Everything to know about Apple’s big software changes coming to iPhone and iPad

In just a few weeks, it is possible that the annual iPhone event from Apple, which means that we will finally take a look at the latest iPhone 17. I have been playing with her in the past two weeks, and I found that capturing better screenshots in the new operating system – Google and Chatgpt search options are now in the screenshot editor, for example. You can see a more complete view of the new features in our inspection of the iOS 26 Public Beta, which displays the fresh redesign redesign. Liquid Glass, the new transparent appearance will extend across all Apple operating systems. Reform is one of the many major changes that reach iOS, MacOS, iPados and the rest of the Apple software suite, which were all offered during the company’s keynote speech on June 9.

After excessive introduction of artificial intelligence plans in the past year, Apple maintained the iOS road map, which focused more on the improvements of the basic quality of life this year. There are many useful additions coming to the phone and messaging applications on your iPhone, for example: Apple Execs made it clear the ability to get rid of random mail texts or other unknown messengers and a choice to keep your place on a phone call when you are waiting for one of the actors to take. In addition, a determined feature that we have taken is a declared order (hint: it is in the application of photos).

Siri, Meanwhile, in a knot style. Apple has already determined that its most intelligent audio assistant – promised for the first time in WWDC 2024 – has been delayed until a point “next year”, so you should not expect any major changes in the current beta. But there are reports that Apple aims to give Siri a larger brain transplant by placing it in third -party artificial models such as Openai’s Chatgpt or Anthropic’s Claud, which may make 2026 a central year. According to what the company was working on Chatbot from artificial intelligence “stripping” to compete Chatgpt.

With each experimental version, it seems that the additional new improvements appear, such as this new AirPods gesture that we all turn to, and this is the faceime feature that will freeze your video if you discover nudity. With iOS 26 Developer Beta 5, we have seen more additional features, such as new animation, the voltage on the traffic code screen and in the control center,, Macromors Reports. Some or all of these changes will probably migrate to the separate general experimental version (see below). Most of the latest iPhone models are qualified to download iOS 26 (both beta and final version). Do you want to see the full list of the new features of the next fall? Read.

What is iOS 26?

The current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, and Apple is still updated actively – version 18.6.1 has been released to restore Apple Watch monitoring functions for some users in the United States. Recently, Apple has released 18.6.2 for the treatment of image processing weakness. But you don’t expect to see iOS 19 soon – or at all. Instead, Apple exceeds the numbering to iOS 26 later this year. The company decided to line up iOS versions with a general system, similar to the car model years. So, while iOS and her brother’s operating systems will be released in late 2025, all of which are customized “26” to reflect the next year.

What is liquid glass design?

Let’s be honest. From all that was announced in WWDC this year, the new liquid glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone’s home and lock screens appeared in the same year after year – the last thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your main screen by customizing your applications and user interface elements. So seeing the new screens plastic surgery at home and locking is refreshing.

So what exactly is liquid glass? Apple calls it a “new transparent material” because applications and elements user interface are clear. However, the screen still adapts to dark and light conditions, depending on the surrounding areas. You will also notice buttons with a new floating design in many applications, such as phone and maps. It is designed to be less dispersed than the current buttons, but it is still easy to see. Although the design repair has proven controversial since its announcement, some – including Engadget ‘Devindra hardawar – like the new direction, even if it reminds us to some extent with Window Vista Aero transparent designs from Microsoft for nearly twenty years.

However, in the version of iOS 26 Beta 2, Apple has already combined some user comments in the design, re -transparency in at least some places. Although it will continue to develop, Apple users will not be able to escape from it: liquid glass is designed to make all Apple systems more coherent. Below is a look at how transparent aesthetic appears with the new MacOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

What are the new and welded features of iOS 26?

IOS 26 has a new feature washing menu. Among the most worthy of attention:

Re -Design the phone application: Finally, you will be able to pass through the contacts, modern calls and voice mail messages on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that will teach you when an agent comes to the phone so that you can avoid elevator music and follow up with other tasks.

Live translation in the phone, face and messages: IOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation through a phone call or a text message with someone who speaks another language. The direct translation will translate your conversation in the actual time, which leads to some reactions to stop in examples on Apple while displayed.

Opinion polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what appears to be like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will be able to soon create opinion polls in group messages to determine things like the Spot you take or take your or your car on a wild trip.

Liquidation of an unknown messenger in the messages: If you have not received random mail texts about unpaid drawings or other categories, you are lucky. For those of us, these annoying messages will be filtered soon in a separate folder.

Optical Intelligence: Like Google Image’s reverse search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything on the iPhone. For example, if you discover a pair of shoes that someone wears in Instagram, you can snapshot and use visible intelligence to find these shoes (or similar) online.

Photo tab came back: For anyone who is still disappointed by the photo changes made last year, you will be happy to know that your tabs are returning. The library and groups will have its own separate spaces so that you do not have to scroll to Infinity to find what you are looking for.

FaceTime: It seems that the new addition to iOS 26 appears to be the “Communications Safety” feature in FaceTime that stops communications if nudity is discovered. The feature appears to be a child’s safety feature that uses the detection of the device, thus avoiding any cloud -based special problems.

New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen gets more customization in iOS 26, with a cooler hour, 3D background effects, more mini tools and better focus options.

New changes coming to iPados 26

Your iPad does not lag after it comes to big updates. Here is what this fall will come.

Multiple tasks and real winds: When downloading the latest update, you will be able to run many applications on your screen at the same time. Once an application opens, it will appear on your screen as usual, but you will be able to change its size and transfer it via your screen to make room for other applications. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don’t like it.

Visual update: Along with Ols News Onses, iPados 26 comes with liquid glass aesthetic. This new look will appear on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop -down menus.

New menu bar: When scrolling down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like files, editing, Windows and more. There is also a search option if you are looking for something specific.

Check out our first impressions from iPados 26.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also updated using iOS 26. Here are some of the most famous functions.

Record the improvement: Apple calls “studio quality” sound recording, however, you will notice more clarity during loud environments.

Camera dimension control: Using this, you can take an image or start recording the video and stop it with only one pressure on AirPods. When taking pictures, you will get the countdown for three seconds before the iPhone or iPad settles on the image.

Live Translation feature: Although it has not been officially announced or confirmed, it seems that the live translation that has been shown long for AirPods may come with iOS 26. The evidence comes from the system assets seen in the experimental version in iOS 26 shows a gesture caused by pressure on both the stems of the ear sill at the same time. The image also shows words in several different languages.

What are the iPhone devices that will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

It will not be a few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS – iPhone XR, XS and XS Max – compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhone that was released in 2019 or later will be eligible to update iOS 26.

• iPhone SE (second generation or later)

Not listed here are the supposed new iPhone 17 models (or perhaps iPhone 26?) That is certainly announced and released in September.

How to install iOS 26 beeta

IOS 26 Public Beta is now available for download via Apple Beta. If you are not really a member, you will need to register to try all the latest features. Just visit Beta.apple.com and register with your phone number or email address. It is free.

Once you enter, you can install it by going to Settings > general > Program update And choose iOS 26 Beta PubLic.

Warning word: Don’t register with your main iPhone unless you agree with any risks that occur with the use of the unintended operating system.

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

IOS 26 will be released for this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it was put on the iPhone on September 16 – exactly one week after the announcement of the iPhone 16.

If you are more interested in the upcoming Apple Intelligence feature, here is all the Apple for iOS, MacOS and more through WWDC. Also, check how iOS 26 screens are an interesting preview to reformulate the late Siri from Apple.

Update, August 20: Note that iOS 26 Public Beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available for download.

Update, August 18: Add details about the possible 18.6 update.

Update, August 15: In addition to the association with what can be expected at the Apple iPhone event and details about what is available at the iOS 26 Editor.

Update, August 13: New AirPods details are added to Beta iOS 26.

Update, August 11: Note that iOS 26 Beta developer hit beta 6.

Update, August 8: New features are added to iPados 26 and AirPods.

Update, Aug 6: Note the iOS 26 Beta 5 version and the New Boundy feature on the traffic code screen and the control center.

Update, August 4: Note that Apple is working on a Chatgpt competitor.

Update, August 1: A quote from Tim Cook added about iOS 26.

Update, July 31: Note that iOS 18.6 is now available.

Update, July 24: I noticed that iOS 26 Bublic Beta is now available.

Update, July 3: The new FaceTime feature found in the developed Beta.

Update, June 30: Continuous versions iOS 18, and reports that Apple is considering an additional exterior LLMS for Siri.

Update, June 25: Famous changes added in iOS 26 Beta 2.