Apple announced the iOS 26 operating system on June 9, 2025. The company jumped from iOS 18 to iOS 26 to unify its software platforms. Apple is using 2026 as the launch date even though iOS 26 launches in 2025.
In iOS 26, Apple introduces a new design, dubbed “Liquid Glass”, for the first time in over a decade. Apple’s iOS and other platforms now have a stunning new design. Thus, there aren’t many new features for iOS, but there are still a few.
Liquid Glass:
Apple is introducing a new universal design language, Liquid Glass. Based on visionOS, it is layered throughout the entire system. This case features rounded corners similar to those on the iPhone and iPad. Like glass in the real world, it morphs when you need more options.
Visual IntelligenceÂ
Apple introduced Visual Intelligence last year with the iPhone 16 and its new Camera Control button. As with Google Lens, you can press the Camera Control button to get more information about something. With Visual Intelligence, you can see what’s on your screen. It’s like Apple’s Circle to Search.
You’ll see the usual markup tools at the top, but new buttons for Visual Intelligence are at the bottom. You can find out what that person is wearing in that Instagram post.
Calling Features:
Apple also added a few features that Google Pixel users will find familiar. Call screening is one example. With Live Voicemail, all unknown numbers will be automatically screened, asking the person why they are calling, and then the phone will ring to tell you why they are calling.
Apple is also improving the phone-holding experience. The iOS 26 update can identify hold music and hold the call for you. You can go about your day as usual. When the customer service agent comes online, your phone will ring so you can speak with them.
Apple Messages Spam Filter:
Spam is a bigger problem on iOS than on Android. Finally, Apple is taking action. iOS 26 now allows users to screen messages from unknown senders. Unknown messages will appear in a dedicated folder where users can mark them as known, ask for information, or delete them. Until a user accepts the messages, they will remain silent.
Camera, Photos, Safari and FaceTime:
The Camera app has also been updated as part of the Liquid Glass redesign. A swipe brings up all settings, and the UI is even round. Now, you can choose all the photo and video quality options in one place.
Photos also gets a new visual identity and Library and Collections tabs. You can create a 3D spatial scene from any 2D photo.
Safari’s smaller and adaptable tab bar, which blends into the page as you scroll, allows you to see more of the page.
The FaceTime landing page features personalised contact posters and video messages from your contacts.
iOS 26’s first developer beta was released on June 9, 2025. The first public beta will be released in July. After the launch of the new iPhone, iOS 26 will be released this Fall.
