
Apple iOS 26: Your Ultimate Guide to the Next iPhone Revolution
2025-06-23
Author: Jessica Wong
The Next Big Thing: Apple is Leaping to iOS 26!
Get ready, iPhone enthusiasts! Apple is making waves by skipping iOS 19 and jumping straight to iOS 26. Why? This monumental new operating system is about to bring some seriously exciting features that you won’t want to miss!
A Stunning Visual Overhaul: Introducing Liquid Glass
At the forefront of these innovations is the stunning new design feature: Liquid Glass. This groundbreaking aesthetic is set to transform your home and lock screens, offering a fresh, translucent appearance that aligns with Apple’s vision for a cohesive user experience across its entire software suite.
Imagine clear apps and widgets that dynamically adjust to your light settings, paired with sleek, floating buttons that are less obtrusive but still easy to navigate. While opinions may vary on this bold choice, many are excited about this significant departure from the static designs we've grown accustomed to.
Game-Changing Features Coming to iOS 26
iOS 26 isn’t just about looks; it’s packed with features designed to enhance your everyday life. Here’s what you can expect:
- **Revamped Phone App**: Navigate your contacts and call history on a single screen! The new Hold Assist will even notify you when it’s your turn during long wait times.
- **Live Translation**: Talk to anyone, anywhere! Accuracy is key as iOS 26 introduces real-time translation for phone calls and messages.
- **Polls in Group Chats**: Making group decisions just got simpler! Easily create polls in chats to settle debates over brunch locations or road trip plans.
- **Spam Filtering in Messages**: Say goodbye to unwanted spam! Apple will automatically filter out messages from unknown senders into a separate folder.
- **Visual Intelligence**: A powerful new tool that allows you to identify images directly from your screen. Spot trendy shoes in a photo? Screenshot it, and let Visual Intelligence do the searching!
- **Your Tabs are Back in Photos**: Finally, the beloved tabs – Library and Collections – return for easier photo management!
Which iPhones Can Upgrade to iOS 26?
The good news? Most recent iPhone models will be eligible! Just a few older models (like the XR and XS) will miss out. Here’s the full list of compatible devices from 2019 or later:
- iPhone SE (2nd gen or later) - iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max - iPhone 12 series - iPhone 13 series - iPhone 14 series - iPhone 15 series - iPhone 16 series (including rumored models)
When Can You Get iOS 26?
Curious to dive into the features? The iOS 26 public beta will be available in July for those who enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program. But tread carefully: beta software is a work in progress, and using it on your primary device could come with risks.
Final Launch This Fall!
Mark your calendars! The official release of iOS 26 is set for fall, likely coinciding with Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone event. Last year's update rolled out just a week after the iPhone 16 launch, so keep your eyes peeled!
In summary, iOS 26 isn’t just an update; it’s a complete transformation that promises to make your iPhone experience more intuitive, engaging, and visually stunning. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release!