Apple Unveils iOS 26 Features Ahead of iPhone Event
Key Points
- New "Liquid Glass" translucent design across Apple platforms
- Phone app consolidates contacts, calls and voicemail on one screen
- Hold Assist alerts users when a call representative is available
- Live translation works in Phone, FaceTime and Messages and group chats
- Messages filters unknown senders and adds poll functionality
- Visual Intelligence enables on‑screen item searches via screenshots
- Photos tabs return; Camera app gets clearer controls and lens‑clean alerts
- iPadOS 26 adds optional real‑window multitasking with the same design language
- AirPods gain studio‑quality recording, remote camera control, and translation hints
- iOS 26 beta available for eligible iPhones (2019 models and newer)
Apple detailed the upcoming iOS 26 operating system, highlighting a new "Liquid Glass" translucent design, a revamped Phone app with Hold Assist, live translation across Phone, FaceTime and Messages, spam‑filtering for unknown senders, and Visual Intelligence that lets users search for items seen on screen. The update also restores Photos tabs, adds customizable lock‑screen options, and introduces new AirPods capabilities such as studio‑quality audio recording and remote camera control. iPadOS 26 will receive the same design overhaul and optional multitasking windows. The preview sets expectations for the iPhone launch scheduled for September 9.
Design Refresh: Liquid Glass
Apple introduced a new translucent material it calls "Liquid Glass," which will appear across iOS, iPadOS and macOS. The design makes apps, widgets, lock and home screens appear clear while still adapting to dark and light modes. Buttons in several apps, such as Phone and Maps, receive a floating look intended to be less distracting.
Phone App Redesign and Hold Assist
The Phone app now shows contacts, recent calls and voicemail on a single screen. A feature named Hold Assist notifies users when a representative reaches the call, allowing them to avoid long hold music.
Live Translation Across Communication Tools
iOS 26 adds real‑time translation for Phone, FaceTime and Messages, enabling conversations with speakers of other languages without leaving the app.
Spam Filtering and Messaging Improvements
Messages will filter unknown senders into a separate folder, reducing unwanted spam texts. Group chats gain the ability to create polls for quick decisions.
Visual Intelligence
A new Visual Intelligence tool works like a reverse image search, letting users snap a screenshot and find the displayed item online.
Photos, Camera and Lock‑Screen Enhancements
Photos tabs return, separating Library and Collections. The Camera app reorganizes buttons for easier use and can alert users when lenses need cleaning. Lock‑screen customization expands with new clock styles, 3D wallpapers and an optional snooze duration for alarms.
iPadOS 26 Multitasking
iPadOS 26 introduces optional real‑window multitasking, allowing users to resize and move apps on the screen, alongside the Liquid Glass aesthetic.
AirPods Updates
AirPods receive studio‑quality audio recording for clearer sound in noisy environments, remote camera control via a three‑second countdown, and hints of live translation triggered by pressing both stems simultaneously.
Availability and Compatibility
The iOS 26 public beta is available through the Apple Beta Software Program. All iPhone models from 2019 onward can upgrade, while older models such as the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max are excluded. The iPhone event slated for September 9 will likely showcase the final version of iOS 26 shortly after.