iOS 26 for the iPhone arrives in September with dozens of terrific new features. Here’s a look at my top three.
iOS 26
We are currently on iOS 18. The next version is iOS 26. Going forward, Apple will number all its operating systems by year. So, along with iOS 26, we’ll be getting macOS 26 Tahoe, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, etc.
All the new operating systems have a redesigned user interface called ‘Liquid Glass’ that mimics the qualities of glass in the real world. You can get a preview of the new look and read more about ‘Liquid Glass’ here – Apple’s New Software Design.
1. Live Translation
Currently, translation on the iPhone is handled by the Translate App. It works well, but suffers from 3 problems:
- Translation only occurs within the Translate App.
- Each party’s dialogue is translated one response at a time.
- Results are limited to a written text translation.
Live Translation is a massive leap forward.
Translations work system wide in Messages, FaceTime, and on Phone calls.
If you FaceTime with someone who speaks a foreign language, the translation shows up as captions for both parties.
On the Phone, translations are spoken aloud. With both parties using the iPhone speaker, you can have a real-time back-and-forth conversation. No need for holiday phrase books.
2. 3D Lock Screen
I guess it’s fair to say this is a gimmick… but it’s a cool gimmick and one I think most people will enjoy. On the Lock Screen, a sense of depth is created by layering the image behind the clock and the widgets. When the iPhone is moved, the wallpaper appears to come out of the screen. Here’s a YouTube tutorial video with several good examples – How to Set Spatial Wallpaper on iPhone (iOS 26). No need to watch the whole video, just scroll to the wallpapers.
3. Hold Assist
Hold Assist uses Apple Intelligence to identify when you’re on hold by detecting hold music or repetitive automation. Hold Assist offers an option to ‘Hold’ the call. This mutes the hold music, but keeps the call active. You can now use your iPhone for other tasks. You are automatically notified when a live agent picks up.
Who Can Upgrade?
The following iPhones can upgrade to iOS 26:
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max.
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
Apple Intelligence features require supported devices, which include all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
You can go straight to Apple’s site to get a more detailed look at iOS 26 – iOS 26.
If you need help upgrading, please call us at (310) 621-5679.
