With iOS 26, Apple is taking the iPhone experience to a new level. The update combines a revamped, modern design with deep integration of Apple Intelligence, advanced features for everyday apps and new customization options. Gamers will also get their money’s worth thanks to the new “Apple Games” app. What’s behind this comprehensive system upgrade?
- New “Liquid Glass” design with dynamic 3D effects, customizable app icons and widgets
- Apple Intelligence integrates AI functions directly into the system, including visual recognition and live translation
- Revised phone and messaging apps with smart filters and surveys
- Extensions for CarPlay, Apple Music, Wallet and new gaming and parental control functions
Fluid design: the iPhone becomes a digital canvas
The central visual feature of iOS 26 is Liquid Glass – a new material that combines transparency, ambient reflections and vibrant colors. This makes app icons, widgets and control elements appear more vivid and individual. The personalization options range from transparent widgets to a dynamic lock screen in which the time automatically adapts to the image composition.
System apps such as Camera and Photos have also been redesigned. The camera app, for example, has a simplified layout that puts the focus on taking pictures. Safari now makes full use of the screen, with a minimalist user interface that puts content more center stage. Music lovers and readers benefit from a floating table bar in Apple Music and Podcasts, which becomes more discreet when scrolling and no longer overlaps content.
Apple Intelligence: AI becomes the system standard
At the heart of the new version is Apple Intelligence – a system-wide integrated, privacy-friendly AI platform that works locally on the device. Among other things, it enables:
- Live translation in Messages, FaceTime and Phone – in text and audio, directly on the device
- Visual intelligence that recognizes and edits content on the display or uses it for further research
- Genmojis and Image Playground to create personalized emojis and images
- Intelligent shortcuts, for example for automatic shipment tracking or for suggesting surveys in group chats
Developers get direct access to these AI functions via a new foundation model framework – including offline availability.
Less distraction, better connection
The communication functions have also been modernized. The phone app now combines favorites, call list and voicemails in a central view. With call filters, unwanted calls are automatically accepted and evaluated in real time. Hold Assist notifies you as soon as a call on hold ends – a real time saver.
In the Messages app, chats from unknown senders can now be filtered and moved to a separate folder. Surveys, custom chat backgrounds and Apple Cash transactions within group chats further expand the communication options.
Smart mobility and audio features
With iOS 26, CarPlay also benefits from a redesign. Incoming calls are displayed compactly, widgets and pinned conversations are now integrated. CarPlay Ultra brings vehicle control and iPhone functions to all screens in the car – including live activities.
For music lovers, Apple Music now offers lyric translations and pronunciation guides, while AutoMix seamlessly blends songs like a DJ. The Wallet app expands its functions with more flexible payment methods and new boarding passes including flight tracking and airport navigation.
A new home for games: Apple Games
With Apple Games, iOS 26 offers a central platform for all games. Here you can restart your favorite games, discover new releases and keep an eye on events – including Apple Arcade. The app not only offers an overview, but also social interaction and discoveries in a dynamic, game-centered layout.
iOS 26 also makes the iPhone safer and more flexible for parents: new parental controls, communication limits and age-appropriate exceptions for app downloads provide more control.
Conclusion: iOS 26 is more than just an update – it’s an ecosystem upgrade
With iOS 26, Apple is making it clear that the iPhone is not only becoming more beautiful and individual, but also significantly more intelligent. The combination of a new design, locally running AI, smart communication and expanded multimedia support makes the update particularly versatile. iOS 26 will be available as a free software update for iPhone 11 and newer from the fall. The Apple Intelligence functions require an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16. The public beta will start in July.
