In addition to spending some time explaining the "Liquid Glass" design language, which has undergone a large-scale change again after more than 10 years, Apple also paid a lot of attention to the functional details of the new version of iOS 26. Even the phone, Apple Maps, CarPlay, FaceTime, camera and other frequently used apps have been updated.
Among them, under the "Liquid Glass" design language, many operating interfaces of iOS 26 can be adjusted more automatically, and can also automatically adjust details such as brightness and transparency according to the background theme and the environment. The intuitiveness of the operation is also claimed to be much improved than previous operating system versions. It even adds many spatial photo presentation effects similar to Vision Pro, and uses the artificial intelligence behind the "Apple Intelligence" service to judge the 3D depth of field corresponding to the photo, thereby presenting a three-dimensional visual effect close to the real feeling.
In the Phone app, Apple has integrated recent calls and voicemails on the same page. Frequently used contacts can also be added to the top of the interface, and the key points of voicemails will be summarized through the "Apple Intelligence" service. The newly added Call Screen call filtering function can answer calls through the "Apple Intelligence" service function, and the caller identity and call content summary can be viewed on the iPhone screen to decide whether to answer the call. Similar functions have previously been available on Google's Android operating system.
The new version of the Messages app adds the ability to set personalized backgrounds, voting options in group messages, and the ability to send and receive money in group chats through the Apple Cash feature. Apple also announced that it will add a spam filtering feature in the future. The FaceTime main interface has been moved to the lower right corner, making it easier for users to make video calls through this feature.
The camera app interface is further simplified, and only provides basic photo and video interfaces in normal state. Users must swipe left and right to switch to portrait mode, slow motion and other shooting options, and swipe up and down to further adjust shooting specifications, such as resolution, frames per second, etc. As for the album app, it is more convenient for users to switch between all photos and album interfaces, and the natural language search function of the "Apple Intelligence" service is further strengthened.
As for Apple Maps, it will also use the "Apple Intelligence" service to learn the routes that users frequently take, and analyze whether there are faster travel options. It can even automatically remind users to choose other routes when road traffic changes (such as traffic jams caused by traffic accidents or heavy traffic during rush hours). It also emphasizes that all learning is done on the device and will not be uploaded to other online platforms. Apple will not record such data. In addition, more Apple Maps attraction content items have been further added.
In addition, Apple also stated that the new version of CarPlay interface will also include widgets, and incoming calls will not be covered in full screen to avoid affecting vehicle navigation, and even make it easier for users to know the time required to reach the destination. The previously announced CarPlay Ultra interface will also be replaced with a new "Liquid Glass" design language, and it is also announced that it will be available in more car brands in the future.
Other updates include integrating the real-time translation function into more interfaces, including being able to call the real-time translation function in apps such as phone, FaceTime, and messages, and even achieving one-on-one spoken translation. The real-time translation function can also be used in the Apple Music service to allow users to understand the meaning of songs or podcasts in different languages. As for the Apple Music service, the AutoMix automatic mixing function operated by the "Apple Intelligence" service has been added, allowing users to mix their favorite songs into different styles.
As for the Apple Pay function, Apple Wallet has added support for digital key functions for more car models, and also supports digital ID functions in more states in the United States. When saving air tickets to Apple Wallet, it can also help guide you to the correct boarding gate (but currently only available in the United States). It also includes the ability to use points and installment payments at retail channels, and can use the "Apple Intelligence" service to automatically track the delivery progress of users' online ordered goods.
The new game app that was updated simultaneously this time was separated from the App Store to respond to Apple's growing demand for gaming content. It allows users to browse and download game content such as Apple Arcade, view previously downloaded games, review game achievements, or challenge points with online friends.
iOS 26 can basically be used by all iPhone models that support iOS 18, but models including iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR can no longer be upgraded to iOS 26.
