iOS 26 Update

Overview of what’s coming with iOS 26, unveiled at WWDC on June 9, 2025:

🎨 Visual & Interface Overhaul

Introduces the “Liquid Glass” design: translucent, glass-like UI elements with refraction effects across controls, icons, tab bars, sidebars, alerts, and more  . Lock and Home screens feature 3D photo effects—subjects “pop out”—and adaptive clock layout  . Improved scroll behavior: navigation bars collapse or expand fluidly to keep content in focus  .

🤖 Apple Intelligence & AI Enhancements

Live translation integrated into Phone calls, Messages, FaceTime, and Music lyrics—all on-device  . ChatGPT-powered contextual help: select anything on-screen for instant explanations or actions . New Visual Intelligence features can search and identify content within app screens  . Image Playground (on-device AI image generator) now supports ChatGPT style prompts  . Genmoji created with emoji mixing powered by Apple Intelligence  . Developers gain access to on-device AI model via Foundation Models Framework  .

📞 Phone, Messaging & FaceTime

Redesigned Phone app: unified view for calls, voicemails, and favorites; features like live human “Hold Assist” and intelligent call screening  . Messages updates: custom chat backgrounds, polls, group typing indicators, Apple Cash support, spam filtering  . FaceTime gains translation features and parental controls (e.g., blur sensitive content)  .

🛠 Core App & System Upgrades

Camera and Photos: 3D photo enhancements, more intuitive swipe-based mode switching, tab-based photo library navigation . Clock/Snooze: Customize snooze duration (1–15 min)  . AirPods auto-pause media when sensing sleep  .

🗺 Maps, Music, Wallet & CarPlay

Maps: adds Visited Places, personalized route suggestions, better airport guidance  . Music: live lyrics translation, pronunciation tool, and “AutoMix” DJ transitions  . Wallet: digital IDs (expanded TSA support), enhanced boarding pass layouts, baggage tracking, Apple Pay loyalty integration  . CarPlay: distraction-reducing notifications, live activities, tapbacks for messages  .

🎮 Gaming & Shortcuts

New Games app: central hub for installed and Arcade games, leaderboards, challenges  . Shortcuts now tap into Apple Intelligence for image-generation and text summary actions  .

✅ Compatibility & Rollout

Runs on iPhone 11 and newer, including SE 2 & 3    . Full public beta launching July 2025, with final release in Fall 2025  . AI-intensive features (e.g., Genmoji, Visual Intelligence) may be limited to newer device models  .

🔍 What’s Missing or Delayed

Major Siri overhaul still pending—expected in 2026 or later, not included in iOS 26  .

TL;DR

iOS 26 is a sweeping update with a new aesthetic, deep AI integration, plus upgrades across core apps, communications, media, wallet, gaming, accessibility, and car experience. Expect the beta in July and full release in fall—requires iPhone 11 or newer.