iOS 26 Released: List of All Features and How to Use Them

Apple officially released iOS 26 on September 15, 2025. The update delivers a refreshed design, advanced Apple Intelligence tools, and major accessibility upgrades. Below is a complete breakdown of what’s new and how you can make the most of these features on your iPhone.

All Devices Compatible with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 - Full List

1. Liquid Glass User Interface

iOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, a sleek, translucent design across all apps.

• Try it yourself: Activate the new Clear theme via Settings > Wallpaper & Appearance > Home Screen > Clear, and watch 3D wallpapers pop as you tilt your iPhone.

2. Smarter Battery & Adaptive Power

The new Adaptive Power feature intelligently adjusts screen brightness and background activity.

• How to use: Turn on Adaptive Power in Settings > Battery > Adaptive Power to see daily battery usage in color-coded graphs, showing which apps consume the most energy.

3. Accessibility Improvements

• Reader Mode: Makes text easier to read across apps. Enable it in Safari by tapping the Reader button in the address bar.

• Braille Access: Use your iPhone as a full braille note-taking device. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Braille Access to pair a braille display.

• Head Tracking: Control the pointer and trigger actions with head movements. Enable in Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Head Tracking.

  
  

4. Apple Intelligence Features

iOS 26 adds smarter AI capabilities for translations, emojis, and image interaction.

• Live Translation: Highlight text in Messages or Safari to translate, or use the Translate app > Conversation for real-time voice translation.

• Genmoji: Combine emojis directly from the emoji keyboard. Tap Genmoji, select the emojis to merge, and watch your creation come to life.

• Screenshot Q&A: After taking a screenshot, tap the preview, circle the area of interest, and select Ask Apple Intelligence for insights.

5. Always-On Display & Dynamic Wallpapers

• Wallpaper Blur: Add subtle blur effects to AOD in Settings > Wallpaper > Always-On Display > Blur.

• New wallpapers: Shadow, Sky, Halo, and Dusk bring dynamic effects to your iPhone home and lock screens.

6. Connectivity Enhancements

• Wi-Fi Aware: Connect securely to nearby devices without an internet connection via Settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Aware.

• eSIM Transfer: Move eSIMs from Android to iPhone without QR codes. Access Settings > Cellular > Transfer eSIM from Android and follow the prompts.

7. Keyboard & Dictation Updates

• Emoji Descriptions: Press the emoji key to see meanings displayed below each icon.

• Spell while dictating: Dictate letter by letter for unusual words to ensure accurate transcription.

8. App Enhancements

Phone

• Call Screening: Automatically screen unknown callers (Settings > Phone > Call Screening) and filter spam.

• Live Call Translation: Tap Translate during a call to hear the caller in your chosen language.

Messages

• Set custom chat backgrounds, create polls, and see who’s typing in group chats. Enable real-time translation by tapping the globe icon while typing.

Music

• AutoMix: Seamlessly transition songs using advanced beat matching. Turn on via Settings > Music > AutoMix.

• Pin favorite songs or albums at the top of your library for quick access.

Photos & Camera

• 3D Photo Effects: In Photos, tap Edit > 3D Effect and tilt your iPhone to see depth.

• Lens Cleaning Hints: Check Camera > Settings > Lens Cleaning Hints to maintain optimal photo quality.

Notes & Reminders

• Call Transcription: Record and convert calls into Notes. Tap Record Call > Transcribe.

• Quick Reminders: Swipe down to Control Center and tap the Reminders widget to add tasks instantly.

Maps & Safari

• Preferred Routes: Saves daily routes and alerts you to delays automatically.

• Compact Tab Style in Safari: Adjust via Settings > Safari > Tabs > Compact for a cleaner browsing view.

Files & Wallet

• Color-code folders and assign icons in Files > Long Press Folder > Edit.

• In Wallet, tap boarding passes to see real-time flight info and airport maps. U.S. users can also add digital passports.

9. Security & Privacy Updates

• Control which wired accessories can connect when your iPhone is locked (Settings > Privacy > Accessories).

• Recovery Assistant: Automatically restores your iPhone if it fails to start.

• Quantum-secure TLS ensures safer encrypted connections by default.

10. Supported Devices

iOS 26 requires A13 Bionic or newer, and Apple Intelligence features need A17 Pro or later. Supported devices include iPhone 11 and later, up to iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.

11. Summary

With Liquid Glass design, AI-powered Apple Intelligence, enhanced accessibility, and smarter apps, iOS 26 offers iPhone users more control, personalization, and functionality than ever before. From 3D wallpapers and AutoMix in Music to Live Translation in calls, iOS 26 is designed to make everyday iPhone use faster, smarter, and more engaging.