The highly anticipated iOS 26 update is scheduled for release on September 15th, introducing a host of new features and design enhancements. A significant focus of this update is on design consistency across the operating system, achieved through a new design language. This language gives applications and controls a translucent appearance, mimicking the qualities of glass. Apple’s objective is to provide a fluid user experience across all platforms.
Some notable features include dynamic date and time fonts and designs that adapt to the user’s wallpaper. Applications will feature a translucent glass-like appearance, and the home screen will showcase redesigned app icons with options for light and dark modes, color tints, and clear, see-through designs.
The Control Center elements are designed to respond to their surroundings, refracting colors and shapes. However, early beta versions saw some users reporting issues with text readability and icon clarity against transparent backgrounds.
Users can expect a range of new intelligence features, such as Live Translation, which automatically translates text in messages, provides captions during FaceTime calls, and offers spoken translations in the phone application.
New visual intelligence features will allow users to directly interact with displayed content. Users will be able to add details to a photograph or event and add them to their calendar, or extract information from an email and convert it into reminders. The same system will also enable cross-app search and image creation. The new Image Playground will empower users to create custom graphics by mixing emojis and text descriptions. Personalized emojis will further enhance this functionality.
Communication tools are also receiving updates, including call screening, automated answering of unidentified numbers, prompting callers to state their name and purpose. Messages will include similar screening tools. A new Hold and Assist feature will notify users when an agent picks up their call. An enhanced filter for messages is also expected. Group chats will gain the ability to create polls, allowing participants to vote on decisions.
The Maps application will receive an intelligence upgrade, actively tracking regular travel plans and alerting users about preferred routes. The app will adapt if the travel routine changes.
Apple Music will introduce an Auto Mix feature for seamless song blending using beat matching and time-stretching. Another feature will translate lyrics into the user’s preferred language and offer additional context for international music.
iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 and later models, along with the second-generation iPhone SE and newer. The full list includes the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series, along with the newly launched iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. Note that some features may not be available worldwide at launch due to language or regional limitations.