Apple drops iOS 26 with massive updates — see what's new for iPhone and iPad users
Key New Features in iOS 26
Big Changes Coming to iPadOS 26
New AirPods Features in iOS 26
Studio-quality audio recording for better voice capture in noisy environments
A camera shutter gesture that allows you to snap pictures or record videos with a touch on your AirPods
Rumored live translation feature, teased in iOS 26 beta code
Why the Update Called iOS 26 Instead of iOS 19?
Siri's Big AI Upgrade Isn't Here Yet
Which iPhones Will Support iOS 26?
iPhone SE (2nd gen or newer)
iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series
The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup (expected September 2025)
How to Get the iOS 26 Public Beta
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Apple will soon be formally revealing the date for downloading iOS 26, which is going to be one of the year's largest updates for iPhone and iPad users, as per a report. First previewed in June's WWDC keynote and now available as a public beta, iOS 26 introduces a home and lock screen redesign called Liquid Glass, smarter built-in features, and significant improvements that get everyday things done faster and more easily, according to a Engadget report.From a revamped lock screen to better spam filtering and even built-in screenshot search functionality powered by Google and ChatGPT, Apple is at last launching updates that include several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple's software suite, as per the report.ALSO READ: 10 must-change iOS 18.6 settings that'll make your iPhone feel like day one again Among the most apparent shifts in iOS 26 is a fresh "Liquid Glass" aesthetic. It provides your iPhone or iPad with a foggy, layered appearance, with app icons and widgets suspended subtly above your background. It's a full transformation of the home and lock screens, something that hasn't changed in years.The look has evoked some controversy among users, but Apple is already refining it based on initial criticism. The organization has toned back a bit of transparency in some places, and the design will likely see further refinement through subsequent updates.ALSO READ: Leaked: iPhone 17 Pro Max internal design shows game-changing metal battery, hints at big redesign iOS 26 brings a number of significant advancements, including:Hold Assist: Your phone will now inform you when a customer service representative returns on the line, so you don't have to be stuck by the phone waiting for long periods of time.Live Translation: If you're on a phone call, FaceTime, or texting via Messages, this feature is live-translating your conversation as it happens.Visual Intelligence: This new feature allows you to search the web with just a screenshot. Take a photo of something you want, and your iPhone will assist you in finding it on the web.Polls in Group Chats: Great for planning with friends, you can now send quick polls in Messages to assist your group in deciding on restaurants or meeting times.Spam Message Filtering: iOS 26 automatically filters out suspicious or unfamiliar messages into a different folder, leaving your inbox tidier.Photos App Update: The Library and Collections tabs have returned, making it simpler to locate and group your photos.ALSO READ: Big change: 500,000 older Americans will now get Social Security checks online - here's the scoop iPad users will not be forgotten as iPadOS 26 introduces full windowing capability, resize and move apps at will across the screen, and a new menu bar that brings multitasking closer to the desktop experience. Liquid Glass design comes to iPad, too, bringing together the look and feel of all Apple products.AirPods are also receiving a few useful new features:ALSO READ: Google's Gemini can now talk — new audio tool reads your Docs out loud with ease Apple is bypassing iOS 19 through 25 and going directly to iOS 26 as the company is moving to an annual naming convention, so this release is being associated with the year 2026, similar to how car models are named.If you were expecting a powerful new AI version of Siri this fall, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Apple says the upgraded assistant is coming sometime in 2026.Meanwhile, the company is reportedly testing integration with AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, and working on a 'stripped-down' AI chatbot to take on ChatGPT.ALSO READ: Apple just dropped 2 free iPhone apps with iOS 26, and users can't stop talking about them If you're using an iPhone from 2019 or later, you'll likely be eligible for iOS 26, but models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max won't get the update, as per the Engadget report.The following models are compatible:To test iOS 26 yourself, enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program on beta.apple.com. After enrolling, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and choose the iOS 26 public beta to install.If your phone is from 2019 or later (iPhone 11 and up) it will, but older models like XR or XS are not supported, as per the Engadget report.Yes. iPadOS 26 includes many of the same features, plus multitasking upgrades, as per the Engadget report.
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