Apple has released iOS 26, describing it as one of the most significant updates for the iPhone in years. The operating system introduces a redesigned interface, expanded personalization options and a new Games app.
The update is available for the iPhone 11, second-generation iPhone SE and newer models, while the recently launched iPhone 17 ships with iOS 26 pre-installed. “iOS 26 fundamentally modernizes the user interface based on Apple’s Liquid Glass design, while numerous apps have been revamped and an entirely new Games app introduced,” Apple said in its announcement.
The Liquid Glass interface makes more elements partially transparent, with redesigned app icons, updated lock screen features and glass-like buttons and pop-ups. Apple also overhauled the Camera app with simplified controls and reworked the Phone app to display missed calls and favorites in one view.
Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI suite, now enables real-time speech translation across the system, covering calls, video chats and videos. The new Games app consolidates titles purchased through the App Store and Apple Arcade, while also enabling multiplayer sessions.
Other features include Visual Intelligence, which can identify objects in photos and within the Camera app, alternative routing in Apple Maps, and Apple Wallet scanning email inboxes to display unpaid orders. The update is being positioned as Apple’s broadest step in reworking both interface design and core app functionality in recent years.
Source: Apple