Apple recently introduced iOS 26. The new operating system will be rolled out to all iPhone users this fall and will bring several noticeable changes. The beta version is already available and shows where things are headed. iOS 26 brings innovations in several areas: design, messages, music, photos, telephony, and gaming. Here you'll learn which six features are particularly noticeable and what they mean for everyday use.
Every year, Apple releases a major software update for the iPhone. With iOS 26, the next version is now in the starting blocks. This time, the update combines a fresh design with concrete improvements in frequently used apps. Apple remains true to its core principle: optimizing existing features without making operation unnecessarily complicated. Many of the new features seem unspectacular at first glance, but they have clear advantages in everyday use. An overview of the six most important features.
New design with Liquid Glass
The most striking new feature of iOS 26 is the redesigned design. Apple calls the new material "Liquid Glass." It's semi-transparent, reacts to light, and changes dynamically depending on the environment. This makes controls, icons, widgets, and navigation elements appear more vibrant. The goal is to place more focus on content without changing the user experience. The controls remain the same, but the appearance is more modern. The new design affects almost all areas system-wide—not just the home screen, but also settings, system apps, and notifications.
Group chats in Messages are being expanded
The Messages app in iOS 26 is getting new features for group conversations. You can now create polls directly in group chats. There's also the option to split bills using Apple Cash (US only). Also new is that typing indicators are now displayed in groups, so you can see when someone is typing a message. You can now also set a custom background image for group and individual chats. Previously, this was limited to just the name and group photo. These changes make chats clearer and more personal.
Pinned music in Apple Music
Apple Music now offers the ability to pin content to your library. You can mark albums, playlists, or artists to appear at the top. This helps you find your most important content faster—whether it's your all-time favorites or music recommendations you don't want to forget. This feature is aimed at anyone who uses their library regularly and wants to bring structure to their music. The rest of the library remains unchanged.
Photos app gets navigation bar back
Apple fundamentally redesigned the Photos app with iOS 18, which drew criticism from many users. The navigation bar returns in iOS 26 – a move that can be seen as a response to user feedback. The new bar isn't identical to the previous version, but it does provide a clearer structure. There are now separate buttons for "Library," "Collections," and "Search." This is intended to make the app feel more familiar and less confusing than its predecessor.
Stop assistant in the phone app
iOS 26 brings a handy new feature to the Phone app: Hold Assistant. If you're put on hold for a call, your iPhone takes over the waiting for you. While the hold music plays, you can simply put the phone down or do other things. As soon as someone answers the phone again, you'll be notified. This saves time and hassle—especially for hotlines or support calls. The feature runs automatically in the background and is integrated directly into the call screen.
New Apple Games App
With iOS 26, Apple is introducing a new app: Apple Games. It's designed to be the central hub for all the games on your iPhone. With the app, you can quickly return to recently played games, browse your entire game library, discover new games, and see your friends' activities. It also offers challenges and other community features. The app joins Apple TV and Apple Podcasts, bringing everything gaming-related to one place.
iOS 26: Additional features and release date
In addition to these six main features, iOS 26 brings even more innovations. These include redesigned app icons, improvements to Maps and Notes, new lock screen options, and more control over boarding passes. iOS 26 is currently available in an early beta version. The final version will be released this fall—as usual with Apple. A specific date has not yet been set, but it is likely to be mid-September, as in previous years. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Ravi_Sharma1030)
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