At this year’s WWDC, Apple revealed a major design overhaul for its operating systems, including the next version of iOS, iOS 26. In addition to the visionOS-inspired visual design incorporating glassy elements, the updated version of the operating system will introduce new features to existing apps.
To start off, iOS 26 will introduce a Lock Screen with Liquid Glass controls. In this new expressive design, the time will fluidly adapt to fill the available space in an image. Moreover, the wallpapers will feature a 3D effect when the user moves their iPhone, giving the screen a dynamic look. In addition to this, the update will introduce more customisation options for app icons and widgets, as well as a new all-clear theme.
Next, the Camera app will get a more simplified and streamlined layout, in which the user can simply swipe left or right to switch between modes, and swipe up to access the settings. Meanwhile, the Photos app will be updated to include separate tabs for the Library and Collections views. And just like the wallpapers, photos will feature a 3D effect. As for Safari, web pages will flow from edge to edge for a more immersive experience.
iOS 26 will also introduce updates to CarPlay, which includes a compact view for incoming calls, pinned conversations in Messages, widgets, as well as Live Activities. Naturally, these updates will also be coming to CarPlay Ultra.
The Phone app update will bring a unified layout that combines the user’s favourites, recents, as well as voicemails. The update will also include a new Call Screening feature that silently answers unknown calls in the background. Another new feature is Hold Assist, which will notify the user when a live agent is available.
iOS 26 will also introduce new features to the Messages app, namely the addition of backgrounds to chats. Meanwhile, group chats will gain polls and typing indicators. Furthermore, group members will be able to request, send, as well as receive Apple Cash. Messages from unknown senders will also be placed in a separate section, where users can either mark the sender as known, seek more information, or delete them.
In addition to the aforementioned updates, iOS 26 will also bring new features to Apple Music like Lyrics Translation, Lyrics Pronunciation, and AutoMix. For Apple Maps, the Visited Places will help users recall the places they have frequented. Moreover, Apple Wallet will be updated to include the option to pay with installments or rewards for in-store purchases with Apple Pay using iPhone.
At the moment, these features are only available to testers participating in the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta test slated for next month. The final version is expected to be released in autumn for iPhone 11 and later.
