Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26, a major update that reimagines the iPhone experience with a stunning new design, smarter features powered by Apple Intelligence, and improvements to core apps like Messages, Phone, Maps, and Wallet.

The announcement, made on June 10, introduces a more expressive and personal interface, while focusing heavily on usability, privacy, and on-device AI capabilities.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, said, “iOS 26 shines with a gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful.”

A Beautiful Redesign with Liquid Glass

At the heart of iOS 26 is the all-new Liquid Glass design language. This translucent material brings a fresh, fluid aesthetic to every corner of the system, from app icons and widgets to the Home and Lock Screens. It reflects and refracts the iPhone’s surroundings, offering depth and a more dynamic visual experience. Users can now customize their app icons and widgets with a clear, glassy look, creating a more personalized interface.

In the Lock Screen, time now adapts fluidly to images, and wallpapers respond to iPhone movement with a 3D spatial effect. A simplified Camera layout and a new tab-based Photos app help users focus more on moments that matter.

Apple Intelligence Goes Mainstream

iOS 26 is also the first version to deeply integrate Apple Intelligence — the company’s privacy-first approach to generative AI. One standout feature is Live Translation, which works in real time across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, translating text and audio while keeping data on-device. Visual Intelligence now enables users to interact with what’s on their screen — from summarizing emails to identifying items in photos — all without leaving the app they’re in.

Users can also interact with ChatGPT for quick answers, create personalized emoji using Genmoji, and enjoy features like smart shortcuts, automatic tracking of delivery details, and contextual reminders.

Smarter Connections and Fewer Interruptions

The Phone app now combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail into a unified layout. New features like Call Screening and Hold Assist reduce interruptions — screening unknown callers and alerting users when a live agent picks up. In Messages, users gain tools to screen unknown senders, create custom chat backgrounds, and even initiate polls — with Apple Intelligence smartly suggesting them when needed.

Group chats also get a facelift with Apple Cash integration, typing indicators, and more interactive features.

CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet Get Upgrades

CarPlay has been enhanced with a compact call view, message reactions, and widgets — all aimed at reducing distractions while driving. A premium CarPlay Ultra experience offers a seamless blend of iPhone and vehicle controls across all screens.

In Apple Music, Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation make it easier for users to understand and sing along with their favorite songs. Maps introduces Visited Places, which privately logs places you've been with end-to-end encryption. Wallet now supports installment payments and real-time boarding pass updates, complete with Maps navigation and Find My integration.

New Apple Games App and Accessibility Features

A new app called Apple Games is also launching with iOS 26, serving as a central hub for everything gaming-related. Players can find all their games, track updates, discover new favorites, and engage with Apple Arcade titles in one unified space.

Other notable additions include improvements to AirPods with studio-quality recording and remote camera shutter features, expanded parental controls, and robust accessibility tools like Accessibility Reader and Braille Access.

Availability

Developers can access iOS 26 starting today through the Apple Developer Program. A public beta will be available next month, with a full rollout expected this fall for iPhone 11 and later. Apple Intelligence features will require iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 models, or M1-powered iPads and Macs.

With its blend of beauty, intelligence, and privacy, iOS 26 marks one of the most transformative updates in recent Apple history — pushing the iPhone closer to becoming an intuitive, personalized assistant.