Apple recently introduced iOS 26, its latest iPhone operating system, packed with advanced AI tools, upgraded privacy controls, system-wide performance improvements, and a redesigned user experience. The standout change in iOS 26 is a full overhaul of the visual interface. With the debut of a new design language called “Liquid Glass,” the update brings a sleek, contemporary look to iPhone software, making interactions faster and more personalized than ever.
Apple has overhauled three major apps—Camera, Photos, and Safari—in iOS 26. The Camera app sports a cleaner, more intuitive layout, while the Photos app introduces a tabbed interface that separates your full library from personalized albums for easier navigation. Safari now offers a true full-screen browsing experience, and apps like Apple Music and News feature floating tab bars that fade away during scrolling to enhance immersion. The official release of iOS 26 is expected in September 2025, aligning with the debut of the iPhone 17 lineup.
iOS 26 unsupported devices:
– iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone XR
iOS 26 compatible iPhones:
– iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
– iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
– iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
– iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
– iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
– iPhone SE 2nd Gen, iPhone SE 3rd Gen
– iPhone 16e
iOS 26 Apple Intelligence compatibility:
– iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
– iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
– iPhone 16e
Visual Intelligence: Apple’s Take on Circle to Search:
iOS 26 introduces a new capability called Visual Intelligence—a built-in screen search tool that offers real-time recognition. This feature allows users to snap a screenshot and immediately search for anything visible within any application. From text and objects to places and unknown items, Visual Intelligence makes it easy to identify and explore information directly from whatever is on your screen.
iPhones Get Built-In Call Screening and Spam Protection with iOS 26:
Apple is introducing its own version of call screening with iOS 26. When an unknown caller tries to reach you, your iPhone can now automatically answer on your behalf. The caller is asked to explain the reason for their call, and their spoken message is transcribed and shown on your lock screen—helping you decide whether or not to take the call.
Live Translation Goes System-Wide in iOS 26:
Apple has expanded its Live Translation feature across iOS 26, embedding it into essential apps such as Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app. This wider integration lets users hold multilingual conversations without switching apps, removing the hassle of relying on separate translation services.
