Apple iOS 26: The Ultimate Guide
Apple’s latest software platforms are now rolling out, bringing a beautiful new design, intelligent experiences, and significant improvements to the apps users rely on every day.
A major update to the Apple iPhone iOS 26 experience, this release also includes updates for iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs.
A Beautiful New Look
The new software design, called Liquid Glass, makes apps and system experiences more expressive and delightful. It’s crafted with a translucent material that reflects its surroundings, bringing a greater focus to content.
The design consequently extends to the Home and Lock Screens, making them more personal and expressive. The new design is so comprehensive that it was introduced to the public as a widely used iOS 26 beta program months before the official release.
In addition, the Lock Screen time fluidly adapts to the available space, and wallpapers can be brought to life with a 3D effect. The new design has been applied across the entire Apple ecosystem.
What happened to iOS 19 to 25?
Apple has transitioned to a year-based naming format for its software. Therefore, the traditional numbering scheme has been replaced with the new iOS 26 designation for the 2025-2026 period.
New Capabilities Powered by Apple Intelligence
The Apple iOS 26 update elevates the user experience with new intelligent features. To facilitate cross-language communication, Live Translation has been incorporated into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.
Furthermore, visual intelligence now extends across a user’s iPhone screen, allowing for searches or actions to be taken on anything they are viewing. Genmoji and Image Playground provide new opportunities for self-expression, and Shortcuts are more powerful.
Features for Staying Connected and Eliminating Interruptions
The Phone app now offers a unified layout, combining Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails. Call Screening helps eliminate interruptions by gathering information from a caller. The new Hold Assist feature also notifies the user when a live agent is available.
In Messages, users can now screen texts from unknown senders, which are then put in a dedicated folder. In addition, conversations have been enhanced with custom backgrounds and the ability to create polls.
New call and text features
The software update features several new phone call and text message enhancements. The Phone app can automatically screen calls from unknown numbers, and the Messages app can detect and filter spam texts. Hold Assist keeps a caller’s spot in line, and messages can now be customized with new backgrounds.
Updates to Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet
In Apple Music, Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation have been added. In Apple Maps, a new Visited Places feature helps users remember where they’ve been, and this data is protected with end-to-end encryption.
The app also uses intelligence to learn daily routes and notify users of delays. Additionally, in Apple Wallet, users can pay with installments, and refreshed boarding passes can show Live Activities for real-time flight updates.
Enhancements to CarPlay
CarPlay, a safer way to use an iPhone while driving, has been updated with a beautiful new design. A compact view for incoming calls allows users to see who is calling without missing key information.
Tapbacks and pinned conversations have also been brought to Messages in CarPlay. Live Activities and widgets are now supported as well.
Additional features in iOS 26
Apple Games is a new app that serves as an all-in-one destination for gaming. AirPods are more versatile than ever, with new features for studio-quality audio recording and a camera remote.
Furthermore, parental controls have been enhanced to make it easier for parents to keep children safe. Browsing in Safari is now more private, with advanced fingerprinting protection enabled by default. Powerful new accessibility features have also been introduced.
When can I get it?
Downloads for iOS 26 began on Monday, September 15, 2025. Unlike other manufacturers, all eligible Apple devices were able to download and install the update at the same time.
How do I get it?
To get the update, simply open the Settings app on an iPhone or iPad, then navigate to General > Software Update. You will need to tap on Download and Install to begin the process.
How much will it cost?
The updates for all Apple devices are free of charge. If you are asked to pay for an update, it is a scam.
How to download iOS 26
Before downloading any new software, it is recommended that you back up your device to ensure you have a copy of your important information. The iOS 26 update is available for a wide range of devices, including the iPhone 11 and later. It can be installed either by turning on automatic updates or by checking for updates manually in the settings.
Which devices can get it?
All iPhones from the iPhone 11 series or newer can install the update. For the first time, the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will not be supported.
Conclusion
The release of iOS 26 is a major step forward for Apple, unifying its operating systems with a stunning new design and powerful, intelligent features. It represents a significant commitment to improving the user experience across all devices. The update is now available and has been well-received by users.
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