iOS 26 features are set to transform the iPhone and iPad experience with a stunning redesign and smarter functionalities. Unveiled at Apple’s WWDC on June 9, 2025, iOS 26 and its counterpart, iPadOS 26, promise a visually captivating Liquid Glass interface, enhanced Apple Intelligence, and practical upgrades for daily use. As the September 2025 release approaches, excitement is building for what could be the most significant iOS update since iOS 7. This article dives into the key iOS 26 features, compatible devices, and what to expect from the upcoming Apple iPhone event.
What Are the Key iOS 26 Features?
The iOS 26 features introduce a bold new design and intelligent tools to make your iPhone and iPad more intuitive. Apple has focused on creating a cohesive experience across its ecosystem, with the Liquid Glass design leading the charge. Below, we explore the standout updates that have tech enthusiasts buzzing.
Liquid Glass: A Visual Revolution
The Liquid Glass design marks a dramatic shift in iOS aesthetics, inspired by visionOS and reminiscent of the translucent effects from Windows Vista, but executed with Apple’s signature polish. This interface uses rounded, translucent elements that reflect and refract light, creating a fluid, glass-like appearance. App icons, widgets, and controls adapt dynamically to your wallpaper and movements, offering a 3D effect that makes subjects pop out when you tilt your device. The Lock Screen and Home Screen feel more immersive, with customizable light, dark, and clear modes to suit your style. According to Apple, this cohesive design ensures a seamless experience across iPhone, iPad, and other devices.
Enhanced Apple Intelligence Features
iOS 26 features heavily leverage Apple Intelligence, bringing smarter interactions to your device. The Visual Intelligence tool now extends to your screen, allowing you to search, ask questions, or take actions based on what’s displayed. For example, if you screenshot an event poster, Apple Intelligence can extract details like date and time and suggest adding it to your calendar. Integration with ChatGPT lets you query on-screen content, while compatibility with apps like Google and Etsy enables product searches directly from images. Additionally, Genmoji and Image Playground introduce creative ways to combine emojis and generate custom images in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese.
Live Translation for Seamless Communication
One of the most exciting iOS 26 features is Live Translation, which breaks down language barriers in real-time. Available in the Messages, Phone, and FaceTime apps, this feature translates text and audio on-device, ensuring privacy. Whether you’re texting or calling someone who speaks another language, Live Translation provides instant translations in languages like Mandarin, Spanish, and French. This feature requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later but works seamlessly with Android devices too, making cross-platform communication effortless.
Phone App Redesign and Hold Assist
The Phone app gets a much-needed overhaul in iOS 26, consolidating contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages into a single, scrollable view. A new feature called Hold Assist eliminates the frustration of waiting on hold by notifying you when an agent picks up, so you can skip the elevator music. Additionally, Call Screening answers unknown calls, prompting the caller to state their name and purpose before ringing your phone. These features, available in multiple languages, make communication more efficient and less intrusive.
Messages App Upgrades
The Messages app in iOS 26 introduces polls for group chats, perfect for settling debates about dinner plans without endless messages. You can also personalize conversations with new backgrounds and themes, while Apple Cash integration simplifies payments. Typing indicators for group messages and Live Translation further enhance the app’s functionality, making it a hub for both fun and practical interactions.
Other Notable iOS 26 Features
Beyond the headliners, iOS 26 offers several practical updates:
- Adaptive Power: An energy-saving feature that adjusts screen brightness and processes during heavy use, extending battery life without restricting background tasks.
- Apple Games App: A new hub for gaming, integrating Apple Arcade and offering tailored recommendations and friend challenges.
- Maps Improvements: Learns your regular routes, alerts you to delays, and tracks visited places for easy sharing.
- AirPods Enhancements: Live Translation and camera control via stem presses for AirPods 4 and Pro 2.
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Compatibility
Not every device will support the iOS 26 features, as Apple has dropped compatibility for some older models. Here’s a breakdown of which iPhones and iPads can run iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
iPhones Compatible with iOS 26
Apple has confirmed that iPhones with an A13 Bionic processor or newer will support iOS 26, meaning devices from 2019 onward are compatible. However, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (2018 models) are no longer supported. Compatible iPhones include:
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 16 series (including 16e) Note that Apple Intelligence features, like Visual Intelligence, require an A17 Pro processor or newer, limiting them to iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models.
iPads Compatible with iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 supports a range of iPads, including:
- iPad Pro (M4, 12.9-inch 3rd gen and later, 11-inch 1st gen and later)
- iPad Air (3rd gen and later, including M2 and M3)
- iPad (8th gen and later, including A16)
- iPad mini (5th gen and later, including A17 Pro) These devices will benefit from iPadOS 26’s windowed apps and resizable windows, bringing a desktop-like experience to tablets.
What If Your Device Isn’t Compatible?
If your iPhone or iPad isn’t compatible, you’ll miss out on iOS 26 features and critical security updates, increasing vulnerability to malware. Some apps may also stop working if they require iOS 26 or later. Consider upgrading to a compatible device, like the upcoming iPhone 17 series, to stay secure and access the latest features.
iOS 26 Release Date and Apple iPhone Event
Apple typically releases its iOS updates in mid-September, shortly after the annual iPhone event. Based on historical patterns, the iPhone 17 event is expected on September 9, 2025, with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 likely launching on September 15 or 16, 2025. The public beta is already available for testing, offering a stable way to try iOS 26 features early, though backing up your device is recommended due to potential bugs.
For the latest updates, check out Apple’s official iOS 26 page or our iOS 26 preview for a hands-on look. If you’re curious about the iPhone 17, explore iPhone 17 rumors for more details.
Why iOS 26 Matters
The iOS 26 features represent a significant leap in design and functionality, making your iPhone and iPad more intuitive and visually stunning. The Liquid Glass interface, combined with Apple Intelligence advancements, sets the stage for a cohesive Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re excited about Live Translation, the revamped Phone app, or the new Games app, iOS 26 is poised to enhance how you interact with your devices daily.
As the Apple iPhone event approaches, stay tuned for confirmation of the release date and potential surprises. If your device is compatible, prepare to upgrade and experience the future of iOS. For more insights, visit MacRumors for detailed coverage of Apple’s latest innovations.
