14/09/2025
iOS 26: Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s Latest Update
Apple has released iOS 26, a new software update for your iPhone. The update brings improvements in design, usability, and functionality. It also offers a more modern look, optimised apps, and smart tools that make daily use of your iPhone easier and more organised. In this blog, you’ll find a detailed overview of all the new features and enhancements that iOS 26 has to offer.
1. A New Design: “Liquid Glass”
Apple introduces the new Liquid Glass design: a transparent, glossy interface that refracts light and responds to movement. It gives the Lock Screen, Home Screen, apps, and the entire system a fresh, fluid appearance. Elements such as app icons, buttons, and sliders appear to be made of real glass, with subtle reflections and shadows that shift as you move your device.
2. Apple Intelligence Gets Smarter
Apple Intelligence is now more deeply integrated and more powerful. Real-time Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls makes global communication smoother.
With Visual Intelligence, you can recognise text or objects on your screen, perform actions instantly, and even ask questions or search for information via ChatGPT.
3. New and Improved Apps
4. Apple Music, Maps, Wallet & More
5. New Games App
iOS 26 introduces a brand-new Games app, where you can manage all your App Store and Apple Arcade games in one place, with social features and community experiences.
6. CarPlay Gets an Upgrade
CarPlay benefits from iOS 26 with improvements such as Tapback support in Messages, quick-reply options, compact call views, and interactive widgets.
You can also check manually via Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery (or is plugged in). Then tap Download and Install to start the update. During the process, your iPhone will restart automatically, and within a few minutes you can start using iOS 26.
Table of Contents
- Compatibility, Release Date and Supported Models
- The Key New Features of iOS 26
- Extra Useful Features in iOS 26
- How do I install the new iOS 26 update?
- Conclusion
Compatibility, Release Date and Supported Models
iOS 26 is officially released in the week of 15 September 2025 and will be available in the Netherlands at the same time, as is customary with Apple updates. The update is compatible with all iPhones with an A13 Bionic chip or newer, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. This applies to both new devices and refurbished models. Devices with the older A12 chip (such as the iPhone XR and XS) are unfortunately not supported.The Key New Features of iOS 26
1. A New Design: “Liquid Glass”
Apple introduces the new Liquid Glass design: a transparent, glossy interface that refracts light and responds to movement. It gives the Lock Screen, Home Screen, apps, and the entire system a fresh, fluid appearance. Elements such as app icons, buttons, and sliders appear to be made of real glass, with subtle reflections and shadows that shift as you move your device.
2. Apple Intelligence Gets Smarter
Apple Intelligence is now more deeply integrated and more powerful. Real-time Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls makes global communication smoother.
With Visual Intelligence, you can recognise text or objects on your screen, perform actions instantly, and even ask questions or search for information via ChatGPT.
3. New and Improved Apps
- Messages gains a range of new tools, including personalised backgrounds, AI-powered group polls, and typing indicators in group chats.
- Camera and Safari have been redesigned for a more visual and organised experience.
- The Phone app has been revamped with a new interface, combining calls, voicemail, and favourites in one place.
4. Apple Music, Maps, Wallet & More
- Apple Music adds lyrics translation, pronunciation guides, and a new “AutoMix” feature.
- Apple Maps becomes smarter, offering features such as daily route preferences, delay notifications, and useful indoor navigation.
- Wallet now supports digital IDs (currently only in the United States) and adds more features for your boarding passes.
5. New Games App
iOS 26 introduces a brand-new Games app, where you can manage all your App Store and Apple Arcade games in one place, with social features and community experiences.
6. CarPlay Gets an Upgrade
CarPlay benefits from iOS 26 with improvements such as Tapback support in Messages, quick-reply options, compact call views, and interactive widgets.
Extra Useful Features in iOS 26
In addition to major innovations like Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence, Apple has added a range of smaller but handy improvements:- Smarter Notifications: Notifications are automatically grouped and prioritised.
- Interactive Widgets: Perform actions directly from your Home Screen or Lock Screen.
- Enhanced Privacy: New security reports provide more insight into app access.
- Battery Management: More efficient energy use for longer battery life.
- Finer Settings: More personalisation options, such as quicker access to frequently used features.
How do I install the new iOS 26 update?
Installing iOS 26 is straightforward and works just like previous updates. Once the update is available, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone.You can also check manually via Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery (or is plugged in). Then tap Download and Install to start the update. During the process, your iPhone will restart automatically, and within a few minutes you can start using iOS 26.