Apple's iOS 26: A Leap Forward in AI-Powered User Experience

Apple's iOS 26 update is coming. See key features, compatible devices.

Apple introduced iPhone 17, ultra-thin iPhone Air, new Apple Watches and AirPods Pro 3. Apple's latest software update, iOS 26, is almost here. On Sept. 9, Apple announced the highly-anticipated iPhone 17. The tech giant also announced the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air, three new Apple Watch models and the AirPods Pro 3. And in addition to the new devices, Apple also announced the release date of iOS 26. The software update is available for compatible iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches starting on Monday, Sept. 15. The update features a new user interface design and several new AI-powered features. Interested in learning more? Here's a deeper dive into what we know about iOS 26. When does iOS 26 release? iOS 26 launches on Monday, Sept. 15, according to an Apple news release. A new look: Liquid Glass One of the most notable features of iOS 26 is Liquid Glass, a new user interface design on Apple devices. The design features clear, more fluid elements. For example, with Liquid Glass activated, users can keep their home screen apps as normal or change them to appear translucent, showing off the background image. Liquid Glass also features more dynamic controls. In several apps, including Apple Music, users can swipe their finger to change between screens or features, rather than individually tapping. Liquid Glass is available on eligible iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. New features worth knowing about iOS 26 features several other new features, including some powered by Apple Intelligence. Here's a breakdown of some key ones: Live Translation Live Translation uses artificial intelligence to translate text messages, phone calls and FaceTime calls on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches, according to the Apple website. In Messages, Live Translation is available in Chinese (simplified), English (UK and U.S.), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Spain), according to the Apple website. For phone calls and FaceTime, the feature can translate English (UK and U.S.), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Spain). Live Translation is also available with Apple's latest AirPods model: AirPods Pro 3. A user wearing the earbuds may enable Live Translation in the natural world around them. For example, if a user is traveling and is around people who speak a different language, the new AirPods will listen to the dialogue around them and translate it in nearly real time. Live Translation also works in reverse. A user wearing AirPods Pro 3 may speak in their native language and then the earbuds will translate to the chosen language via speech or text on the attached iPhone. New call and text features The software update boasts several new phone call and text message features, including Call Screening. When a user receives a phone call from an unknown number, the iPhone automatically answers the phone and asks the caller for a name and reason for calling, which is then translated back to the user, who can decide to pick up the call or not. In the same vein, the Messages app filters text messages from unknown numbers in a different folder. iOS 26 also features Hold Assist. When activated, Hold Assist keeps a caller's spot in line with a live agent and notifies a user when the call is ready for them, according to the Apple website. Finally, users with iOS 26 will have a new-look polls feature in the Messages app and change text message backgrounds to a photo or preset design from an Apple library. Most of these features are available on the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Intuitive Maps Do you use Apple Maps to travel to work, school or a common destination? With iOS 26, the app uses artificial intelligence to learn a user's preferred routes, providing updates on delays before a user hits the road, according to the Apple website. Apple Maps also features a new Visited Place category, which highlights restaurants, shops and other destinations a user has visited before. Passport storage in Apple Wallet Apple Wallet, which allows users to store digital debit and credit cards, concert tickets, airplane boarding passes and more, now allows users to store their passports with iOS 26. Organize iPad screen like a desktop with multiple windows While most of the iOS 26 features make their way to the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, some of the devices see unique updates, including a windowing system for the iPad. This update allows iPad users to open several windows on the screen, similar to a computer desktop. Which Apple devices are eligible for iOS 26? Can't see the chart in your browser? Visit public.flourish.studio/visualisation/25101572/. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].

Apple iOS 26 to roll out today: Check new features, updates and eligible devices

Apple will release iOS 26 on Monday for many devices. This update introduces a new 'Liquid Glass' design. It also expands Artificial Intelligence features across iPhones. Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, and Image Playground are new additions. Communication tools will reduce interruptions. Maps and Apple Music get smarter. The update includes accessibility and family management improvements. Apple has announced that iOS 26 will be available from Monday on several of its devices. The software updated, which was unveiled earlier this year. It is said it be the tech giant's largest OS revision in recent years. The iOS 26 introduces a redesigned interface and expanded use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across supported iPhone models. Liquid Glass design The biggest change is the availability of 'Liquid Glass', which is a new design language applied consistently across the system. This gives apps, icons and controls a translucent appearance. Apple says the aim is to provide a sense of fluidity and uniformity across its devices. Further, on the Lock Screen, the time display adapts dynamically to the chosen wallpaper and the notifications shift position to ensure the central subject of a photograph remains visible, while a subtle three-dimensional effect is activated when the device is moved. The Home Screen also gains redesigned app icons with options for light and dark appearances, colour tints or a clear, see-through style. Control Centre features have also been reworked upon to to respond according to the surroundings. The company describes this as a way to make the operating system feel more coherent across applications. Apple Intelligence integration Artificial Intelligence (AI) features have been expanded. Live Translation can automatically convert text in Messages into another language, provide captions during FaceTime calls or deliver spoken translations in the Phone app. When used with AirPods, translations are read aloud in real time using a natural voice. Additionally, Visual intelligence tools allow users to act directly on content displayed on screen. A photograph of an event can trigger an option to add details to the calendar, or a list in an email can be converted into reminders. This also provides the users with an option of cross-app search and image creation. Through Image Playground, users can mix emoji and text descriptions to generate customised graphics. Genmoji expands this capability further by producing personalised emojis styled on friends and family. Shortcuts also gain new automation functions, including the ability to summarise text or generate images through Apple's on-device models, integrating intelligence into routine workflows. Communication tools New tools have been integrated to reduce interruptions from unwanted communication. Call Screening automatically answers unidentified numbers, prompting the caller to state their name and purpose before the phone rings. Messages introduces similar screening tools that filter unknown contacts into a separate category. A "Hold Assist" feature takes over waiting in line for customer support, notifying the user when an agent becomes available. For group chats, polls can be created, while conversations can also be customised with photographic or built-in backgrounds. Discovery and entertainment Maps become smarter by learning a user's regular travel patterns and can provide alerts about delays on preferred routes even before a journey begins. If travel routines change, the app adapts accordingly. Apple Music will feature AutoMix, blending songs using beat matching and time-stretching techniques. Another feature translates lyrics into a user's chosen language, offering additional context when listening to international music. Furthermore, the Wallet app is redesigned with better boarding passes, including baggage tracking, airport maps and the ability to share flight details. A new Games app tracks gameplay across titles, highlights what friends are playing, and suggests recommendations. Players can also compete in score-based challenges. Accessibility These updates include expanded Braille support, additional Vehicle Motion Cues designed to reduce motion sickness, and more options to tailor reading experiences. Family management tools have been extended. Parents will be able to move children into dedicated Child Accounts more easily. Controls have been strengthened around communication limits, app safety and purchases within the App Store. For AirPods users, a new Camera Remote function enables video recording to be started directly from the earbuds. iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 and later models, as well as the second-generation iPhone SE and newer. The full list includes the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 series, along with the newly launched iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. Not all features will be released worldwide at launch. Language and regional availability may limit some functions, particularly those reliant on translation and artificial intelligence models.