Apple iOS 26: From realtime translations to Games app, 10 must-try features
A few hours after Apple unveiled iOS 26 at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2025, the tech giant started rolling out the first developer version of its operating system.
The newest iOS version not only brings a ton of new features, but also gets a fresh UI redesign, which Apple calls 'Liquid Glass'. Here are some of the best features coming to the iPhone with iOS 26.
Starting with the biggest visual change, iOS 26 introduces a new design language called 'Liquid Glass'. Inspired by the translucent interface from visionOS, Apple has changed the look of things like menus, options and notifications, Control Center and more.
To match the new appearance, the tech giant has also updated the look and feel of first-party apps like Messages, Phone and Camera. Also, user interface elements like toolbars and tabs are getting a visual overhaul. Instead of drop-down lists, iOS 26 now features rounded menus, which Apple says are less distracting.
With iOS 26, Apple has also changed the way the lock screen and homescreen look. The lockscreen now has a redesigned time and date widget with a Liquid Glass interface, and there's a new dynamic widget that changes the lock size according to the wallpaper. What's more, users can also create spatial scenes that offer depth and realism when they move their phone. As for the homescreen, Apple is changing the way app icons look. With iOS 26, you now have the option to make app icons translucent.
For years, the camera app on iOS has mostly stayed the same. However, with the latest iOS version, Apple has spiced up things.
Instead of the familiar and cluttered rows of modes just above the shutter button, Apple has moved it to the bottom of the screen. The update also hides the various options that appear on the screen, neatly hiding them in a menu that can be accessed by simply swiping up from the mode you are in.
Powered by Apple Intelligence, iOS 26 is getting a new Live Translation feature, which, as the name suggests, can automatically translate messages in your preferred language in real time. The Apple Intelligence-powered feature is also making its way to other first-party apps like Phone and FaceTime.
Alongside real-time translation, the Phone app is also getting a new feature that lets you summarise your voice calls. These AI-generated voicemail summaries give you an overview of what you talked about and are visible on the main screen. Apple has also introduced a new unified layout that merges Favourites, Recents and Voicemails on the same page.
Apple Maps is also getting a bunch of upgrades. For example, the navigation app will now remember your preferred locations and travel paths. Also, if an alternate route is available, Apple Maps will show a notification when driving.
Your iPhone will also be able to log your visited locations. This information is end-to-end encrypted and can be easily removed with a swipe.
iPhones running iOS 26 will also get a new Games app that acts as a central hub for all available games and gives you quick access to Apple Arcade titles. You also get a dedicated section for multiplayer games and leaderboards.
Apple introduced Visual Intelligence with iOS 18, but the feature was limited to the camera viewfinder. But with iOS 26, the enhanced functionality can also give you information about what's on your screen.
However, the feature is more of a screenshot tool, as you will have to capture an image before getting more information about it. Another nifty addition is that Visual Intelligence can now scan an image and ask if you want to add details about an event to the Calendar app.
If you are someone who often uses emojis, there's some good news for you. With iOS 26, iPhone users will be able to mix two emojis using Genmoji in the keyboard itself. Alternatively, you can also use the Image Playground app to generate new emojis and mix and match them to your liking. Talking of Image Playground, Apple says users can now ask ChatGPT to generate images in various styles like Ghibli, lo-fi and more.
Apple is also bringing three of the biggest additions introduced with iOS 26 to CarPlay. These include widgets, live activities and tapback response.
Similar to iMessage, users can also choose to pin their favourite conversations. Also, the incoming call UI will no longer take over the entire screen, but instead it will be positioned at the bottom of the screen.
Anyone using an iPhone 11 or later can install iOS 26 on their device. However, Apple Intelligence features are only available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all models in the iPhone 16 series, including the recently launched iPhone 16e.
To install iOS 26 on your phone, head over to 'developer.apple.com' and log in with your user ID. Now, enable Developer Mode by going to Settings> Privacy and Security.
Once done, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose 'iOS 26 Developer Beta'. Here, tap on the 'Download and Install' button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Your iPhone needs to be running iOS 18.5 to get the iOS 26 Developer Beta. Also, make sure you have backed up your important data and that there is at least 15GB of free space.
Note: Since iOS 26 is currently not stable, you might experience some bugs and issues here and there, so make sure you refrain from install iOS 26 on your primary device.
Anurag Chawake is a Senior Sub-Editor at indianexpress.com. His fascination with technology and computers goes back to the days of Windows 98. Since then, he has been tinkering with various operating systems, mobile phones, and other things. Anurag usually writes on a wide range of topics including Android, gaming, and PC hardware among other things related to consumer tech. His Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn user name is antechx. ... Read More
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