A big part of this WWDC 2025, iOS 26 will therefore take over from iOS 18, and the numbering change is far from the only major new feature in this version. Apple is offering us a bold aesthetic overhaul, a surge of artificial intelligence, and a myriad of practical improvements.
We've selected the 5 major new features that will truly redefine the user experience on iPhone this fall.
A Liquid Glass design that's a real eye-catcher
Apple is giving its interface a serious facelift. The new watchword is Liquid Glass, a translucent and dynamic glass effect that gives an impression of depth and fluidity to the entire system. Icons, widgets, and menus seem to float on the screen. The lock screen becomes even more customizable, with a time that intelligently adapts to your wallpaper. It's a visual overhaul that, while modern, retains the familiar ergonomics of iOS.
Apple Intelligence: the brain of the iPhone evolves
Beyond the interface and without overdoing it, Apple Intelligence is greatly improving on the iPhone by integrating ever more deeply into the whole of iOS. While waiting for the new version of Siri (which will probably wait until 2026), the Apple brand is opening its AI models to developers. It's not the sexiest announcement for the general public, but it demonstrates Apple's desire to weigh in on the battle of generative artificial intelligence in the years to come.
For now, iOS 26 will bring the Live Translate feature to the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps. Everything runs directly on the device to guarantee privacy.
With visual intelligence, Apple wants to respond to Google Lens by allowing the iPhone to understand what you are looking at. It becomes possible to use what is happening on the screen to search and interact with visible elements, or even ask ChatGPT to suggest what the user sees.
At the same time, Shortcuts are evolving to become smarter and Apple Intelligence can summarize order tracking information from emails. Finally, Genmoji is still evolving with the ability to create new images.
Be careful, however, this revolution will be reserved for the most recent devices, namely the iPhone 15 Pro and future models, as well as devices equipped with M1 chips or higher.
Phone and Messages clean up for you
Tired of unwanted calls and overloaded inboxes? iOS 26 is tackling these nuisances. The Phone app has been redesigned to be simpler, but above all smarter. The "Call Screening" feature transcribes live what an unknown caller says, allowing you to decide whether or not to pick up without having to speak. Better yet, "Hold Assistance" can wait on the phone for you and will notify you as soon as an agent is available.
On the Messages side, a new section will automatically filter messages from unknown senders, putting an end to the clutter and giving you back control over who can reach you.
CarPlay becomes even more indispensable
With more than 600 million uses per day, CarPlay is a success that Apple continues to polish. iOS 26 makes the interface more discreet and more efficient. No more incoming calls that hide the entire navigation map, it will now be displayed in a compact format. Widgets and Live Activities are making their debut, allowing you to track your food delivery or the score of a game directly from your dashboard, without taking your eyes off the road.
The arrival of an Apple "Games" app
Video games are a mainstay of the iPhone, and they finally have their own home. The new "Games" app will centralize all the titles you own, whether they come from the App Store or Apple Arcade. It will allow you to easily find your games, follow the news of your favorite titles, and discover new gems. It's a strong signal from Apple: mobile gaming is more serious than ever.
iOS 26, when and for whom?
iOS 26 will be available this fall as a free update for iPhone 11 and later models. Those who can't wait will be able to test the public beta version starting next month.
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