It’s finally here.Earlier this week, Apple fully unveiled iOS 26, the next major iPhone software update that will arrive this fall.Here are six new features coming with iOS 26.
#1: New design with Liquid Glass This is the feature you’ve likely already heard about—but it’s a big one.iOS 26 introduces a major new design that impacts every part of using your iPhone.A key part of the new look is a material Apple calls ‘Liquid Glass’: Liquid Glass will make your iPhone feel fresh and new, while still retaining the familiarity of the current iOS experience.
#2: Group chat upgrades in Messages iOS 26 gives Apple’s Messages app several new features, with a special focus on group chat upgrades.You can now create polls in your group chats, split bills with Apple Cash, and for the first time typing indicators are supported in groups too.Groups have long let you set a custom name and image for the chat, but now you can set a custom background image too.
This will work not only in groups, but also one-on-one conversations.#3: Pinned music for your Apple Music library Apple Music puts over 100 million songs in your pocket.But the Music app hasn’t always offered the best tools for keeping your most important music at the forefront.
iOS 26 adds a new tool to the lineup: pinned music.Now you can pin your favorite albums, artists, or playlists to the top of your library for easy access.This works great for go-to music, of course.
But it’s also handy when someone makes a recommendation, and you want to keep it top of mind.#4: Photos app re-gains navigation tab bar Last year in iOS 18, Apple completely overhauled the Photos app—and upset a lot of users in the process.With iOS 26, one of the most jarring changes from last year is largely being reversed.
Photos is re-gaining a navigation tab bar at the bottom of the screen.It’s not quite the same as it used to be, but you’ll now find separate buttons for Library, Collections, and Search.Overall, this should make the Photos app feel much more like its pre-iOS 18 version.
#5: Hold Assist for the Phone app Nobody likes waiting on hold with a customer support line.And in iOS 26, Apple has built a new tool to make that experience as painless as possible.When you’re placed on a hold, Hold Assist lets your iPhone do the waiting for you.
While hold music is playing, you won’t have to pay attention but can instead go about your day.Why? Because iOS 26 will notify you when the hold ends and someone is back on the line to talk to.#6: Brand new ‘Apple Games’ app A new ‘Apple Games’ app comes pre-installed with iOS 26, adding another media-focused app to the lineup of Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, and so on.
Games will offer a quick way to: jump back into any game you’ve been playing browse your full library discover new games see your friends’ activity complete challenges and more Apple hopes its new Games app can be the one-stop hub for your iPhone gaming needs.New iOS 26 features and release date: wrap-up There’s much more coming with iOS 26.The features outlined above are just a small sample of everything new—like clear app icons, new Maps and Notes features, Lock Screen and boarding pass upgrades, and a whole lot more.
iOS 26 is currently available in an early beta preview, but it will launch to all users this fall—likely in mid-September.Which new iOS 26 features are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessories AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249) MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone HomeKit smart plug 4-pack 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack 100W USB-C power adapter for fast charging You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.
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