First things first: what’s the public beta, and how is it different from the developer version?
Apple first announced iOS 26 at WWDC earlier this year, and developers have had early access since then.
But the public beta is your chance to test the new features ahead of the full release without needing a developer account. It’s more stable.
A whole new look: Liquid Glass redesign
This is Apple’s first major iOS redesign in over a decade—the last one being iOS 7 back in 2013.
With iOS 26, Apple is rolling out a sleek new interface called Liquid Glass a visual overhaul that brings translucency, depth, and fluid motion across the UI.
- Icons and buttons have been redesigned
- Toolbars and tab bars are now semi-transparent
- Pop-out menus give quick access to features, like a modern take on 3D Touch
- Widgets are refreshed to match the new visual theme
It’s not just a visual glow-up; Apple’s rethinking how iPhones look and feel in 2025.
Native Apps: Smarter, Sleeker, More Useful
Phone App: Recent calls and voicemails now live in one tab, and favorite contacts are pinned on top.
You also get AI-powered voicemail summaries so you don’t have to listen to the whole thing.
FaceTime: Controls have moved to the bottom right for easier access.
Messages now lets you set custom group chat backgrounds, create polls, send Apple Cash, see typing indicators in group chats, and enjoy on-device spam detection.
Privacy & Communication Upgrades
Safari now includes advanced fingerprinting protection, and its address bar is more transparent to match the new theme
- A new AI call screening tool helps filter unknown callers in real time
- FaceTime’s new layout makes in-call navigation simpler
Camera & Photos: Simpler, Smarter
The Camera app is getting decluttered. you just swipe to switch between photo and video
The Photos app is now tab-based, making it way easier to find your shots
Apple Maps, Wallet & More
Apple Maps will learn your routines and show real-time updates along your usual routes
You’ll also get location history, à la Google Maps—end-to-end encrypted, of course
Wallet is gaining digital passport support, refreshed boarding passes, airport maps, and even a “report lost baggage” option
New Core App: Games
Apple is launching a dedicated Games app that brings together your Apple Arcade library, achievements, multiplayer options, and trending titles.
Clearly, they’re leaning
Apple Intelligence in iOS 26: AI with a Purpose
Apple is doubling down on on-device AI, and here are the standout features:
Real-time translation for phone calls, FaceTime, and messages
AI-powered DJ mode in Apple Music with smooth AutoMix transitions and lyric translation
Genmoji: Combine two emojis into a custom creation
Developers now get access to Apple’s on-device foundation models, enabling smarter, privacy-first experiences in third-party apps
Siri’s big update? Still cooking. Expect a full reveal later this year.
iPhones that support iOS 26
If you’re wondering whether your iPhone makes the cut, here’s the full compatibility list:
iPhone SE (2nd gen and up)
iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series (including mini/Plus/Pro/Max variants)
The entire iPhone 16 lineup (when it launches). But here’s the catch: Apple Intelligence features are only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. So while most users will get the new look and many features, some of the AI magic is exclusive to newer hardware.
