iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5: Which One Is Right for You?

Apple is always working on new updates for the iPhone, and two you might have heard about are iOS 26 and iOS 18.5. These updates are pretty different, and you might be wondering which one is better for you.

Don’t worry—we’re going to explain everything you need to know about iOS 26. We’ll look at what’s new, how they look, and how well they work. By the end, you’ll know which one fits your needs.

Here’s the quick version: iOS 26 is a huge update that changes a lot, with a shiny new design called “Liquid Glass” and tons of cool features. iOS 18.5 is smaller—it fixes some issues and adds a few handy things, but it doesn’t shake things up too much.

In this blog post, we’ll explore both updates step by step, compare them directly, and help you decide which one to choose. Let’s get started!

iOS 26: A Game-Changing Update

iOS 26 is one of the biggest updates Apple has ever made. It’s not just about adding little things—it changes how your iPhone looks and works in a big way. The main highlight is the “Liquid Glass” design, but there’s also a bunch of new features that make your phone more fun and helpful. Let’s break it down.

The Liquid Glass Design

Picture this: your iPhone’s screen looks like it’s made of smooth, shiny glass that reflects light and moves a little when you tilt it. That’s what Liquid Glass does in iOS 26. It’s a brand-new look that makes everything feel modern and alive. Here’s how it changes things:

• Home Screen: Your app icons look like little glass windows. You can even make them see-through with the “Clear” option, so your wallpaper shows through. When you move your phone, the icons catch the light and look 3D.
• Lock Screen: The clock can be big or small, and your wallpaper shifts slightly when you tilt your phone, giving it a cool 3D effect.
• Control Center: Swipe down to see your controls—like Wi-Fi or brightness—and they look like floating glass panels. It’s neat, but some people say it’s a bit hard to read because you can see the wallpaper behind it.

This design makes your iPhone feel totally new. Want to learn more about it? Check out our iOS 26 Review for all the details.

New Features in iOS 26

iOS 26 isn’t just about looks—it’s packed with new stuff to try. Here are some of the best features:

• Visual Intelligence: See something on your screen and want to know more? Take a screenshot, and Visual Intelligence will figure out what it is. It can search online to tell you about it—like if you screenshot a toy, it might show you where to buy it.
• Live Translation: If someone texts or calls you in another language, your iPhone can translate it right away. It works for calls, messages, and even song lyrics in the Music app. Imagine listening to a song in French and reading the words in English!
• Adaptive Power Mode: This helps your battery last longer when you’re using your phone a lot. It might lower the screen brightness or slow things down a bit to save power.
• Custom Snooze: Don’t like the usual 9-minute snooze for alarms? Now you can set it to anything from 1 to 15 minutes.

There are also two new apps:

• Games: This app puts all your games in one spot. You can see what your friends are playing or try games from Apple Arcade.
• Preview: This app lets you edit pictures or sign PDFs right on your iPhone, just like on a Mac.

These features make iOS 26 exciting to use. For more ways to enjoy them, see our Tips and Tricks for iOS 26.

App Updates in iOS 26

Apple also improved some apps you use every day. Here’s what’s new:

• Camera App: It’s simpler now—just pick photo or video, and swipe for extras like portrait mode. It’s easier but might feel different at first.
• Photos App: It’s less confusing! There’s a “Library” tab for all your photos and a “Collections” tab for albums. You can even make photos 3D so they move when you tilt your phone.
• Messages: Add custom chat backgrounds, make polls in group chats, and see who’s typing. It also blocks spam messages better.
• Phone App: It looks fresh and can screen unknown calls or wait on hold for you during long calls.

These updates make your apps work better and match the new design.

Special Features for Hardware

If you have certain Apple gadgets, iOS 26 has extras for you:

• AirPods: With the H2 chip, press the stem to record video or use them for clear audio in video calls.
• Late Night Mode: This might quiet your phone’s speaker at night, but Apple hasn’t explained it fully yet.

iOS 18.5: Refining the Experience

Unlike iOS 26, iOS 18.5 is a smaller update. It doesn’t change everything—it just makes your iPhone a little better with fixes and a few new things. Let’s see what it offers.

Key Features in iOS 18.5

Here’s what’s new in iOS 18.5:

• Mail App: Two small upgrades—there’s an “All Mail” preview if you use categories, and you can turn contact photos on or off easily.
• Apple Care and Warranty: The Settings section looks cleaner, showing which devices are covered and what protection they have.
• Backtap Banner: If you tap the back of your phone to do something, you can choose if a banner pops up.
• Satellite for iPhone 13: iPhone 13 users can send texts via satellite with carriers like T-Mobile when there’s no signal. It’s not for emergencies but still useful.
• Screen Time Notification: Parents get a heads-up if their kid uses the screen time passcode.
• New Wallpaper: The “Pride Harmony” wallpaper has colorful lines that move when you wake your phone.

These changes are small but helpful. For a full rundown, visit our iOS 18.5 Review.

Bug Fixes and Performance

iOS 18.5 also fixes some problems:

• Notification Center: Swiping notifications is smoother now.
• CarPlay: Wireless CarPlay connections work better.
• Apple Vision Pro App: No more black screens when opening it.

It runs about the same as iOS 18.4—stable and good on battery life. Want to compare it to the last version? See iOS 18.5 vs iOS 18.4.

iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5: How Do They Stack Up?

Now, let’s compare them directly so you can see the differences clearly.

Design

• iOS 26: Liquid Glass makes everything look shiny and new—like a total refresh.
• iOS 18.5: Looks the same as iOS 18 with only tiny changes.

Winner: iOS 26 if you want a fresh look; iOS 18.5 if you like things as they are.

Features

• iOS 26: Tons of new stuff like Visual Intelligence and Live Translation.
• iOS 18.5: Just a few additions like mail tweaks and a new wallpaper.

Winner: iOS 26 has way more to explore.

Performance

• iOS 26: It’s in beta, so it might have bugs or crash sometimes.
• iOS 18.5: Fully finished and runs smoothly.

Winner: iOS 18.5 for reliability right now.

Compatibility

• iOS 26: Needs an iPhone 11 or newer—no older models like the XR.
• iOS 18.5: Works on all iOS 18 phones, even older ones.

Winner: iOS 18.5 if you have an older phone.

Here’s a table to make it simple:

Which One Should You Pick?

So, which update is best for you? It depends on what you care about most.

• Go with iOS 18.5 if:
  • You want your phone to work well without surprises.
  • You don’t need the latest features.
  • You have an older iPhone that can’t run iOS 26.

Need help using it? Check out Tips and Tricks for iOS 18.5.

• Wait for iOS 26 if:
  • You love new designs and features.
  • You’re okay with some bugs until it’s fully ready.
  • You have an iPhone 11 or newer.

Since iOS 26 is still in beta, it’ll get better by the time it’s out for everyone in the fall.

FAQ: iOS 26 vs iOS 18.5

Here are some common questions people ask about iOS 26 and iOS 18.5. We’ve answered them to help you understand the differences and decide which update is right for you.

1. What devices are compatible with iOS 26?

iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models. It no longer supports older devices like the iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max. If you own an iPhone 11 or a later model, you’ll be able to update to iOS 26 once it’s fully released.

2. What are the key features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 brings a variety of exciting new features, including:

• Liquid Glass Design: A sleek, modern interface with glassy app icons and a 3D lock screen effect.
• Visual Intelligence: Take a screenshot, and your iPhone can analyze and provide info about the image.
• Live Translation: Real-time translation for texts, calls, and even song lyrics.
• Adaptive Power Mode: Optimizes battery life by adjusting performance dynamically.
• New Apps: “Games” for a dedicated gaming experience and “Preview” for editing photos and PDFs.

3. How does iOS 26 compare to iOS 18.5 in terms of performance?

Since iOS 26 is currently in beta, it may have some bugs or instability. In contrast, iOS 18.5 is a stable, fully released version that runs reliably. For now, iOS 18.5 offers better day-to-day performance, but once iOS 26 is finalized, it’s expected to deliver improved performance on supported devices.

4. What are the main differences between iOS 26 and iOS 18.5?

iOS 26 is a major update with a bold new design and innovative features like Visual Intelligence and Live Translation. iOS 18.5, however, is a minor update focused on bug fixes and small enhancements, such as a new wallpaper and improved Mail app functionality. iOS 26 is ideal for those seeking a fresh experience, while iOS 18.5 is a safer choice for minimal changes.

5. Should I update to iOS 26 or stick with iOS 18.5?

Your choice depends on your priorities:

• Stick with iOS 18.5 if:
  • You value stability and reliability above all.
  • Your device isn’t compatible with iOS 26 (e.g., iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max).
  • You don’t need the latest features and prefer a familiar experience.
• Update to iOS 26 if:
  • You’re eager to explore new designs and cutting-edge features.
  • You have an iPhone 11 or newer.
  • You’re comfortable with potential beta issues and excited for what’s next.

Conclusion

Both iOS 26 and iOS 18.5 offer unique benefits. iOS 26 is a bold leap forward with its stunning design and innovative tools, though it’s still in development. iOS 18.5, meanwhile, provides a polished and dependable experience for those who prefer consistency.

Consider your device, your tolerance for beta software, and how much you value new features to make the best choice for your iPhone experience. Whatever you pick, Apple continues to enhance the way we use our devices!