Apple has announced that iOS 26 will be available from September 15, 2025, introducing a redesigned interface and extended use of artificial intelligence on supported iPhone models. The software update, unveiled earlier this year, is expected to become one of the largest revisions of the business operating system in recent years.
Features
Liquid glass design
The most visible change comes with the introduction of “liquid glass”, a new design language applied in a coherent way through the system. The approach gives applications, icons and controls a translucent appearance with optical qualities intended to look like glass. Apple says that the objective is to provide a feeling of fluidity and uniformity on its devices.
On the locking screen, time display dynamically adapts to the wallpaper chosen. Notifications move the position to ensure that the central subject of a photograph remains visible, while a subtle three -dimensional effect is activated when the device is moved. The home screen also wins redesigned application icons with options for light and dark appearances, color shades or a clear and transparent style.
The elements of the control center and the integrated controls have been reworked to respond to their environment, reflecting and refracting colors and shapes while transforming with fluidity to focus on content. The company describes this as a way to make the operating system more coherent between applications.
Integration of Apple Intelligence
The characteristics of artificial intelligence have been extended under the banner of “Apple Intelligence”. Live translation can automatically convert text into messages into another language, provide legends during facetime calls or deliver spoken translations into the telephone application. When used with AirPods, translations are read aloud in real time using a natural voice.
Visual intelligence tools allow users to act directly on the content displayed on the screen. For example, a photograph of an event can trigger an option to add details to the calendar, or a list in an email can be converted into reminders. The same system also allows cross -search and image creation. Thanks to Image Playground, users can mix emoji and text descriptions to generate personalized graphics. Genmoji further widens this capacity by producing personalized stylized emojis on friends and family.
The shortcuts also acquire new automation functions, including the possibility of summarizing text or generating images via models on Apple disk, integrating intelligence into routine workflows.
Communication tools
Several additions are designed to reduce interruptions of unwanted communication. Call screening automatically responds to unidentified numbers, encouraging the appellant to state his name and lens before the phone rings. Messages introduce similar screening tools that filter unknown contacts in a separate category.
A “Hold Assist” feature takes place pending online for customer support, informing the user when an agent becomes available. In group cats, surveys can be created to allow participants to vote on decisions, such as where to meet. Conversations can also be personalized with photographic or integrated backgrounds.
Discovery and entertainment
Cards now learn of a user’s regular travel models and can provide alerts on delays in favorite routes even before the start of a trip. If travel routines change, the application adapts accordingly.
Apple Music presents Automix, which mixes songs in a transparent way using techniques for the correspondence of beating and similar events similar to a set of DJs. Another feature reflects the words in the chosen language of a user, offering an additional context when listening to international music.
The Wallet application has been redesigned with improved boarding passes, including luggage monitoring, airport cards and the possibility of sharing the details of the flight. A new game application follows the gameplay on the titles, highlights what friends play and suggest recommendations. Players can also compete in score -based challenges.
Accessibility
Accessibility receives updates such as the brain -waged support, the movement indices of additional vehicles designed to reduce transport evil and more options to adapt reading experiences.
Family management tools have been extended, parents capable of moving children more easily to dedicated children’s accounts. Orders have been strengthened around communication limits, applications and purchases safety in the App Store.
The Reminders application now uses Apple Intelligence to offer tasks and grocery elements from emails or messages, automatically categorize them in organized lists. The photos have been reorganized in two main tabs, libraries and collections, and can make the selected images in 3D space effects.
For AirPods users, a new remote camera function allows video recording to be started directly from the earphones. The audio recording has also been improved, allowing high quality sound capture during calls and in the camera application when associated with AirPods with the H2 chip.
Eligible devices
iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 and subsequent models, as well as for second generation iPhone SE and more recent. The complete list includes the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 series, as well as the newly launched iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.
iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Not all features will be published worldwide at the launch. Language and regional availability can limit certain functions, in particular those which depend on models of translation and artificial intelligence.
