Which is important to know about the next iOS 26 update
Apple has unveiled the next version, now called iOS 26, at WWDC on June 9, 2025. It should be released in the fall of 2025, probably in September, in parallel with the launch of new iPhones such as the iPhone 15 and 16. The public beta version has been available since July and Beta 5 was launched on August 4, 2025.
The new design is called liquid glass. It removes the classic flat design of iOS 7. Icons, widgets and surfaces seem transparent and fluid, with an optical curvature effect that adapts to the environment. The design is consistent on all Apple, IPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch and TV devices. However, initial beta tests show problems of readability in the direct sun. The design also consumes much more power on older devices.
The new APLE Intelligence AI system is closely linked to the visual interface. Among other things, it allows live translation in telephone calls, Facetime and cats, for example from English to German and vice versa, directly on the device. The visual intelligence function recognizes the content on the display or on the images, for example purchase links or calendar inputs, and reacts by pressing a button. IA -based emojis can be created in iMessage using Genmoji, and AI images can also be generated via Playground image. Some of these functions are directly linked to Chatgpt. Many AI functions are only available on iPhones in 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max and 16 models.
The telephone application now offers calls for calls for unknown appellants and Hold Assist, which informs you as soon as a real contact person is available. Group cats in messages now take charge of polls, background images, advice indicators and Apple cash payments. The alarm clock has been extended so that the notification time can be adjusted individually between one and fifteen minutes.
Carplay now shows compact calls, allows tapback reactions, live activities and widgets during navigation. Apple Music offers Automix reading lists, real -time song lyrics with translations and karaoke functions. Maps presents the function of places visited, optimizes the routes and displays airport cards. The portfolio allows digital passports in the United States, has interior airport cards and supports live tracking of flights. There will also be a new game application with recommendations and games recently played.
Apple introduces an intelligent battery dashboard that analyzes consumption models, identifies individual applications and supports new energy saving modes. New data protection options such as the recovery assistant, blocked contacts, password history and quantum TL will appear in system settings.
The iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, including the respective professional models, are officially supported. The public beta version is available via Apple Beta software. Users of older devices are invited to wait for the stable version, as battery performance and life tend to be better there.
Conclusion
IOS 26 marks a radical step in the design and integration of AI. Liquid glass design gives the system a modern and transparent interface, but has drawbacks in terms of readability and performance on older devices. The functions of AI such as live translation, visual intelligence, Genmoji automation and shortcuts considerably widen the range of functions, but are often limited to current models. If you have a compatible device, you can test the public beta version. Users of former iPhones are advised to wait for the final version in the fall.
Source: Apple
