Apple iOS 26: 8 new features that will make you want to update now!

September 17, 2025

Apple officially unveiled the iOS 26, the new major version of the iPhone operating system, which is already available for download.

This year's update brings an impressive combination of aesthetic changes, new AI tools and improvements that touch everyday use. Here are the eight most notable features that stand out.

The first and most obvious change is the new design with the name liquid glass. It is a revamped user interface with translucent glass-like elements, creating a more elegant and fluid experience. From the main menu to icons and notifications, the entire system takes on a modern aesthetic that makes iOS feel more alive.

Η lock screen and the app icons were also upgraded. The time and widgets dynamically adjust according to the background, while wallpapers offer new 3D effects. The app icons are now slightly transparent, with more vibrant colour tones that follow the Liquid Glass philosophy.

Of particular interest is the new function Live Translation. Thanks to Apple Intelligence, users can now perform real-time automatic translations in both calls and FaceTime or Messages conversations. This way, communication with people who speak another language is instant and seamless.

In the area of intelligence, iOS 26 introduces the tools visual intelligence. With these, the user can search for information within any application, create calendar events directly from a message or ask for content that appears on the screen. It's a step towards a smarter iPhone that better understands its owner's needs.

Significant improvements are also made in the Phone application. The new call screening filters unknown calls by asking the caller to state who they are before the device rings, while the hold assist puts calls on hold until the other party answers. At the same time, polls, new backgrounds and natural language search are added to Messages.

A big change is also coming to the entertainment sector with the new app Apple Games, which brings together all the games from the App Store, Apple Arcade and leaderboards in a single place. This makes iPhone gaming more organized and easily accessible.

Of course, upgrades to key applications could not be missing. The CarPlay has a new interface and widgets, the Apple Music brings AutoMix function for automatic audio transitions, which Maps are improved with intelligent navigation, while the Wallet incorporates live updates for tickets, flights and orders.

Finally, iOS 26 significantly enhances the accessibility. New Braille options, improved Vehicle Motion Cues and more customisable reading settings make the system more user-friendly for all users, whatever their needs.

With iOS 26, Apple is clearly demonstrating its strategy: a combination of striking design and artificial intelligence that drastically enhances the user experience. The new version of the operating system is not just an update, but a step towards the future of smart devices.

ired - The ultimate technology blog