iOS 26 is here — What to know
Apple released iOS 26 on September 15, 2025. The free update brings a major visual overhaul called Liquid Glass, expanded Apple Intelligence features, and dozens of quality-of-life improvements across Phone, Messages, Camera, Photos and more.
Highlights
- Liquid Glass — a translucent, glass-like system design across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, apps and menus (you can reduce transparency via Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency).
- Live Translation — real-time translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages (also supported on compatible AirPods).
- Hold Assist — get notified when an agent picks up so you can avoid hold music.
- Polls in group chats — quick decisions in Messages.
- Visual Intelligence — search what’s on-screen (like identifying products from screenshots).
- Camera & Photos — cleaner UI, lens-clean warnings, and Photos tabs restored.
Quick tips
- To update: Settings > General > Software Update.
- Reduce Liquid Glass effects: Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion and Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency.
- Preview app: scan, edit PDFs and remove image backgrounds.
Compatible devices
Most iPhones from 2019 onward are supported (iPhone 11 and later, plus iPhone SE 2nd gen and newer). If you have an older model, Apple also released iOS 18.7 addressing security fixes.
AirPods features
- Live translation support on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC when paired with iOS 26.
- New AirPods Pro 3 include heart-rate monitoring and improved recording features.
- Shop AirPods Pro 3: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=AirPods+Pro+3&tag=f1rede-20 (search results / affiliate link).
Official details & further reading
Official Apple info and full update notes: https://support.apple.com/en-us/123075
Questions? Reply to the original tweet to share whether you updated and what you think of Liquid Glass — or comment below.
Note: This summary excludes links to the original news site to avoid reposting site-specific reviews; it links to Apple’s official support page instead.