With iOS 26, Apple is once again changing the behavior of a commonplace feature—the screenshot. The feature itself remains the same, but the display and operation are different. New is a full-screen preview with direct AI features and editing tools. This can be useful, but also annoying if you're used to the old, faster process. Apple has built in an option to revert to the classic thumbnail view.
The screenshot feature in iOS is one of the most frequently used tools. Whether for saving content, sharing information, or for your own documentation – quick access has always been a huge advantage. With iOS 26, Apple is introducing a redesigned user interface for screenshots. The change appears more modern at first glance, but it also introduces a new way of interacting that not everyone will like.
What has changed with iOS 26 regarding screenshots
In iOS 26, the keyboard shortcut for taking screenshots remains the same: press the side button and volume up button simultaneously. What's new is the way the screenshot is displayed afterward. Instead of a small thumbnail in the lower left corner, the entire screen is now occupied by the screenshot by default. At the bottom are editing tools and new features called Visual Intelligence.
- The idea behind it: You can instantly crop, mark up, or have the screenshot analyzed by AI. This display is visually adapted to the new design principle of iOS 26, which Apple calls "Liquid Glass" – an interface with more transparent, smoother surfaces and dynamic transitions.
Why not everyone likes the new mode
The new full-screen preview interrupts the previous workflow. In older versions like iOS 18, the screenshot was displayed as a thumbnail, which could be ignored or quickly edited with a tap. This left the screen clear, allowing you to continue working immediately. With iOS 26, the full-screen preview seems more powerful, but also more intrusive. This slows down the workflow, especially for those who take many screenshots in a short space of time or don't need to edit them directly. For these users, it's worth taking a look at the settings.
How to disable the full-screen preview
Apple offers an easy way to revert to the old view in iOS 26. After the first screenshot, a notification appears on the screen with the option "Switch to Thumbnail View." Those who skipped or declined this option the first time can change the setting manually:
- Open Settings on iPhone
- Select the menu item “General”
- Tap on “Screen Recording”
- Disable the switch for “Full screen preview”
After this change, screenshots will again be displayed as a small thumbnail in the lower left corner. The thumbnail will automatically disappear if ignored, but can still be tapped for editing. Sharing or opening them later in the Photos app will also work as usual.
More options for screenshots in iOS 26
The new “Screen Recording” menu contains additional settings:
- HDR screenshots: Enabling this feature saves screenshots in HEIF format with extended dynamic range. This ensures better image quality on compatible devices and apps.
- CarPlay Screenshots: This feature is only visible when the iPhone is connected to a CarPlay system. It allows you to save CarPlay screen content directly as a screenshot.
- Visual Search: Available only on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, this option automatically detects content in the screenshot and offers contextual actions such as text extraction or product recognition.
Screenshots in iOS 26: Between efficiency and intelligence
iOS 26 significantly changes the screenshot experience. The new full-screen preview looks more modern and offers expanded features, but it's not suitable for everyone. Those who prefer to work efficiently without interruption can adjust the setting in just a few steps and return to the familiar thumbnail view. The additional options in the settings demonstrate that Apple sees screenshots as more than just a screen capture—but as an interface for smart features. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Yalcin Sonat)
- iOS 26 brings event detection directly to the Photos app
- Haptic Touch on iPhone too slow? This solution helps
- Protection against fraud: 9 simple tips for more security
- iOS 26: Apple Intelligence brings these innovations
- watchOS 26: These models support Apple Intelligence
- Setting up iPhone widgets: These 6 tricks you need to know
iOS 26 Screenshots: Frequently Asked Questions about the New Preview
Open Settings, go to "General" > "Screen Recording," and disable the "Full Screen Preview" option. Screenshots will then appear as thumbnails in the bottom left corner.
Apple redesigned the screenshot feature with iOS 26 to directly provide AI features like Visual Intelligence. Full-screen preview is enabled by default.
Yes, you can reactivate the classic thumbnail view via the settings. This change can be undone at any time.
Visual Intelligence is an AI feature that recognizes content in the screenshot and offers context-based editing options directly in the full screen.
iOS 26 allows HDR screenshots in HEIF format, CarPlay screenshots when connected to a vehicle, and visual search on iPhone 15 Pro and newer.
No, screenshots are still taken by pressing the side button and volume up button at the same time.
It depends on your workflow. Those who want to edit immediately benefit from the full screen. Those who want to continue working quickly prefer the thumbnail view.
