After weeks of testing, Apple has officially started rolling out the iOS 26 update to iPhones across the globe. Following nine developer betas and six public betas, the stable build is now available for download, bringing a fresh design and a host of new features powered by Apple Intelligence.
iOS 26 Brings Liquid Glass Redesign
One of the biggest highlights of iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass UI redesign, first unveiled at WWDC 2025. This visual overhaul introduces translucent elements that refract light, creating a subtle roller-wave distortion effect across the interface.
From sliders and toolbars to app icons, everything gets a frosted glass look that dynamically shifts as you interact with elements. It makes the overall iPhone experience feel more fluid and futuristic.
New Lock Screen Customisation Options
Apple has also given the lock screen more personalisation options. With iOS 26, users can now:
- Adjust the size and thickness of the clock font.
- Make the clock bigger for easier readability.
- Create more dynamic lock screen layouts with the new customisation tools.
Live Translation with Apple Intelligence
Another standout feature is Live Translation in the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps. This allows users to translate texts and even voice calls in real-time.
However, since the feature relies on Apple Intelligence, it will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and the latest iPhone 17 models running iOS 26.
Call Screening Comes to iOS 26
Taking inspiration from Google Pixel devices, Apple has introduced Call Screening. With this, your iPhone can answer calls on your behalf and ask the caller why they’re reaching out. Unlike Live Translation, this feature is not exclusive to Apple Intelligence, meaning it should work on all iPhones supported by iOS 26.
Other Notable iOS 26 Features
Alongside the major updates, iOS 26 also introduces:
- Custom chat backgrounds in Messages.
- A brand-new Apple Games app.
- A redesigned Photos and Camera app.
- AI-powered features like Visual Intelligence (similar to Google’s Circle to Search).
- Emoji mashups (similar to Android’s Emoji Kitchen).
- An upgraded Image Playground with new ChatGPT-inspired styles.
- Smarter AI Shortcuts for productivity.
iOS 26 Extends to macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS
The Liquid Glass design language isn’t limited to iPhones. It also extends to macOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26.
- iPadOS 26 introduces a better windowing system, folders in the dock, and the long-awaited Preview app for PDFs.
- The Phone app now comes to iPads with support for Contact Posters.
- Live Translation is also available across iPad and Mac.
iOS 26 Supported Devices
Apple has confirmed that iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models. However, the full suite of Apple Intelligence features will only be available on:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 17 series
How to Download iOS 26
If your device is eligible, you can install iOS 26 right now by heading to:
Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.
Final Thoughts
With iOS 26, Apple is not only delivering a modern design refresh with Liquid Glass, but also taking a big leap in AI-powered features through Apple Intelligence. From smarter translations to advanced lock screen customisation, this update feels like one of the most meaningful iOS upgrades in years.
