Have you downloaded iOS 26? Here are 10 new features to try out

(KTLA) -- Apple’s biggest iPhone software update in years is here.

iOS 26 introduces a bold new design called Liquid Glass, along with a bunch of new tricks worth trying. But remember: You don’t have to update right away. Apple will continue to support iOS 18 with security updates only, at least for a while.

Still, if you do make the leap, there’s a lot to explore.

Messages

In Messages, you can now create a poll. Tap the plus sign next to the message box, select “Polls,” and type in your options. Want to personalize a chat? Set a custom background by tapping the person’s name or group, then “Backgrounds.” Just know they’ll see it too, if they’ve updated their software.

Phone calls

Call Screening is a new feature that filters unknown callers before your phone even rings. Go to Setting