Apple has finally dropped iOS 26, and let’s just say…your iPhone is about to feel brand new. From shiny new looks to smart tools that actually make life easier, this update is packed. Think of it as your iPhone getting a makeover and a brain upgrade at the same time. Let’s check what’s new, you’re gonna see!
New Features in iOS 26: iPhone Update Highlights
iOS 26 is all about style, personalisation, and smarter tools. Apple has refreshed the look of the iPhone, improved everyday apps, and added features that make your device more helpful. Below are the highlights that make this update such a big deal.
Liquid Glass design in iOS 26
The star of the show is the brand-new liquid glass design. Apple has polished the interface to make it cleaner, softer, and more modern.
- App icons and menus now have a floating, glass-like look.
- Rounded corners make the whole design feel easier on the eyes.
- Navigation bars collapse when you scroll, giving more space to what matters on our screen.
It feels like your iPhone went through a luxury makeover – sleek and futuristic, but still familiar enough to use without confusion.
iOS 26 Lock Screen and Home Screen Updates
Personalisation is front and centre in iOS 26. The Lock Screen and Home Screen finally give you more freedom to style your iPhone your way.
- The Lock Screen clock is redesigned to match the new liquid glass theme.
- Widgets can be placed at the bottom of the screen for easier access.
- Wallpapers, icons, and widgets are more consistent with the new design language.
With these tweaks, you can create a setup that looks good while keeping the tools you use more right where you need them.
Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 26
This update isn’t just about looks – it’s also about brains. Apple introduces Apple Intelligence, a set of smart tools designed to make your iPhone more helpful.
- Live Translation: Translate texts and calls instantly in real time.
- Visual Intelligence: Your phone can recognise what’s on your screen and offer suggestions.
- Wallet app upgrades: Track purchases, find offers, and get more insights into your spending.
Do note: some of these advanced features only work on the latest iPhones. If you’ve got a newer model, you’ll get the full experience.
Messaging and Phone Upgrades in iOS 26
Apple knows we spend most of our time texting and calling, so these apps got big improvements.
- Custom chat backgrounds: Make each conversation feel unique
- Group chat typing indicators: No more wondering who’s typing in a busy chat.
- Polls inside chats: Great for planning meetups or deciding what to order for dinner.
- Phone app upgrades: Call screening, missed call reminders, and easier custom ringtones settings.
- FaceTime updates: New captions for accessibility and a cleaner layout for smoother calls.
These upgrades make staying connected feel fresher and more fun.
iOS 26 Apps Updates
Plenty of Apple’s built-in apps also get a refresh.
- Safari: Cleaner layout with improved privacy tools.
- Maps: Learns your commute, send delay alerts, and save favourite locations.
- Notes & Reminders: Smarter task lists and support for solving maths right inside Notes.
- Camera: Easier access to modes and settings.
- Apple Music: New AutoMix feature creates seamless transitions between tracks, plus lyric translation for your favourite songs.
- Photos: “Spatial Scenes” turn flat photos into lifelike 3D-style images.
- AirPods: Firmware updates add real-time translation, auto-pause when you fall asleep, and even let you control your iPhone camera.
These changes mean your everyday apps now feel a bit more powerful and a lot more fun to use.
Smaller iOS 26 Features That Make a Big Difference
Sometimes it’s the little tweaks that make daily life smoother: iOS 26 has a handful of those, too:
- Choose to hide full-screen screenshot previews.
- Adaptive Power Mode adjusts performance to save battery life more intelligently. The charging screen shows exactly how long until your phone is fully charged.
- Set custom snooze times for alarms (finally!)
They may sound small, but together, they make your iPhone feel more personalised and efficient.
Things to Know Before Updating to iOS 26
Before you rush to install the update, here are a few things worth keeping in mind:
- Right after updating, your iPhone’s battery might drain a little quicker. This is normal as the phone adjusts and re-indexes apps.
- Some older iPhones may feel a bit slower when running all the new animations.
- The most advanced features, like Apple Intelligence, are reserved for newer devices.
Overall, though, the update runs well and brings a lot to the table for almost every iPhone user.
Final thoughts
At the end, if your question is whether you should update your iPhone or not, the answer is yes, you absolutely should update to iOS 26. It delivers one of the biggest overhauls in years. From the gorgeous liquid glass design to all the other features, helpful app updates, and dozens of thoughtful little tweaks, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’ve got a newer iPhone, you’ll enjoy the full range of features. But even if your device is a bit older, you’ll still notice visual refresh and handy app improvements.
If you ever feel stuck installing iOS 26 or want someone to walk you through all the cool new features, Mobile Experts is here to help. With friendly tech support, hands-on tune-ups, and advice that’s tailored to your iPhone model, we make sure that every update is smooth and your phone feels fresh. So, Mobile Experts have the skills and care to get your device running at its best.
