Apple is finally rolling out iOS 26 today, months after it was first showcased at WWDC in June alongside iPadOS 26. The company confirmed the release date last week at its flashy “Awe Dropping” hardware launch event, where the iPhone 17 series was also unveiled.
The new update comes pre-installed on the latest iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air models. But don’t worry — if you own an iPhone SE (2nd gen) or newer, you can also download iOS 26 starting today.
Apple has packed in a bunch of fresh design elements, AI features, and new apps. From the shiny new Liquid Glass interface to a dedicated Games app, here are the six biggest features you should try first.
1. Liquid Glass UI
This is the most eye-catching change in iOS 26. The new Liquid Glass design language adds a translucent, layered look across apps, notifications, widgets, and controls. It makes your iPhone feel fresher, sleeker, and more customizable than ever before. Even your Lock Screen and Home Screen get the makeover.
2. Visual Intelligence
Apple is finally bringing powerful on-device AI with Visual Intelligence. Think of it as a supercharged reverse image search. You can tap on anything you see on screen — whether it’s a product, landmark, or text — and get instant actions. It can also generate summaries, create calendar events from photos of dates, or even help you shop directly via apps like Google and Etsy.
3. Games App
Gamers, rejoice! iOS 26 comes with a dedicated Games app, which works like a central hub for all your titles. It shows achievements, playtime, upcoming events, and integrates with Game Center. Plus, you can challenge your friends in score-based showdowns through “Challenges.” Apple Arcade games also live here.
4. Polls in Messages
Group chats are getting more fun. With iOS 26, you can now create polls directly inside Messages. Everyone can add options and vote without leaving the conversation. Apple also lets you generate themed backgrounds using Image Playground to match the vibe of your chat.
5. Lock Screen with Spatial Wallpapers
Your Lock Screen gets a big visual upgrade with spatial wallpapers. The wallpapers come alive with 3D-like effects that respond when you move your iPhone. Even the time widget intelligently adapts its placement to fit the image.
6. More Smart Features Everywhere
iOS 26 isn’t just about looks. It also adds Apple Intelligence updates across the system, including smarter Messages and Phone features, an upgraded CarPlay, better Apple Music, improved Maps navigation, and Wallet tweaks for smoother payments.
How to Get iOS 26
If you’re on iPhone SE (2nd gen) or later, head to Settings > General > Software Update, download iOS 26, and install it. Make sure your iPhone is plugged into a charger until the update finishes.
With its mix of AI-powered tools, fresh design, and gamer-friendly features, iOS 26 is one of the most exciting iPhone updates in years.
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