All the things to learn about Apple’s iPhone updates

On the iPhone occasion anticipated subsequent month (here’s what to expect), Apple will lastly announce after we can obtain iOS 26 on our iPhones. Till then, you’ll be able to download and install the newly launched public beta 2 (or iOS 26 developer beta 6 for builders). I have been taking part in round with it for the previous couple of weeks, and have discovered that taking screenshots is approach higher within the new working system — Google and ChatGPT search choices at the moment are within the screenshots editor, for example. You may see a extra full view of the brand new options in our preview of the iOS 26 public beta release, which reveals off the recent residence and lock display redesign. Referred to as Liquid Glass, the brand new translucent look will prolong throughout all of Apple’s upcoming working methods. The overhaul is considered one of a number of huge modifications coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the remainder of Apple’s software program suite, all of which have been showcased through the firm’s WWDC keynote on June 9.

After overpromising on AI plans final yr, Apple stored its iOS roadmap centered extra on primary high quality of life enhancements this yr. There are a number of helpful additions coming to the Cellphone and Messages apps in your iPhone, for example: Apple execs outlined the power to weed out spam texts or different unknown senders and an possibility to carry your spot on a telephone name once you’ve been ready for a consultant to select up. Plus, a treasured function that we took without any consideration is coming again (trace: it is within the Photographs app).

Siri, in the meantime, is in a holding sample. Apple has beforehand specified that its smarter voice assistant — first promised at WWDC 2024 — is delayed till some level “in the coming year,” so that you should not anticipate any main modifications within the present betas. However there are studies that Apple is aiming to present Siri a much bigger mind transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude, which might make 2026 a pivotal yr. The corporate can also be reportedly engaged on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT.

With every beta, it looks as if extra new enhancements are popping up, like this new AirPods gesture we’re all inquisitive about, and this FaceTime function that’ll freeze your video if it detects nudity. With the discharge of the iOS 26 developer beta 5, we noticed extra added options, like a brand new bouncy animation on the passcode display and within the Management Middle, MacRumors reports. Some or all of these modifications will probably quickly migrate into the separate public beta (see under). Most newer iPhone fashions are eligible to download iOS 26 (each the betas and closing model). Wish to see the complete checklist of recent options coming this fall? Learn on.

What’s iOS 26?

The present iPhone working system is iOS 18, and Apple remains to be actively updating it — version 18.6 was only recently launched. However do not anticipate to see iOS 19. As a substitute, Apple is skipping the numbering forward to iOS 26 later this yr. The corporate has determined to line up its iOS model numbers with a year-based system, much like automobile mannequin years. So whereas iOS and its sibling working methods can be launched in late 2025, they’re all designated “26” to replicate the yr forward.

What’s Liquid Glass design?

Let’s be sincere. Out of every part introduced at WWDC this yr, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the present. The iPhone’s residence and lock screens have seemed just about the identical yr after yr — the final thrilling factor (for my part) was the choice so as to add your personal aesthetic to your house display by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the house and lock screens’ new facelift is refreshing.

So what precisely is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a “new translucent material” since, nicely, the apps and widgets are clear. Nevertheless, the display can nonetheless adapt to darkish and lightweight modes, relying on environment. You will additionally discover buttons with a brand new floating design in a number of apps, like Cellphone and Maps. They’re designed to be much less distracting than the present buttons, however are nonetheless straightforward to see. Whereas the design overhaul has confirmed to be controversial since its announcement, some — together with Engadget’s personal Devindra Hardawar — like the brand new course, even when it is considerably paying homage to Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from practically twenty years in the past.

That mentioned, as of the discharge of the iOS 26 beta 2, Apple has already incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing again the transparency in a minimum of some locations. And whereas it can proceed to evolve, Apple customers will not be capable to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes extra cohesive. Here is a have a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with the new macOS Tahoe 26 in your desktop.

What are the brand new and notable options of iOS 26?

iOS 26 has a laundry checklist of recent options. Among the many most worthwhile:

Cellphone app redesign: You will lastly be capable to scroll by contacts, current calls and voicemail messages all on one display. It additionally comes with a brand new function referred to as Maintain Help that’ll notify you when an agent involves the telephone so you’ll be able to keep away from the elevator music and proceed on with different duties.

Reside Translation in Cellphone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the power to have a dialog through telephone name or textual content message with somebody who speaks one other language. Reside Translation will translate your dialog in actual time, which leads to some stop-and-go interactions within the examples Apple shared throughout its presentation.

Polls in group chats: Bored with sorting by what looks as if lots of of messages in your group chat? You and your pals will quickly be capable to create polls in group messages for deciding issues like which brunch spot you are consuming at or whose automobile you are taking on a highway journey.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you have not obtained spam texts about unpaid tolls or different citations, you are fortunate. For these of us who’ve, these annoying messages will quickly be filtered away in a separate folder.

Visible Intelligence: Much like a reverse Google picture search, this new function will can help you seek for something that is in your iPhone display. As an example, for those who spot a pair of footwear somebody is carrying in an Instagram photograph, you’ll be able to screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to seek out these footwear (or related ones) on-line.

Photographs tabs are again: For anybody who’s nonetheless pissed off with the Photos changes made last year, you will be blissful to know that your tabs are coming again. Library and Collections can have their very own separate areas so you do not have to scroll to infinity to seek out what you are on the lookout for.

FaceTime “Communication Security” function: A more recent addition to iOS 26 seems to be the FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The function seems to be a baby security function that makes use of on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privateness points.

New lock screen options: The iPhone lock display will get extra customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper results, extra widgets and higher focus mode choices.

New modifications coming to iPadOS 26

Your iPad is not getting left behind with regards to huge updates. Here is what’s coming this fall.

Multitasking and actual windowing: While you obtain the latest replace, you can have a number of apps operating in your display on the identical time. When you open an app, it’s going to seem in your display as regular however you can resize and transfer it throughout your display to make room for different apps. This function is optionally available so you’ll be able to flip it off for those who do not prefer it.

Visible replace: Together with the opposite new OSes, iPadOS 26 is coming with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will seem on the lock and residential screens, in addition to the drop-down menus.

New menu bar: While you swipe down in your display, the brand new menu bar will seem with choices like File, Edit, Home windows and extra. There’s additionally a search possibility for those who’re on the lookout for one thing particular.

Try our first impressions of iPadOS 26.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Listed here are among the extra notable features.

Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this “studio-quality” audio recording, and with it, you will discover extra readability whereas in noisy environments.

Digital camera distant management: Utilizing this, you’ll be able to take a photograph or begin and cease video recording with only one press in your AirPods. When taking images, you will get a three-second countdown earlier than your iPhone or iPad snaps the image.

Reside translation function: Whereas not formally introduced or confirmed, it seems that the long-rumored stay translation for AirPods could be coming with iOS 26. The proof comes from a system asset noticed within the in iOS 26 beta exhibiting a gesture that is triggered by urgent each earbud stems on the identical time. The photograph additionally reveals phrases in a number of completely different languages.

Which iPhones will be capable to improve to iOS 26?

Just a few iPhone fashions that run the present model of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — will not be appropriate with the newest improve. However any iPhones launched in 2019 or later can be eligible for the iOS 26 update.

• iPhone SE (second era or later)

Not listed below are the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or perhaps iPhone 26?) which are all however sure to be introduced and launched in September.

Learn how to set up iOS 26 beta

The iOS 26 public beta is now out there to obtain through the Apple Beta Software Program. If you happen to’re not already a member, you will want to enroll to check out all the newest options. Simply go to beta.apple.com and enroll together with your telephone quantity or e mail handle. It is free.

When you’re in, you’ll be able to set up it by going to Settings > Basic > Software program Replace and deciding on iOS 26 public beta.

A phrase of warning: Do not enroll together with your primary iPhone until you are OK with any dangers that happen with utilizing an OS that is not finalized.

When will the ultimate model of iOS 26 be launched?

iOS 26 can be launched to the general public this fall. It often is available in September, inside per week of the Apple iPhone occasion. Final yr, it rolled out to iPhone customers on September 16 — precisely one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was introduced.

If you happen to’re extra within the Apple Intelligence options coming, here is everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more throughout WWDC. Additionally, try how iOS 26 screenshots may very well be an intriguing preview of Apple’s delayed Siri rework.

Replace, August 15: Added to hyperlink to what to anticipate on the Apple iPhone occasion and particulars about what’s out there within the iOS 26 screenshots editor.

Replace, August 13: Added new AirPods element noticed within the iOS 26 beta.

Replace, August 11: Famous that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.

Replace, August 8: Added new options coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.

Replace, August 6: Famous the discharge of iOS 26 beta 5 and the brand new bouncy function on passcode display and Management Middle.

Replace, August 4: Famous that Apple is reportedly engaged on a ChatGPT rival.

Replace, August 1: Added quote from Tim Prepare dinner about iOS 26.

Replace, July 31: Famous that iOS 18.6 is now out there.

Replace, July 24: Famous the iOS 26 public beta is now out there.

Replace, July 3: Famous new FaceTime function discovered within the developer beta.

Replace, June 30: Famous ongoing iOS 18 releases, and studies that Apple is contemplating extra exterior LLMs for Siri.

Replace, June 25: Famous modifications added in iOS 26 beta 2.