Apple introduces iOS 26 and here is every new feature you will get

Apple drew attention at its annual WWDC 2025 developer conference. Among the most notable announcements was iOS 26. The new iPhone software update will include a refreshed design, expanded AI integration through Apple Intelligence, and functional upgrades to core apps and services.

The Liquid Glass design will give users a new look, smarter tools in the Messages and Phone apps, and deeper integration of AI-powered features such as Live Translation and Genmoji. CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and AirPods have also received significant improvements. Here are all of the features that Apple has announced for iOS 26. 

1. Systemwide redesign

The iOS 26 gets a new visual material dubbed as Liquid Glass. The new design will get a translucent and dynamic look all over the Apple ecosystem with redesigned but similar looking icons, widgets, navigation, and control elements. The Home Screen and Lock Screen now support advanced customisation, including spatially aware wallpapers and adaptive lock screen clock positioning.

2. Apple Intelligence updates 

The company has also announced that Apple Intelligence is more deeply integrated with iOS 26. It includes Visual Intelligence, using which the users can perform contextual actions based on the content on screen, such as translating text, summarizing information, or searching within supported apps.

It also brings Live Translation which is built into Phone, FaceTime and Messages. The feature will allow users real-time audio and text translation entirely on-device. The Genmoji and Image Playground also gets the ability to create news visuals by mixing emojis and descriptors using generative AI. 

The Smart Summaries are now automated and will be handled locally on the device. This means that the Order tracking, email summaries, and in-line content parsing (like extracting event details from messages) are now safe. 

As reported earlier, Apple has also given the API access of Apple’s on-device foundation model to the Developers.

3. Phone and Messaging features

iOS 26 also includes Call Screening, which automatically screens unknown calls with transcriptions before the user answers the phone. It also includes Hold Assist, which detects when a support agent joins a call on hold. The company has also introduced Message Screening, which allows you to screen messages from unknown senders.

READ: How to install iOS 26 on your iPhone: Eligible devices, new features, and more

It also includes Polls, custom backgrounds, and Apple Cash in Messages.  

4. CarPlay Updates

Apple has also made significant updates to CarPlay, both functionally and visually. It provides a compact incoming call view, allowing for continuous navigation during calls. It also receives pinned conversations and tapbacks, indicating that full messaging functionality has finally arrived in CarPlay. It also includes Live Activities and Widgets, which provide real-time updates and glanceable content on the screen of your car’s infotainment system.

Last but not the least, CarPlay Ultra, a new version is here. This version offers complete integration with vehicle systems across different screens, including climate and vehicle controls. 

5. App Updates

The company has announced several significant updates to its native apps. Apple Music now includes lyrics translation and pronunciation, as well as AutoMix DJ-style transitions. Apple Maps now includes new Visited Places with private, end-to-end encrypted location history and smarter route suggestions, thanks to on-device learning.

Apple also added installment payment options for Apple Pay, real-time flight tracking through Live Activities, and integrated travel tools. 

6. Apple Games App

The company has also launched a new Apple Games app, which will serve as a centralised dashboard for managing installed titles, accessing Apple Arcade content, and discovering new games. The app will also help users keep track of in-game events and updates.

7. AirPods Integration.

AirPods (4th generation and Pro 2) gain two new features, including Studio-Quality Recording, which provides higher-fidelity audio capture for voice memos and calls. It also includes camera remote control, which can be activated with a long press on the AirPods stem, triggering photo or video capture on a connected device.  

READ: Apple WWDC 2025: AirPods to get studio quality recording and Camera Control with upcoming update

8. Parental Controls and Child Accounts

The new iOS 26 includes streamlined tools for managing Child Accounts including contact request approvals, content blurring in FaceTime and shared albums along with exceptions for downloading apps with higher age ratings, subject to parent approval. 

9. Safari Privacy Enhancements

Safari now includes enhanced fingerprinting protection by default across all browsing sessions.

10. Accessibility

The company has also introduced new accessibility tools including accessibility reader, which offers a customizable, systemwide reading interface. It also includes Braille Access, a dedicated interface for braille display for users. The company has also expanded updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds and Personal voice. 

If this seems interesting to you, you can download the iOS 26 developer beta. The public rollout and other details remain unknown.