Apple is about to drop its new range of iPhones on Friday – and with that comes a big new update for the operating system to run the phone on. And whilst usually a new iOS launch is a cause for celebration – the iOS 26 update has been hit with a load of moans because people generally just dislike change. Fair enough, because this one is quite a bit overhaul. It might make your phone look slower, you might hate liquid glass, you might have no interest in the tech side of your iPhone. Here’s all the actually useful new features that mean you should update your iPhone to iOS 26 and try and ignore all the moaners.
A fresh new look – that loads are hating
iOS 26 comes with what Apple calls a “Liquid Glass” design, which basically means menus, icons, widgets and even your lock screen have a glossy, glass-like vibe. It’s subtle, but it makes your phone feel smoother and more modern without you having to do anything. If you’ve got an older iPhone it can be a bit laggy, I’ve found. You can aesthetically change all your icons to different colours too.
Can live translate other languages
Your phone can now translate text, calls and messages in real time, which is super handy if you’re chatting with someone in another language or traveling. It can also look at screenshots or images and suggest actions, like adding an event to your calendar or shopping for something you spotted, without any extra effort. Only works with phones that can run Apple AI, though.
Call screening
Spam calls are less annoying thanks to smarter call screening and on-hold alerts. Group chats have been improved too, with polls, typing indicators, and nicer backgrounds, making it easier to follow conversations.
Via Apple
Big Apple Music update and changes to maps
Music fans get better lyrics features, including translation and pronunciation, as well as smoother transitions between songs. Maps now suggest routes you actually use, show places you’ve visited, and alert you to delays. Nice small improvements that make everyday life a little easier.
Wallet has evolved
Cannot imagine life without my phone’s wallet these days. Boarding passes, tickets, and in-store stuff are easier to manage. Your phone now keeps more useful info front and centre, like flight updates, bag tracking, and directions, all in one place.
CarPlay improvements
Driving with Apple CarPlay is now more organised, with widgets, pinned conversations, and simpler messaging, so you can keep your eyes on the road while staying connected.
Huge help for your battery
A new adaptive mode tweaks performance and brightness to save battery when you need it, which is especially handy if your phone isn’t brand new. My three year old 14 Pro Max is extremely grateful for this.
Some good privacy tweaks
Apple has strengthened privacy with better spam filters and safer browsing in Safari. Accessibility features like background sounds and Live Listen have also been improved for a smoother experience.
FINALLY – Camera and photos got a better update
Camera controls are more intuitive, lock screen notifications look cleaner, and messages can now be customised more easily. These subtle changes might not be flashy, but they make everyday life a bit smoother. You know how everyone faffs about trying to turn flash on? Well, no more. The old horrible photos app UI is miles better now.
Surely all of those actually useful features in iOS 26 are worth updating your iPhone for? It’s here now, so we need to get used to it.
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Featured image via Apple.
