iOS 26 became publicly available this week, ushering in a new OS naming system and the software’s most overhauled look since 2013 . It may take time to get used to the new "Liquid Glass" look, but it’s easier to appreciate the pared-down controls.
Beyond a glassy, bubbly new design, the update’s flashiest new features also include new Apple Intelligence AI integration that varies in usefulness, from fluffy new Genmoji abilities to a nifty live translation feature for Phones, Messages, and FaceTime.
New tech is often bogged down with AI-based features that prove to be overhyped , unreliable, or just not that useful. iOS 26 brings a little of each, so in this review, we’ll home in on the iOS updates that will benefit both mainstream and power users the most. Table of Contents Jump