We show you all the new features of iOS 26, the new major version of Apple's operating system for iPhone, officially presented at WWDC 2025 and scheduled for release on September 15, 2025.
With this update, Apple does more than add features: it refreshes its aesthetics, integrates artificial intelligence more deeply, improves the daily experience in calls, messages, games and other essential functions, and marks a turning point for older devices that will no longer support all the improvements.
In this article, we review the ten most notable new features in iOS 26 so you know what to expect when you install it.
Liquid Glass: New Visual Design Language
iOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, a completely revamped visual style inspired by translucent, liquid-glass-like materials. Transparencies are visible in search bars, buttons, icons, and partially blurred backgrounds, with smoother animations. and effects that show what is “underneath” certain interface elements.
This change isn't just aesthetic: it aims to improve readability thanks to better contrast in the Control Center and provide a more fluid and integrated feel to navigation throughout the system.
Apple Intelligence more powerful and present
Apple's artificial intelligence suite, Apple Intelligence, It's expanded with new features integrated into native apps. It now includes live translation of messages, video calls, and phone calls; and visual analysis of photos and screenshots to detect events, important text, or objects and automatically generate actions.
In addition, functions such as Genmoji (which allows you to combine two emojis to create a custom one) and Istomach Playground They integrate with imaging tools, including external models, opening up creative possibilities never before seen on the iPhone.
Improved lock screen and interactive widgets
The lock screen receives visual and functional improvements: with Liquid Glass the elements become more translucent, and it appears a new dynamic clock that adapts to the available space and the chosen background.
Interactive widgets allow you to directly access important actions without opening the full app, streamlining tasks like playing music, controlling smart devices, or checking the weather without leaving the home screen.
Telephone: Real-time translation and call screening
The Phone app has been revamped with features that leverage Apple Intelligence. Automatic translation during calls is included, facilitating conversations between languages without the need for third-party apps.
Call filtering is also improved, allowing you to detect spam or unknown numbers and choose whether to answer, silence or reject. Another useful new feature is call waiting management: if you call a service and receive music on hold, your iPhone can notify you when someone is available.
Messages (iMessage): Surveys, Backgrounds, Spam, and Personalization
Several improvements are coming to Messages to enhance communication. It's now possible to create polls within chats for group decision-making. as well as personalizing conversation backgrounds with your own images or styles.
Spam detection has also been added, with more robust filters for unwanted messages, and real-time automatic translation within the app, ideal for multilingual environments.
Safari, Maps, and Photos: Powerful AI Enhancements
Several key apps receive AI-powered improvements. Safari adds a system that summarizes long articles and automatically highlights key points, designed to save time while reading.
Maps offers new guides and suggestions based on user habits, while Photos incorporates more advanced scene recognition, automatic image optimization, and suggested edits to effortlessly organize and enhance content.
New Games app and improvements to the gaming ecosystem
iOS 26 includes a dedicated gaming app, which acts as a control center for players. From there you can manage titles, check achievements, connect with friends, and receive gaming news.
Additionally, background game execution, cross-device communication, and Game Center integration have been optimized, providing clearer statistics and targeted notifications for the gaming community.
CarPlay, Wallet and more
CarPlay adds Live Activity integration, allowing you to view key event, route, or music information on your car's dashboard without switching apps.
Wallet expands its support with new cards and security options, while Apple Music adds improved personalized playlists, more precise suggestions, and social features for sharing music with friends.
Privacy, security, and recovery features
iOS 26 strengthens its focus on security and privacy. A new permission has been added that controls access to wired accessories when the iPhone is locked, preventing unauthorized access.
Recovery Assistant is also released, a feature designed to restore the system in the event of a critical failure. Apple also introduces cryptographic enhancements to protect communications and more granular controls over what data is used by AI functions.
Limited compatibility and functionality on older models
An important update is which iPhones are excluded from the update. Models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will no longer be compatible with iOS 26, marking the end of support for those devices.
On older models that do receive the update, some features (such as real-time translation or more complex visual effects) will be limited, reserved for newer iPhones, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 series.
Release date and compatible devices
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official release date: 15 September of 2025
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Compatible devices:
All iPhones with the A13 Bionic chip or later, including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. -
Unsupported models: iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, along with any model prior to the A13 chip.
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Limitations according to model: Apple Intelligence features and more demanding effects will be available only on newer devices with more powerful hardware.
Upgrade to iOS 26 It is a highly recommended decision, not only for its aesthetic and productivity innovations, but also for the critical improvements in security and privacyThe system incorporates encryption Quantum-safe TLS, which protects your communications from future technological risks, and stricter controls on access to wired accessories. In addition, features such as intelligent call screening and system recovery without a computer They provide extra peace of mind against fraud or unexpected failures. Keeping your iPhone running the latest version ensures you enjoy innovation while staying protected against growing threats.