show through. This change makes the phone feel more alive and modern.
The update also drops support for older devices. If you have an iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max, you cannot install iOS 26. It runs on iPhone 11 and newer, including Pro and Max models. Battery life gets better with new power tools, and apps like Camera and Photos work smoother. Security stays strong, with better ways to block spam calls and texts.
Compared to older versions, iOS 26 fixes issues from iOS 18.5, like the cluttered Photos app. For more on how it stacks up, check this iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5 guide. Overall, this update feels like a big step forward in design and tools.
New Features in iOS 26
iOS 26 adds features that change how you use your phone. One key addition is the Liquid Glass design. This makes everything look transparent and shiny. Icons on the home screen reflect light based on how you tilt the phone. Menus in apps like Settings now have a glassy blur effect. This feature uses the phone's sensors to make the screen feel deeper.
Another feature is spatial wallpapers. These turn flat photos into three-dimensional scenes on the lock screen. The background shifts when you move the phone, making it look like the image pops out. It works best with photos that have depth data, like those taken in portrait mode. To set it up, press and hold the lock screen, tap Customize, and turn on the spatial button.
The Messages app gets new tools too. You can set custom backgrounds for chats. Options include color gradients like Aurora or your own photos. This makes talks more personal. Polls let you ask questions in group chats, with votes showing in real time. Typing indicators now show faces or initials in groups, so you know who is replying.
In the Phone app, AI screens unknown calls. It asks the caller their name before your phone rings. This cuts down on spam. Hold Assist listens during holds and alerts you when a person returns. These features make calls safer and less time-consuming.
Music playback improves with Automix. This uses AI to blend songs without breaks, like a DJ mix. Lyrics now translate for songs in other languages, with options to see both original and English words. The lock screen shows full-screen album art when music plays, with controls still visible.
The new Games app gathers all games in one spot. It has tabs for home, arcade games, group play, and your library. You can challenge friends and track scores. This makes finding and playing games quicker.
Visual Intelligence analyzes screenshots. After taking one, tap it to search circled items on Google or ask ChatGPT questions. If the screenshot has a date, it offers to add an event to your calendar. This tool saves time on quick lookups.
For hardware ties, iOS 26 pairs well with new models. To see device options, read about iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Key Updates and Changes
iOS 26 updates many apps and systems. The Camera app simplifies with just Photo and Video tabs at the bottom. Swipe to switch to other modes like Portrait. Tap the top-left for settings like resolution or RAW shots. This change speeds up photo taking.
Photos app gets fixed from past clutter. It splits into Library for all images and Collections for albums. Search sits bigger at the bottom for fast finds. You can make any photo spatial for a three-dimensional view.
Home screen changes include clear icons. Long press, tap Edit, then Customize, and pick Clear. Icons turn transparent, showing wallpaper below. Light, Dark, or Auto modes adjust based on time.
Lock screen clock resizes now. Press and hold, tap Customize, then drag the slider. Pick glassy or solid styles. This lets you match the screen to your taste.
Animations bounce more. Opening apps or swiping menus feels fluid, like water. In Photos, tapping Select pops with a bounce. This adds fun to daily use.
Tab bars float in apps like Music and Safari. They hover and shrink when scrolling, showing more when tapped. This keeps screens clean.
Battery updates include Adaptive Power Mode. It cuts brightness and slows tasks when power drains fast. Find it in Settings > Battery > Power Mode.
Preview app edits PDFs and images. Markup tools add notes or signatures. This helps with documents on the go.
For past version details, see this iOS 18.5 Review.
Useful Settings to Adjust
Settings in iOS 26 offer more control. For Liquid Glass, tilt the phone on the home screen to see effects. To tone it down, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency. This boosts contrast and saves battery.
In Messages, filter spam. Tap the menu in the app, then Spam to check filtered texts. Turn on Screen Unknown Senders in Settings > Messages to mute unknowns.
For calls, enable screening in Settings > Phone > Call Screening. Hold Assist activates in the dialer during holds.
Music settings include Automix in Settings > Music. Pin songs by long pressing and tapping Pin.
To save battery, enable Adaptive Power in Settings > Battery > Power Mode. Check usage stats there too.
Camera settings let you hide indicators like flash. Go to Settings > Camera > Indicators to turn them off.
In Photos, enable spatial in photo details.
These settings make the phone fit your needs better.
Hacks and Tips for iOS 26
Hacks unlock hidden potential. One hack: make the home screen clear for a wallpaper focus. Edit > Customize > Clear.
Another: resize the lock screen clock for big, bold time. Customize and drag.
Use spatial wallpaper for three-dimensional lock screens. Works on portraits.
In Messages, add backgrounds via contact name > Backgrounds.
Create polls with + > Polls in groups.
See typing in groups for better flow.
Filter spam to clean inbox.
Translate chats: contact name > Translate > pick language.
Screen calls with AI to block junk.
Wait on hold with Assist.
Pin favorites in Music for quick play.
Automix for seamless songs.
Translate lyrics in playback view.
Full-screen music on lock for art display.
Floating tabs for clean apps.
Adaptive Power for longer battery.
Edit PDFs in Preview with markup.
Play games via new app tabs.
Search screenshots with Intelligence.
For more hacks, explore 77 Tips and Tricks for iOS 26.
Compatibility and Installation
iOS 26 runs on iPhone 11 and up. No support for XR, XS, XS Max. Released September 21, 2025. Install via Settings > General > Software Update. Back up first. It may warm the phone at first, but settles.
Summary Table of Features
Here is a table of top features:
| Feature | Description | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Glass Design | Transparent UI with light shifts | Tilt home screen |
| Lock Screen Clock | Adjustable size and style | Customize > Drag slider |
| Spatial Wallpaper | 3D moving background | Customize > Spatial button |
| Clear Home Screen | See-through icons | Edit > Customize > Clear |
| Camera Redesign | Simple tabs for modes | Swipe or top-left settings |
| Photos App Fix | Library and Collections | Tap tabs; bottom search |
| Messages Backgrounds | Custom chat looks | Contact > Backgrounds |
| Adaptive Power Mode | Battery saver | Settings > Battery > Power Mode |
| Visual Intelligence | AI screenshot search | Tap screenshot |
| Games App | Game hub | Open app > Tabs |
This table shows quick ways to try features.
FAQ
What devices support iOS 26?
iOS 26 supports iPhone 11 and newer models, including Pro and Max versions. It does not work on iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max.
How does Liquid Glass change the iPhone look?
Liquid Glass makes icons and menus transparent and shiny. Light reflects on edges when you tilt the phone, adding depth.
What is Adaptive Power Mode?
Adaptive Power Mode adjusts brightness and tasks when battery drains fast. Enable it in Settings > Battery > Power Mode to extend life.
How do I screen unknown calls?
Go to Settings > Phone > Call Screening. AI asks the caller's name before ringing your phone.
Can I translate messages in iOS 26?
Yes, in a chat, tap the contact name > Translate > select language. It shows original and translated text.
Conclusion
iOS 26 updates your iPhone with new design, tools, and fixes. Liquid Glass, better apps, and AI features stand out. Settings let you tweak for personal use. Updates focus on speed and security. Changes like floating tabs clean up the interface. These elements make iOS 26 a strong release.