Apple has recently concluded its WWDC 2025 conference, and there is a ton to be excited about for iPhone users. The company announced iOS 26, which will come out of the box in the expected new iPhone 17, but will also be available as a free update for all smartphones.
This year’s update includes some significant changes, featuring a new design language and several incredibly useful features that change the way you use your iPhone on a daily basis.
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What Makes iOS 26 Special?
iOS 26 is Apple’s most significant visual update to the iPhone since iOS 7. They announced what they refer to as “Liquid Glass”, a new user interface that has everything looking more modern and refined.
But this new design isn’t just for aesthetics. Apple has packed iOS 26 with useful features that will address real-life issues iPhone users face daily, from new group messaging options to managing phone calls more intelligently.
The New Liquid Glass Design
Perhaps the most important change in iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass design. This new look gives your iPhone a more transparent, glass-like quality that changes based on what you are doing and what is on your screen.
What Changes With Liquid Glass:
- Home screen gets a new look
- Control Center gets a new look
- Buttons and switches look nicer
- Design adapts to different light and content
- Works across all Apple’s devices not just iPhone
The best part? You can customize colors based on your style and preference.
Smarter Visual Intelligence Features
If your iPhone supports Apple Intelligence, youโre about to get some impressive new visual capabilities. These tools can detect whatโs on your screen and assist you in taking action on it.
New Visual Intelligence Capabilities:
- Take a screenshot, and in less than a second, search for products you see in the image
- Find items on Google, Etsy, and other shopping websites
- Ask ChatGPT questions about what is displayed on your phone screen
- Automatic events to your calendar pulled from screenshots to schedule tasks
- Reveal information about locations, objects, or text contained in images
This feature operates the same as Google Lens, but it is built into your iPhone’s screenshot functionality.
Better Group Messaging
Group chats are receiving some neat new features in iOS 26. Apple has added a number of features that might make group conversations more organized and entertaining!
New Features in Group Chats:
- Typing indicators: Now you can see when anyone is typing in group chats
- Apple Cash integration: Send and request money directly from a group message
- Polls: Create polls instead of arguing to make group decisions less painful
- Custom backgrounds: Set a unique background for a group chat
- Enhanced emoji: Combine multiple emojis or create an emoji with a text description
These changes should greatly enhance group planning, whether for dinner plans or splitting a bill.
Phone App Gets a Complete Makeover
The Phone app is receiving a major update for the first time in ages. Instead of switching back and forth between different tabs, everything is now in one smart interface.
New Phone app features include:
- Unified view: See your call history, voicemails, and favorites all in one shot
- Call Screening: Your iPhone can answer unknown calls
- Hold Assist: Your phone will keep track of where you are in the queue when calling customer service
- Smart organization: The app will learn who you call the most and will recommend contacts to call
Hold Assist may be the most beneficial to the user – it can recognize hold music and alert you when a real person is on the line.
Improved Travel and Navigation
With iOS 26, it will be easier than ever to travel with all of the new updates to Maps and Wallet.
Travel Improvements in iOS 26
- Smart route learning – Maps will save and learn your daily routes and recommend better options
- Visited places – Your iPhone will remember the places you have been to, making it easier to recall places
- Updated boarding passes – Your boarding passes have a clean-looking design and include useful information for your travels
- Directions in the airport – Your Maps app will turn-by-turn provide directions to your gate at the airport
- Digital storage of ID – You can store your ID in Apple Wallet (depending on the state)
These great features work hand-in-hand to make your everyday commute and travel much easier.
Which iPhones Will Support iOS 26?
Not all iPhones will be able to run iOS 26. This year, Apple is dropping support for three phones from 2018.
iPhones that will NOT support iOS 26:
- iPhone Xr
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone Xs Max
Phones that WILL support iOS 26:
- iPhone SE (2nd Generation and Higher)
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Series
- iPhone 17 Series (Future Release)
If you have an iPhone that is from 2019 onward, you will be able to upgrade to iOS 26.
When Can You Download/Install iOS 26?
Apple has a history of releasing new iOS versions in mid-September before the new iPhones go on sale. If we look back at Apple’s previous iOS launch schedule, it is most likely that iOS 26 will launch September 15-20, 2025. The actual date will be revealed during the iPhone 17 event, which usually occurs in early September.
Should You Upgrade?
I think it’s clear cut, you should upgrade if your iPhone does support iOS 26. The new features handle real issues, and the Liquid Glass design simply feels updated and modern.
On the other hand, if you have an older iPhone that does not support iOS 26, you may want to think about upgrading your device to maintain security updates and upgrade to get access to new features.
iOS 26 represents one of the most complete iPhone updates Apple’s released in the last 5 years or so. iOS 26 features practical improvements, wrapped in a beautiful, new design that will make your iPhone feel new again.
