Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and it’s one of the most comprehensive updates ever. From a complete design overhaul to powerful new tools like Visual Intelligence, Live Translationa Games appand smart upgrades across Messages, FaceTime, and PhoneiOS 26 is packed with innovation.

Here’s a quick look at the biggest features announced — and even more Apple didn’t highlight on stage.

Major design refresh with Liquid Glass

Apple is introducing its broadest design update since iOS 7with the new Liquid Glass interface. The entire UI now responds to input, light, and context in real time, with translucent elements, adaptive widgets, and layered icons. From the Lock Screen to app icons and the dock — everything feels alive and dynamic.

Visual Intelligence gets powerful new tools

One of the biggest updates is the expansion of Visual Intelligencepowered by Apple Intelligence. With it, users can:

• Search anything they see on-screen, even from screenshots

• Instantly identify and act on visuals (like finding a jacket seen in a social post)

• Tap to search in apps like Safari, Etsy, or Maps

• Add events to Calendar from screenshots

• Ask questions about what’s on-screen — integrated with ChatGPT

• Developers can now integrate their apps using App Intents

Live Translation across Messages, Phone, and FaceTime

iOS 26 brings real-time translation that works:

Even better, it works if the other person doesn’t have an iPhoneand developers get an API to bring it into their own apps.

Messages app adds polls, custom backgrounds, Apple Cash and screening

• Screen unknown senders without missing important messages

• Group typing indicators finally arrive

• Create polls or get AI-suggested ones

• Custom chat backgrounds using presets, personal photos, or AI

• Apple Cash integration for group payments

New Games app and friend Challenges

iOS 26 introduces a Games app with:

• A personalized Home tab

• Apple Arcade integration

• A full Library of downloaded games

• Play Together mode showing what friends are playing

• Challenges on top of leaderboards — even for single-player games

Other highlights you may have missed

• Animated, full-screen Apple Music lock screen player

• Digital ID support via passport in Apple Wallet — useful for Digi Yatra in India

• New Monogram styles

• Export Notes to Markdown

• Smart reminders, photo previews, adaptive power, SIM silencing with Focusand more

• App-by-app password history and accessibility upgrades

• Hold Assist in Phone for automated customer service handling

With iOS 26Apple isn’t just refining the interface — it’s redefining how users interact with content, conversations, and intelligence across devices.