If you don't want to take the plunge yet or your iPhone isn't compatible, Apple offers iOS 18.7 with security patches (and equivalents on iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS), so that you remain protected without receiving the new features of iOS 26. In any case, the major update puts the focus on design, calls, photos and AI-powered enhancements.
What's changing with iOS 26: Liquid Glass interface and more customization
The most visible novelty is Liquid glass, a design language with transparencies, layers, and soft edges that affects notifications, menus, and widgets. The effect aims to give more visual depth without covering the content, and it is especially noticeable on the home screen and the control center.
Now you can adjust the appearance of icons. When you long press on the home screen and tap “Edit” > “Customize”, four styles appear: default, dark, translucent and tinted (allows you to choose the color). It's a small change, but it helps adapt your desktop to your wallpaper.
It also improves the lock screen. It's possible to stretch the clock with the first font to take up more space, playing with width and thickness, while the notifications are repositioned so as not to obscure it. Additionally, you can use space photos whenever the image allows it, achieving a discreet 3D effect.
The Photos app is reorganized with two views: Photo Library in chronological order and Collections, which groups together albums, pinned items, highlights, and memories. If you scroll to the bottom, you'll see the option «Reorder» to prioritize sections and, if you prefer, you can collapse sections to reduce visual noise.
If the new style is too flashy for you, you can turn on the new style in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. Reduce transparency and Increase contrast. It does not disable Liquid Glass completely, but flattens the interface and improves readability on busy backgrounds.
Smarter calling and real-time translation
iOS 26 incorporates a call filter for unknown numbers. Crab asks the caller to state their name and reason; the iPhone transcribe the response and choose whether to answer, send a message, or ignore. It's enabled in Settings > Phone, with options to mute or ask for a reason.
El waiting assistant It detects when you're left on hold, mutes the call, and monitors it in the background. When an agent returns, your phone notifies you with an alert, and you can resume the conversation immediately. It's a particularly convenient tool for avoiding lost minutes with background music.
Another novelty is the live translation in calls and in FaceTime. Both parties hear the original voice with the volume attenuated and the translation over it, while the transcription appears on the screen. It works with multiple languages and offers fast results; in some cases, it requires models with Apple Intelligence (for example, iPhone 15 Pro or higher).
Furthermore, the Messages app can automatically translate entire conversations. By tapping on a message in another language, the system allows you to activate the translation for that chat and maintain it without any additional steps.
Apple Intelligence and Visual Search
Among the AI capabilities that you can already test, the following stand out: visual search Contextual. A screenshot displays an icon to identify objects, products, or locations; you can also circle on screen what interests you to obtain results related to the moment.
In some regions, iOS 26 allows the query to be sent to a external model Maintaining the context of what you see, always with the user's consent. The idea is to complement the system's visual search with more comprehensive answers when needed.
Beyond search, Apple is gradually rolling out other features. Apple Intelligence for content editing, suggestions, and text tasks, first on supported devices and in select countries.
Compatibility, installation and alternative if you don't want to upgrade
Apple marks iOS 26 compatibility from models with A13 Bionic chip or higherIn practice, that means iPhone 11 and later, including Pro/Pro Max variants and second-generation iPhone SEs or newer. iPhones with A12 (like the XR, XS, and XS Max) and older are excluded.
To install iOS 26, go to Settings> General> Software updateYou will see the option to download and install the new system. If you prefer not to update, you can choose iOS 18.7, a maintenance release with security patches designed for those who delay the upgrade. You can also find guides on how to update and compatible phones on the official website.
It is not mandatory to go through iOS 18.7 to update to 26: the installer usually shows both options and you can go directly to iOS 26 if your iPhone is compatible.
Battery and performance: what you can expect in the first few days
After a major update it is normal to notice more consumption and some temperatureApple explains that, for the first few days, the system reorganizes data, indexes files, and updates components in the background, which can drain the battery and temporarily affect performance. If you're looking for specific solutions to this behavior, there are specific recommendations and adjustments to mitigate it.
Actual battery life will vary based on usage. More demanding visual and AI functions may have a sustained impact in some profiles, while others will barely notice any changes once the initial optimization is complete. The company will continue to refine iOS 26 with betas and minor versions to balance consumption and fluidity.
If you notice that the energy expenditure is high, try these handy tweaks:
- Activate Adaptive power mode In Settings > Battery: Adjust brightness and background processes based on your usage.
- In Accessibility, activate Reduce transparency y Increase contrast to lighten the interface.
- Check out Background updates and disable apps that don't need to refresh constantly.
- In Chamber, active Clean the lens to avoid ruined photos due to a dirty lens and retakes.
Useful tips to get off to a good start
To get your iPhone just the way you want it, press and hold the Home screen and go to Edit > Customize to test icon styles. Translucent mode and tinting allow unify the palette with your background; if you prioritize readability, dark mode usually works best.
On the lock screen, press and hold and tap Customize now to stretch the time with the first font; notifications are rearranged automatically. Also activate the space photos if your image supports it for a subtle 3D effect.
In Photos, go to the Collections tab, scroll to the bottom and use Reorder to bring up what you want to have more at hand (albums, pinned, highlights or memories). Collapsing sections helps clear the view if you manage many categories.
If you are being fried with calls, in Settings > Phone try the Unknown filter with request for reason and activate the waiting assistantYou'll gain time and peace of mind without missing important calls.
iOS 26 represents a visible leap in aesthetics and functions: the Liquid Glass design, improvements to calls, live translation, and Photos reorganization give more control to the user, while Apple offers a secure exit with iOS 18.7 For those who don't want to update yet. If you're worried about battery life, the recommended settings and a few days of use should stabilize the experience.
