Apple iOS 26 to roll out today: Check new features, updates and eligible devices

Apple has announced that iOS 26 will be available from Monday on several of its devices. The software updated, which was unveiled earlier this year. It is said it be the tech giant’s largest OS revision in recent years.

The iOS 26 introduces a redesigned interface and expanded use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across supported iPhone models.

iOS 26: Features

Liquid Glass design
The biggest change is the availability of ‘Liquid Glass’, which is a new design language applied consistently across the system. This gives apps, icons and controls a translucent appearance. Apple says the aim is to provide a sense of fluidity and uniformity across its devices.
Further, on the Lock Screen, the time display adapts dynamically to the chosen wallpaper and the notifications shift position to ensure the central subject of a photograph remains visible, while a subtle three-dimensional effect is activated when the device is moved.

The Home Screen also gains redesigned app icons with options for light and dark appearances, colour tints or a clear, see-through style.

Control Centre features have also been reworked upon to to respond according to the surroundings. The company describes this as a way to make the operating system feel more coherent across applications.Apple Intelligence integration
Artificial Intelligence (AI) features have been expanded. Live Translation can automatically convert text in Messages into another language, provide captions during FaceTime calls or deliver spoken translations in the Phone app. When used with AirPods, translations are read aloud in real time using a natural voice.Additionally, Visual intelligence tools allow users to act directly on content displayed on screen. A photograph of an event can trigger an option to add details to the calendar, or a list in an email can be converted into reminders.

This also provides the users with an option of cross-app search and image creation. Through Image Playground, users can mix emoji and text descriptions to generate customised graphics. Genmoji expands this capability further by producing personalised emojis styled on friends and family.

Shortcuts also gain new automation functions, including the ability to summarise text or generate images through Apple’s on-device models, integrating intelligence into routine workflows.
Communication tools
New tools have been integrated to reduce interruptions from unwanted communication. Call Screening automatically answers unidentified numbers, prompting the caller to state their name and purpose before the phone rings. Messages introduces similar screening tools that filter unknown contacts into a separate category.

A “Hold Assist” feature takes over waiting in line for customer support, notifying the user when an agent becomes available.

For group chats, polls can be created, while conversations can also be customised with photographic or built-in backgrounds.
Discovery and entertainment
Maps become smarter by learning a user’s regular travel patterns and can provide alerts about delays on preferred routes even before a journey begins. If travel routines change, the app adapts accordingly.

Apple Music will feature AutoMix, blending songs using beat matching and time-stretching techniques. Another feature translates lyrics into a user’s chosen language, offering additional context when listening to international music.

Furthermore, the Wallet app is redesigned with better boarding passes, including baggage tracking, airport maps and the ability to share flight details.

A new Games app tracks gameplay across titles, highlights what friends are playing, and suggests recommendations. Players can also compete in score-based challenges.

Accessibility
These updates include expanded Braille support, additional Vehicle Motion Cues designed to reduce motion sickness, and more options to tailor reading experiences.

Family management tools have been extended. Parents will be able to move children into dedicated Child Accounts more easily. Controls have been strengthened around communication limits, app safety and purchases within the App Store.

For AirPods users, a new Camera Remote function enables video recording to be started directly from the earbuds.

Apple iOS 26: Eligible devices

iOS 26 will be available for iPhone 11 and later models, as well as the second-generation iPhone SE and newer. The full list includes the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 series, along with the newly launched iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Not all features will be released worldwide at launch. Language and regional availability may limit some functions, particularly those reliant on translation and artificial intelligence models.