What the Tech: iOS 26
Apple is getting ready to release iOS 26, and whether or not you plan to buy the new iPhone, your current device is about to feel completely different. The new operating system is packed with features that will impress some users and frustrate others. Here is a closer look at what’s coming.
One of the biggest changes is the appearance. Apple calls it Liquid Glass, a design that makes icons look translucent and as if they are floating in 3D. It gives the phone a sleek, modern look, but some users may find it a little harder to see certain elements on screen. There are also more customization options, including a redesigned clock that blends into your wallpaper instead of covering it. You can even enlarge the clock on both the lock screen and home screen for better visibility.
The camera app has been redesigned for simplicity. Instead of swiping between photo and video modes, a new tap-to-select menu makes it easier to switch settings quickly.
The phone app is also getting changes. Calls flagged as spam will be sent to a separate folder so they don’t ring your phone, but there is a trade-off. Voicemails and missed calls are now tucked into a different menu, which might take some getting used to.
One of the most impressive new tools is call screening. When you receive a call from someone who is not in your contacts, iOS 26 will answer first, ask the caller to state their name and reason for calling, and then let you decide whether to pick up or send them to voicemail.
Live translations could be a game-changer for many people. On FaceTime, captions appear in real time as someone speaks in another language. On regular phone calls, translations are spoken back to you. While not perfectly instant, this feature makes communicating across languages much easier for families, friends, and even business calls.
And for a smaller but welcome change, Apple is adding new ringtones. If you are tired of the default “Reflection” tone that everyone uses, the new “Alt 1” option will help your phone stand out from the crowd.
iOS 26 represents a major shift for iPhone users, from a bold visual redesign to powerful tools that make calls and communication more seamless. It may take time to adjust to some of the changes, but the new features make this one of the most significant updates in years.
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