Apple officially released iOS 26 on September 15, 2025, and it’s one of the biggest iPhone updates in years. From a completely new Liquid Glass design to Apple Intelligence AI tools, this update is more than just small tweaks, it changes the way your iPhone looks and works.
1. Liquid Glass Design
The first thing you’ll notice in iOS 26 is the brand-new design:
Icons, control panels, widgets, and notifications now have a glassy, translucent look.
The UI reflects light and shadows depending on how you move or scroll.
Wallpapers, lock screens, and notifications feel like they’re “floating”.
New icon styles: clear, coloured, tinted and optimised for both light and dark modes.
In short, your iPhone will look futuristic and more alive.
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2. Apple Intelligence & Visual Intelligence
Apple is bringing AI right to your iPhone, and most of it works on-device for privacy.
Visual Intelligence: You can now search or ask questions based on what’s on your screen like a screenshot, webpage, or app.
Live Translation: Works inside Messages, FaceTime, and Phone calls, in both text and voice.
This means seamless conversations in different languages in real time.
3. Phone & Messages Upgrades
Call Screening: If an unknown number calls, your iPhone will ask who’s calling and why then show you a summary.
Hold Assist: When you call customer support, your iPhone will wait on hold for you and notify you when a person answers.
Messages: New group chat polls, custom backgrounds, and better spam/unknown message separation.
4. Other Key Updates
Maps: Learns your favourite routes, suggests alternatives if there’s a delay, and adds a “Visited Places” option.
Wallet: Digital ID support in some U.S. states, plus boarding passes and airport maps.
Games App: A new central hub for all your games with a discovery system.
Accessibility: Better Braille, reading tools, and motion settings.
5. Supported Devices
Works on iPhone 11 and newer, plus iPhone SE (2nd gen or later).
Drops support for iPhone XR, XS and XS Max.
Pros vs. Cons of iOS 26
Pros of iOS 26
- Futuristic new design with Liquid Glass.
2. Powerful AI features like call screening and live translation.
3. More customization with wallpapers, icons, and chat looks.
4. Stronger on-device privacy protection.
5. Consistent design across all Apple devices.
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Cons of iOS 26
- Some text/buttons may be harder to read due to transparency.
2. Older devices may feel slower and use more battery.
.3. New UI may take time to get used to.
4. Large update size and possible early bugs.
5. Can feel “too flashy” for users who prefer simple UI.
iOS 26 vs iOS 18 (and Android)
iOS 18 was flat and simple.
iOS 26 brings Liquid Glass, dynamic shadows, and a visionOS-inspired look.
AI is much deeper now with live translation and visual intelligence.
Android has had customisation and translation, but Apple is ahead in privacy and seamless device integration.
Should You Update to iOS 26?
Update if:
You have an iPhone 11 or newer.
You get a lot of spam calls/messages.
You travel or use multiple languages.
You love customisation and fresh design.
Wait if:
You’re worried about battery life or performance on an older iPhone.
You rely on apps that may not be optimised yet.
You prefer a clean, simple UI without flashy effects.
Final Thoughts
What I liked:
The new design makes your iPhone feel brand new.
Call screening and live translation are truly useful in everyday life.
Concerns:
Transparency effects may hurt readability at times.
Older iPhones might struggle with performance and battery.
Some users may feel pressured to buy a new phone.
Bottom line: iOS 26 isn’t just another update, it’s Apple’s bold statement for the future of the iPhone. Some will love it, others may find it too much, but it’s definitely a big step forward.
