iOS 26 Is Here and These Features Might Just Convince You to Upgrade
Sep 19, 2025 • Kyzia Maramara
If you’ve been holding off on updating your iPhone because “wala namang bago,” iOS 26 is here to prove you wrong. Apple’s latest update offers sleek visuals, smarter messaging, and introvert-friendly tools that make your phone feel more you.
Now that I’m on iOS26.
I feel like this: pic.twitter.com/TvqfLlowF8
— My Fault! (@uglynewyork) September 15, 2025
Why iOS 26? In case you were wondering why Apple skipped straight from iOS 18 to iOS 26, the tech giant made the jump to align its software version numbers with the calendar year. Since this update will live on your phone through most of 2026, it makes sense to call it iOS 26. Plus, all Apple platforms — including macOS, iPadOS, watchOS — are now synced to the same number for consistency.
iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer, including: iPhone SE (2nd gen and up), iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series, the new iPhone 17, and iPhone Air. If you’re still rocking an iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max, you won’t be able to install this update.
So what’s worth geeking out over in the new iOS 26?
Liquid Glass
Liquid Glass is so beautiful pic.twitter.com/jbPrOpkRsH
— Giuseppe Mineo (@giusemineotech) September 14, 2025
Remember the frosted glass aesthetic from way back? Like, iOS 7 waaay back. Well, it looks like iOS 26 revived it, but this time it’s better. Liquid Glass gives your home screen a glossy, mirrored finish that adapts to your background. You can even tint your app icons in any color to match your wallpaper.
Liquid Glass is Apple’s biggest system upgrade in years, and while opinions are split, it’s one of those things you’ll want to see in action before judging.
Call Screening
@tech.drive.play iOS 26 adds call screening. Unknown numbers have to say who they are before you decide to pick up. #Apple #ios26 ♬ Cozy Day (Lofi) – The Machinist Beats
Unknown number? Not today, Satan. With iOS 26’s new Call Screening feature, your phone now gets the caller’s name and reason for calling before it even rings. For introverts, that means you don’t have to panic when your phone lights up. At least you know what the other person wants from you.
iOS 26 also screens messages from unknown senders and neatly tucks them into a separate section of your convo list.
Spatial scene
@umarnaq Just updated to iOS 26 and I’m already obsessed ↕️ Liquid Glass on the latest beta is SO GOOD! Every little detail and animation looks incredible! Just that 3 second intro liquid glass design animation took me hours, I can’t imagine how much time Apple spent on making the OS look so PERFECT. The public betas for all OS 26 (for all devices) are officially out and you can try them out for yourself. Just be mindful to backup your devices before you do so! @apple #ios26 #liquidglass #iphone17 #apple #iphone ♬ original sound – Umar Naqshbandi
You can now adjust the size of your lock screen clock to match your wallpaper, and the spatial effect makes it appear as though your background is literally jumping out of your phone. Some have likened the 3D effect to some sort of tech witchcraft because it’s that psychedelic.
Immersive music player
@6samuell The new iOS26 music player looks clean #ios #ios26 #iphone #iphone17 #techtok ♬ original sound – lantibeatz
Apple Music got a huge glow-up thanks to iOS 26. You can enjoy animated album art on supported albums and automix songs seamlessly like your own DJ. This game-changing feature just might convert the Spotify loyalists.
Personalized iMessage
@gregsgadgets iOS 26 new message features! #ios26 #apple ♬ original sound – GregsGadgets
You can now add backgrounds to your iMessages for that extra personal touch. Plus, group chats can create polls, so you can finally settle any barkada debate without chaos.
Camera controls
@itricksmark iOS 26 Camera App just got a glow-up! Watch the slick new Liquid Glass design in action—super clean & two-tab simplicity. Did they nail it or go too far with the look? Drop your take below! #AppleEvent #iOS26 ♬ ESTAMINA (SLOWED+REVERB) – ANDREZH
Even the camera settings are now wrapped in Liquid Glass. Sliders, adjustments, and toggles look sleeker than ever. If you don’t know what to feel about it, all we can say is just give it a go! It might be your new favorite feature.
Visual Intelligence
@itricksmark Coolest New iPhone Trick on iOS 26 – Visual Intelligence in Screenshots #apple #newios #newiphoneupdate #trend #ios26 ♬ Say What – Rampa & Adam Port & &ME & Chuala & Keinemusik
Saw something cute while scrolling? Screenshot it, highlight the item, and iOS 26 will help you find it online. It’s 2025, let your phone do the legwork for you.
Live Translation
Live Call Translation in iOS26 is so helpful for us living abroad! pic.twitter.com/GM39hQmLNS
— Minimal Nerd (@minimalnerd1) September 4, 2025
Whether you’re texting, calling, or FaceTiming, iOS 26 now translates in real time. Messages get auto-translated, FaceTime shows live captions, and phone calls can be transcribed while you listen. Got AirPods? You’ll hear translations hands-free when someone nearby speaks a different language. You can’t get lost in translation here.
TL;DR: iOS 26 isn’t just an update, it’s a brand new glow-up. From aesthetic upgrades to smarter features, it’s designed to make your phone feel more personal, more powerful, and way more fun.
We don’t know about you, but that’s definitely worth the upgrade.
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