Apple on Monday rolled out iOS 26, its most significant operating system update in recent years after the tech giant launched the series 17 at its 'Awe Dropping' event. The update introduces a redesigned user interface (UI), new AI-powered features such as enhanced Siri integration with ChatGPT and several other tweaks.

In the iOS 26 update, Apple has introduced revolutionary Liquid Glass design language that transforms your device with translucent, glass-like elements across the entire interface. Apple claims will bring an expressive design to the lock screen, home screen, control centre, apps and more. The new UI language is applied to even the smallest user interactions—covering buttons, switches, sliders, text, as well as tab bars and sidebars used for app navigation.

The optical effects create smooth, fluid animations on the Lock Screen, Home Screen, and Control Centre. As you interact with them, elements dynamically shift and highlight with vibrant colors.

Artificial Intelligence features have been expanded under the banner of “Apple Intelligence”. From providing live translation in messages to captions during FaceTime calls, the integration of AI is expected to be a game-changer.

Another very useful feature that's great for privacy is call and message screening. As per Apple, messages from unknown senders will appear in a dedicated folder where users can then mark the number as known, ask for more information, or delete.

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What's new in iOS 26?

-Home Screen: App icons on your Home Screen have a new look that you can tint with different colors or turn light, dark, or clear.

Apple Intelligence: You can create custom Genmoji using existing emoji, combinations of emoji, or descriptive text and can also change the look and expressions of Genmoji and Image Playground creations that are based on people from your Photos library after you update your iPhone to iOS 26.

You can design custom backgrounds for your Messages conversations, can have live Translation automatically translates texts in Messages, shows live translated captions in FaceTime calls, and provides spoken translations for Phone calls. You can also use visual intelligence to learn more about what you’re viewing on your iPhone screen.

Camera: A simplified design highlights Photo and Video modes for quick access, while the other camera modes are just a swipe away. Camera controls are now grouped together onscreen, making it easier to adjust your camera settings in the moment, Apple said in a blog post.

Phone: With the new iOS 26 update, you can remove unwanted distractions from unknown numbers with Call Screening, which gathers the necessary information before your phone rings. You can use Hold Assist to wait on hold for you and then send you a notification when it’s time to return to the call.

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Messages: Messages from unknown numbers are filtered into a separate area of your conversation list for you to review and approve in the latest update. Backgrounds let you personalize conversations for everyone to enjoy using dynamic backgrounds, your own photos, or backgrounds you create in Image Playground. In group conversations, you can create polls to help make decisions, send money using Apple Cash, and see typing indicators.

Photos: In the new iOS 26, an updated design makes it easier to switch between your Library and Collections. You can now customize how Collections appear—reorder them, choose which ones to pin, and select from three display sizes: larger tiles, a denser grid, or a layout that highlights the top row.

Maps: Maps learns your preferred routes to places you go often, like work or home. Maps will notify you of conditions on your preferred route, such as traffic delays or road closures, before you head out and offer you an alternate route. Use Visited Places to keep track of where you’ve been, so you can recall them later and share with friends or family.

Games: A new app where you can keep track of all the games you’re playing, discover new ones, receive tailored recommendations, and start challenges with friends.

Audio recording: You can capture high-quality audio and video during video conference calls and with Camera. A new input chooser makes it easy for creators to pick the right microphone for each app in the new iOS 26.

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Music and Wallet: AutoMix seamlessly mixes one song to the next, just like a DJ in the new update. Boarding passes that you save in Wallet provide access to relevant information about your flight and airport, as well as airline app features.

Preview feature: The Preview app is now available on iPhone so you can easily view, edit, and share PDF documents and images. Scan documents from within Preview, use Autofill in Preview to quickly fill out forms, and export PDFs and images as different file types or sizes.

CarPlay: New design makes CarPlay an easier and safer way to use your iPhone while you drive. Tapbacks in Messages make it easy to quickly respond to messages you receive while driving. Widgets let you keep up with your favorite apps at a glance and Live Activities on the dashboard let you keep track of events in real time.