At its annual WWDC 2025 developer conference on June 9, Apple announced details of its latest iOS update, which will be known as iOS 26 (not iOS 19). Moving forward, Apple will adopt a new naming convention based on years instead of sequential numbers, to unify the naming system across its various operating platforms.
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Highlights of iOS 26 at a Glance
Name of the new update: iOS 26
All-new design using Liquid Glass technology
Completely new Games app
Major improvements in the Phone app, including call management and live translation during calls
iOS 26 Release Date
The final version is expected to launch on September 15, 2025, coinciding with the iPhone 17 event.
The developer beta was released on June 9, 2025.
The public beta is expected around July 15, 2025.
Apple plans to release around eight beta versions between WWDC and the official launch.
Supported Devices for iOS 26
The update will be free for iPhone 11 and newer.
Older devices like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not receive iOS 26, but will continue to get limited updates on iOS 18.
Not all supported devices will have access to the full set of features—some Apple Intelligence capabilities will be exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 series.
Key New Features in iOS 26
1. Liquid Glass Design
This is the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7 (2013). The new "Liquid Glass" design gives the interface a transparent, dynamic look that reacts to user movement. It extends to the dock, widgets, icons, and an interactive lock screen that adapts to the user's wallpaper.
2. User Interface Changes
Apple has simplified the iOS 26 user experience by streamlining access to frequently used functions and reducing interface clutter.
3. Apple Intelligence & AI Features
Despite delaying major Siri upgrades until 2026, Apple introduced several AI-powered tools:
Visual Intelligence: Analyze photo content, identify objects or text, and even send images directly to ChatGPT for broader context.
Genmoji Updates: Combine emojis and tweak expressions using AI.
Image Backgrounds: Generate artistic backgrounds like oil paintings with help from ChatGPT.
4. New Games App
Apple introduced a centralized Games app where users can:
Access installed and previously downloaded games
Compete with friends
Play multiplayer games
Compare scores in real-time
5. Phone App Improvements
Now more like a personal assistant:
Call Screening: Asks callers for info before the user decides to answer.
AI-Powered Voicemail Summaries
Hold Assist: Waits on hold with customer service and reconnects when an agent is available.
Live Translation during phone calls.
6. FaceTime
New floating tools interface
Video messages automatically play while browsing call history
7. Messages
Smart spam filtering
Custom chat backgrounds
Poll feature in group chats
Apple Cash support in groups (U.S. only for now)
8. Wallet
Adds driver's licenses and U.S. passports (for domestic use)
New installment and reward point payment options
Order and purchase tracking via Apple Intelligence
9. Music
Lyrics translation with pronunciation to help users sing in multiple languages
Automix simulates seamless transitions between tracks like a DJ
Pin favorite albums and playlists to the top of the library
10. Maps
Daily traffic predictions based on personal commuting habits
View and manage visited locations with easy history deletion
