Apple Unveils iOS 26 Features
During the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple showcased exciting updates for the iPhone, introducing the new iOS 26 operating system. The company promises enhancements that aim to create beautiful new designs and smarter experiences for app users.
A standout feature of iOS 26 is “Liquid Glass,” a fresh software design that significantly alters the iPhone interface. Apple states this design helps users concentrate on content, adding a burst of energy beyond just navigation and app icons.
Some specifics include tab bars in apps like Apple Music, News, and Podcasts that change size as users scroll, floating above the content. Additionally, the layout of camera apps will be simplified, allowing users to focus more when taking pictures. Another improvement is in Safari, where users can create web pages that offer a clearer view while still accessing common actions like updates and searches.
Lock screen displays are also adjusted; the time can resize based on the background image in iOS 26, offering a more customized look. The company noted that popular apps, including messaging and phone calls, will receive updates in this new version. The phone app will combine favorites, recent calls, and voicemails into one accessible space. A new “hold assist” feature will also keep users informed about agents when on hold.
In terms of messaging, Apple is enhancing how users manage communications. Unknown senders will have their messages filtered, allowing users to mark recognized numbers, ask for more details, or delete messages easily. There’s also a new polling feature for conversations, enabling users to set specific backgrounds.
iOS 26 introduces more Apple Intelligence tools as well. Users can enable “live translation” during calls, FaceTime, and messaging. This feature will translate languages in real time, making multi-language interactions smoother.
With the new operating system, iPhone users can engage with Apple Intelligence in novel ways—for instance, asking questions about what they see on-screen or searching for similar images and products through compatible apps.
As Apple executive Craig Federighi put it, the new features make the experience more personal and expressive, enhancing everything from the lock screen to messaging. The capabilities of Apple Intelligence, which have been evolving since last year’s WWDC, further facilitate user interactions.
This year’s WWDC also highlighted upcoming features for other Apple devices, including the iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. For context, Apple recently reported nearly $219.7 billion in net sales over the first two quarters of fiscal year 2025, with a net profit of $61.1 billion during that period.
