CUPERTINO, September 16 — Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26, its biggest iPhone software redesign since iOS 7 in 2013. The update introduces a striking new “Liquid Glass” interface that refracts and reflects background elements for a more fluid and dynamic look across the Lock Screen, app icons, Control Center, and core apps like Safari, Photos, and FaceTime.
The update also revamps the Music app with animated album art, enhances personalization options for icons, and introduces spatial photo effects that add subtle depth to images. iOS 26 also expands Apple Intelligence, allowing users to translate calls in real-time, analyze on-screen content, generate custom visuals with Image Playground, and create Genmoji—AI-powered personalized emoji.
Core apps like Phone, Messages, Maps, and Camera have received major improvements, including Call Screening, dynamic group chat features, AutoMix in Apple Music, and remote shutter support with AirPods. Meanwhile, Wallet now supports TSA-ready digital IDs, installment payments, and enhanced order tracking, while a new Apple Games app centralizes gaming content and enables in-game overlays.
However, Apple cautions that users may notice temporary battery drain and heat immediately after installing iOS 26 due to background indexing and optimization. Long-term performance may also vary depending on usage of resource-intensive features like Liquid Glass effects and Apple Intelligence.
iOS 26 is available as a free download for iPhone 12 and later, including all iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 models, plus iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer), though advanced Apple Intelligence tools are limited to iPhone 15 Pro, 16, 17, and Air models.
