Apple Releases iOS 26 Update for All Supported iPhones

Apple has released iOS 26, an update now available to iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and newer devices. 

The software is one of the biggest overhauls to the iPhone experience in years, with a striking new “Liquid Glass” design, stronger communication tools, and updates across music, maps, gaming and productivity apps.

Unlike last year’s motivation on artificial intelligence, this version takes a different path: it leans on design, usability, and small but practical changes that directly affect daily use.

Why the Jump to iOS 26?

Apple skipped from iOS 18 to iOS 26, a decision tied to two goals. First, to bring all operating systems, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS, into alignment. Second, to reflect the calendar year most people will be using the software. The company wants a unified numbering system across platforms rather than staggered versions.

Liquid Glass: The Visual Overhaul

The most noticeable change is the Liquid Glass interface. Borrowed from the design language of Vision Pro, the new look uses translucent, layered elements that mimic glass. Buttons, menus and icons appear to float, responding subtly to device movement.

During beta testing, users complained about legibility. Apple responded by improving contrast and clarity, though it admits further tweaks may follow. Some users may need time to adapt, as the new layout alters the way apps and menus appear on screen.

Communication and Phone Tools

The Phone app has been redesigned with a cleaner card-style layout. Favourites, recent calls and voicemails are accessible in one view, though users can still switch back to the classic interface if preferred.

Spam calls are less intrusive under iOS 26. The new call-screening assistant asks unknown callers to state their name and purpose before the phone rings, giving the user a choice on whether to answer. The system also includes a hold assist that notifies users when an operator returns to the line.

Messages has caught up with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram by adding conversation backgrounds, polls, typing indicators in groups, and improved spam filtering. Messages from unknown numbers now go directly into a separate folder.

Apps and Productivity

Several Apple apps have received notable changes:

• Games App: Play history, achievements, friend activity and Apple Arcade titles are grouped in one space, with personalised recommendations included.
• Preview App: Arriving on iPhone for the first time, Preview enables easier editing, signing and annotation of PDFs.
• Music: A new AutoMix feature blends songs seamlessly, lyrics can be translated in real time, and users can pin their favourite playlists.
• Maps: Customised routes can now be saved, and the app alerts users if traffic or accidents disrupt their preferred paths. A “Places Library” collects recently visited spots.
• Camera and Photos: The Camera app is simplified to highlight only Photo and Video by default, with other modes hidden but still accessible. The Photos app brings back its old tab structure after user complaints about the previous design.

Smarter Features and AI Integration

Apple has scaled back its AI drive compared with the fanfare of Apple Intelligence in 2024. iOS 26 focuses on smaller but functional uses:

• In-app Translation: Built into Messages, FaceTime and Phone, supporting English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish.
• AirPods Live Translation: Works with AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4.
• Visual Intelligence: By pressing Power and Volume Down, users can analyse content on screen, create calendar events, or search context using “Highlight” — Apple’s version of Circle to Search.

Notably, this update creates a small annoyance: the shortcut for visual intelligence overlaps with the screenshot function, forcing users into extra steps to save captures.

Smaller Yet Useful Additions

• Snooze times for alarms can now be customised between one and 15 minutes.
• Wallet supports digital IDs linked to passports, with a redesigned boarding pass screen.
• Voice recording offers voice isolation and source selection, helpful for podcasters.
• Reminders can auto-generate grocery lists from online recipes.
• The App Store now carries “Accessibility Nutrition Labels” to show which apps support VoiceOver, captions, and other features.
• Parental controls block communication from unknown contacts and enforce age limits on third-party apps.

Device Support

The update is available for iPhone SE (2nd gen) and later models, including the iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 series and the new iPhone Air. Older devices such as the iPhone X and iPhone 8 are no longer supported, nudging users toward newer hardware.

iOS 26 is available for download globally from today via Settings > General > Software Update. Apple says some features — particularly translation and visual intelligence — may require additional downloads or be restricted by region.

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