iOS 26: Apple's AI-Powered Update Brings New Design and Enhanced Features
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Liquid Glass, Live Translation, and All the Other Important New iOS26 Features Coming to Your iPhone
While we still don't know what new hardware the iPhone 17 models might be packing, we have seen the big changes coming to iPhone software with iOS26. Liquid Glass delivers a significant design refresh, and that's just where Apple is starting. The Photos app is getting a functional redesign, while
[2]
7 helpful AI features in iOS 26 you can try now - and how to access them
Apple finally launched the iOS 26 public beta, and with that comes a slew of new AI features you can try out today -- and their usefulness may surprise you. While the new features may not be as flashy as the promised Siri 2.0 update, which has yet to be released, many address issues Apple users
[3]
We tested iOS 26 on the iPhone 16 Pro - these 5 features make the update worthwhile
Apple introduced iOS 26 to the public at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference event in early June, and since then, has been polishing the software with developers for the eventual beta release. Now that it's finally available for everyone to test, you may be wondering if it's worth diving
[4]
5 iPhone Features I'm Most Excited to Test in the iOS 26 Public Beta
Apple held back on futuristic announcements at this year's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), drawing criticism from AI insiders (including me), but the small tweaks it debuted for iOS look like they'll be a pleasure to use on a daily basis. The formal iOS 26 update arrives this fall, but
[5]
iOS 26 preview: Liquid Glass is more than just a visual refresh
At WWDC 2025, Apple revealed a major visual shake-up for iOS (not to mention the rest of the company's operating systems). This is the biggest change, aesthetically, since the shift away from the stitching, textures and skeuomorphic design of the iOS 4. It also comes with significantly fewer AI and
[6]
iOS 26 beta preview: Liquid Glass is better than you think
At WWDC 2025, Apple revealed a major visual shake-up for iOS (not to mention the rest of the company's operating systems). This is the biggest change, aesthetically, since the shift away from the stitching, textures and skeuomorphic design of the iOS 4. It also comes with significantly fewer AI and
[7]
iOS 26 public beta now available with new design and more - 9to5Mac
The iOS 26 public beta is now available, the next major update for iPhone software. iOS 26 brings an all-new Liquid Glass design, updates to your favorite iPhone apps and features, and much more. If you haven't been paying attention, you might be a little confused when you see "iOS 26" pop up on
[8]
7 iOS 26 game-changing features -- here's what you need to check out with the public beta
With the iOS 26 public beta now available, it's time to dig into the features and see what's coming to iPhones when the full release comes later this fall. While the Liquid Glass interface will grab a lot of the attention, there's plenty of other changes in iOS 26 that figure to play a significant
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We've all seen Liquid Glass. Here are 10 iOS 26 features that are even better
Certainly one of the main highlights of iOS 26, which was announced earlier this month at WWDC 2025, is the new Liquid Glass interface. But as we've reported here, the update also comes with a lot of other new features - such as many new APIs that open up a lot of possibilities for app
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Apple's iOS 26 introduces the Liquid Glass design, AI-powered features, and improved user experience across various apps, setting the stage for the next generation of iPhones.
Liquid Glass: A New Era of iOS Design
Apple's iOS 26 introduces a significant visual refresh called Liquid Glass, marking the most substantial design change since iOS 7
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. This new interface features translucent elements that respond dynamically to user interactions, creating a fluid and modern look across the entire operating system2
. The design extends to other Apple products, ensuring a cohesive experience across devices4
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Source: Engadget
AI-Powered Enhancements
iOS 26 leverages Apple Intelligence to introduce several AI-driven features:
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Visual Intelligence: This feature now works with screenshots, allowing users to extract information and perform actions based on the content
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. It can identify objects, add events to calendars, and even generate images using ChatGPT5
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Live Translation: A standout feature that provides real-time translation during phone and video calls, as well as in text messages
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. This functionality breaks down language barriers and could revolutionize cross-border communication. -
Writing Tools: Improvements in voice memo transcription and summarization capabilities have been noted, with better handling of accents and longer recordings
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App Redesigns and New Functionalities
Several core apps have received significant updates:
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Camera App: A simplified interface with two main modes (Video and Photo) and easy access to additional settings
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Photos App: A redesigned layout addressing user feedback from iOS 18, with separate tabs for Library and Collections
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Messages: Introduction of group text polls and Apple Pay integration within chats
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Source: CNET
- Phone App: New features like Call Screening and Hold Assist to manage unwanted calls and reduce time spent on hold
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User Experience Improvements
iOS 26 brings several quality-of-life improvements:
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Spam Management: Enhanced tools for screening calls and filtering unwanted texts
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Search Bar Relocation: Moved to the bottom of the screen in various apps for easier access
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Spatial Photos: A new feature that brings lock screen images to life with a 3D effect
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AutoMix in Apple Music: AI-powered seamless transitions between songs
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Developer Tools and Shortcuts
The update includes new tools for developers and power users:
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Shortcuts Enhancements: Integration with Apple Intelligence models for more advanced automation capabilities
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API Access: Developers can now access certain AI features, potentially leading to more innovative third-party apps
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Source: ZDNet
Public Beta and Release
The iOS 26 public beta is now available for testing, with the official release expected in September or October, likely coinciding with the launch of new iPhone models
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3
. While some features like the promised Siri 2.0 update are still pending, the current beta offers a comprehensive preview of what users can expect from the final release2
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.As Apple continues to refine iOS 26 based on user feedback during the beta phase, it's clear that this update represents a significant step forward in both design and functionality for the iPhone ecosystem.
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