iOS 26 is here, bringing a major update to the iPhone. In addition to a fresh design, there are many new features that make everyday life easier and offer more customization options. However, some features must be set up before they can be used. This guide shows the ten most important steps that should be completed after installing iOS 26.
The iOS 26 update is now available for all compatible devices and features significant design changes. The new Liquid Glass design characterizes the look of the lock and home screens, while features like Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, and call screening provide greater convenience. There are also exciting new features in the areas of messaging, games, and sound design. Those who take care of the right settings right after installation will get the most out of iOS 26.
Set up lock screen
After installing iOS 26, the new Liquid Glass design is immediately visible. The lock screen can be customized with a long press. In addition to fonts and colors, a glass effect can be activated for the time. If you drag the clock in the right corner, you can resize it. Various options are available for the wallpaper. A 2D image can be used to generate a 3D spatial scene that separates the subject from the background. Spatial Scene wallpapers react to movements of the iPhone and create a subtle 3D effect. Widgets can now also be placed at the bottom of the display and are no longer exclusively fixed below the clock. Once saved, tilting the iPhone reveals the subtle movement of the spatial scene, complemented by light reflections on the Liquid Glass elements.
Personalize your home screen
The home screen also offers new customization options. The Edit function provides access to the options. Icons can be transparent in the glass design, with a choice between light and dark. Multi-colored icons with a stacked glass look are enabled by default. Those who prefer a simpler option can use the tinted display, which remains semi-transparent. Apple also allows you to customize the color of the icons to match the iPhone or case. The color slider allows you to select the appropriate tints.
Activate visual intelligence
The Visual Intelligence feature now works not only with photos, but also with screenshots. A screenshot is enough to identify products, search for information, or ask questions about specific image sections. Options like "Ask," "Search," or "Highlight to Search" allow content to be selected and analyzed. Various services are available, such as Google Image Search or Etsy. Querying via ChatGPT is also possible. An iPhone with Apple Intelligence is required.
Set up call screening
iOS 26 introduces call screening. Callers from unknown numbers are asked for their name and the reason for the call. This information appears on the screen before a decision is made whether to accept or ignore the call. This is enabled in the "Phone" settings. There are also new filter options for spam calls and spam voicemails.
Set backgrounds for messages
You can now set custom backgrounds in the Messages app. Pre-made options like sky, water, or aurora are available for individual or group chats. You can also use your own photos, as well as creations via Image Playground. The selected backgrounds apply to all chat participants. This feature can be disabled in the Messages app's settings if needed.
Use live translation
With Live Translation, iOS 26 automatically translates messages into your own language and replies into the other person's language. Supported languages include English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese. The feature is also available in FaceTime and the Phone app, where subtitles or spoken translations appear. With AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4, you can even perform a personal live translation in real time. An iPhone with Apple Intelligence is also required.
Important: In Europe, the function in conjunction with the AirPods remains blocked for the time being until legal issues are resolved.
Create Genmoji
Another new feature is Genmoji. These allow two or more emojis to be combined to create new symbols. In the Messages app, simply tap the emoji button and select "Genmoji." You can then enter a description or combine emojis directly. Combining emotion emojis with objects is particularly useful for creating expressive variations. In Image Playground, this feature is being expanded with integration with ChatGPT, allowing new images to be generated in various styles.
Try the games app
With iOS 26, a games app is coming directly to the iPhone for the first time. It bundles games from the App Store and Apple Arcade and offers new social features. Users can challenge friends and compare high scores.
Customize alarms and ringtones
New ringtones are available in the sound and haptics section. In addition to variations of the familiar "Reflections" ringtone, there's also the new "Little Bird" ringtone. Custom ringtones can also be set more easily via the Files app and the Share menu. The alarm function has also been redesigned. The snooze duration is no longer fixed at nine minutes, but can be freely selected between one and 15 minutes. Each alarm time can be customized.
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Set Safari preferences
Safari offers a compact view for the tab bar in iOS 26. This can be switched back to the classic top or bottom view in the Safari settings.
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iOS 26 combines looks, intelligence and convenience
iOS 26 brings many visible changes and practical features. The new design with Liquid Glass and Spatial Scenes makes the lock and home screens more flexible. Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, and Genmoji expand everyday possibilities. Added to that are more control over calls, custom message backgrounds, new options for alarms and ringtones, and the Games app. Those who configure the most important settings immediately after installation will immediately benefit from the full range of features and experience iOS 26 in all its glory. Looking for accessories? Our Amazon Storefront is your destination for high-quality products, including HomeKit-compatible ones! (Image: Apple)
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Frequently Asked Questions about iOS 26
iOS 26 brings the new Liquid Glass design, Visual Intelligence, Live Translation, Genmoji, a Games app, and many customization options for the lock and home screen.
iOS 26 can be downloaded and installed directly from the iPhone's Settings under "General > Software Update." The update is available for all compatible devices.
iOS 26 is available for all current iPhones starting with iPhone 11.
The Liquid Glass design gives the lock and home screens a glassy look with dynamic light reflections. Widgets and the time can be freely customized.
With Visual Intelligence, screenshots and photos can be analyzed to directly recognize and further process products, objects or information.
Yes, thanks to call screening, iOS 26 asks for the name and reason for the call when receiving an unknown number. Spam calls and voicemails can be automatically blocked.
Live Translation translates messages, FaceTime calls, or phone calls in real time. Languages supported include German, English, Spanish, and more.
Genmoji are custom emojis that combine two or more symbols. They can be used directly in the Messages app or via Image Playground.
The new Games app bundles games from the App Store and Apple Arcade. It also offers expanded features for high score comparisons and multiplayer challenges.
In addition to new ringtones like “Little Bird,” iOS 26 now allows for the first time to freely set the snooze duration for alarms between one and 15 minutes.
