iOS 26 is Here: A Complete Guide to Apple’s Latest iPhone Update Apple has officially released iOS 26, a significant free software update for the iPhone. This new operating system introduces a major visual redesign and a host of new features. Alongside iOS 26, updates for iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS are also now available for download. The most noticeable change in iOS 26 is the new Liquid Glass design. This aesthetic gives the interface a translucent, clear look that affects the home screen, lock screen, and built-in apps. While you cannot completely turn off the Liquid Glass effect, you can reduce its intensity. To make it less clear, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Display & Text Size, and toggle on Reduce Transparency. Beyond the visual overhaul, iOS 26 packs numerous functional improvements. The Phone app has been redesigned for easier navigation and includes a handy Hold Assist feature that notifies you when a customer service agent returns to the line. The Messages app now allows you to create polls in group chats and automatically filters spam texts into a separate folder. A powerful new tool called Visual Intelligence lets you search for anything visible on your screen. Simply take a screenshot and use the feature to find products or information online. The Photos app has been refined, bringing back dedicated tabs for Library and Collections to simplify finding your pictures. The Camera app also receives an updated, more intuitive layout. For AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 with ANC, a new Live Translation feature is available when paired with an iPhone running iOS 26. This allows for real-time translation during phone calls, FaceTime, and messages. The update also includes a new Preview app for document scanning and PDF editing, more customizable lock screens, and the ability to set a custom snooze time for alarms between one and fifteen minutes. iPadOS 26 brings a highly anticipated multitasking upgrade, allowing true windowing where apps can be resized and moved freely on the screen. It also incorporates the Liquid Glass design. It is important to note that the smarter Siri upgrade announced at WWDC 2024 has been delayed and is not part of this release. Reports suggest Apple is working on a more significant AI overhaul for the voice assistant in the future. iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone models from the iPhone 11 and later, including the second-generation iPhone SE and all subsequent models. The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are not eligible for the update. The final version of iOS 26 was released to the public on September 15, 2025. Apple also released iOS 18.7 as a security update for devices that cannot run the latest OS.
