It's that time of year again: iPhone users (and curious Android users, including myself) are huddled in front of their monitors to see the spectacle that is WWDC. There's often no telling what Apple will unveil at its annual worldwide developer conference as far as software is concerned. But now that the keynote is over, we have the full picture of how iPhone interactions will look by the end of this year, when iOS 26 (rebranded from iOS 19) is officially released.
Also: How to watch Apple WWDC 2025 keynote: What to expect with iOS 26, Siri, AI
Looking through the best new features on iOS 26, one thing is certain: AI has taken a backseat (less flashy, but still useful), and practicality is back in front. From the way users interact with group chats to how they pay with their phones, the upcoming version of the iPhone software is all about streamlining daily experiences and giving existing users more reasons to stick to Apple's apps and services.
I've broken down all the new features below, listed in no particular order, so you know what to expect, whether you're about to dive into the developer beta of iOS 26 or are hanging in there for the official version come September.
The big story with iOS 26 and all the other operating system updates announced at WWDC this year is the new Liquid Glass appearance. Inspired by the physicality of VisionOS, app icons, settings, and other various user interface elements now have a translucent, glass-like design.
Also: What is Liquid Glass? Here's everything we know about Apple's major UI overhaul at WWDC
"Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software engineering.
With the optical quality of glass and the fluidity that Apple hardware can achieve, the new software design reacts to how you tap, swipe (with some interfaces minimizing or expanding), and even hold your phone. The colors of Liquid Glass react to the various colors on your screen.
To accommodate the design change, popular app icons like Messages, Phone, and Camera have received visual updates. More generally, toolbars and tabs have been redesigned into rounded menus instead of the usual drop-down lists. This promotes a less intrusive and distracting experience when navigating the software.
Also: Every iPhone model compatible with Apple's iOS 26 (and which ones aren't)
Lastly, building on the foundation of iOS 18's icon themes, Liquid Glass introduces a transparent icon finish.
The lock screen now features a time and date widget made of Liquid Glass. App icons have also been designed to be easier to distinguish and more contrastive with the wallpaper underneath.
A new dynamic lock screen widget changes the clock size as you change wallpapers, expanding itself if there's more unused real estate. Spatial scenes can also be generated from your lock screen wallpapers to create more depth and realism as you move your iPhone from side to side.
The new camera app is getting a more streamlined design, with video and photo capturing toggles front and center. A swipe to the side reveals more unique shooting modes like spatial recording, while tapping on the settings at the top of the app reveals multiple toggles at once, such as FPS and resolution.
Relatedly, the Photos app has been updated to feature separate tabs for Library and Collections.
Apple Intelligence will detect when a poll makes sense in a group chat thread and suggest one to help you make a decision. Users within the group can still modify the poll should they not be satisfied with what's been suggested.
Another feature that's new and desperately needed on iOS: Apple is introducing real-time text translation. The iPhone will automatically detect and translate incoming text messages in non-English languages, so that they appear in English when you view them.
Also: How to send and receive Apple's iMessages in Windows
Conversely, iOS 26 will also enable your iPhone to translate outbound messages into your desired language, a feature previously available only on competing platforms and services.
Group chats are finally getting text indicators, allowing you to see who is actively typing. Incoming text messages will also receive Apple Intelligence-powered screening, with spam and messages from unknown senders filtered out into a dedicated tab.
Lastly, you can set background photos in group chats or even generate one with Apple Intelligence.
iOS 26's Liquid Glass theming is being converted into CarPlay, too, with light and dark mode options available. When users receive a phone call or text messages, they appear as smaller notifications on the dashboard to reduce distractions.
You can also now respond to text messages with Tapbacks or access pinned conversations for a more purposeful user interface.
Also: CarPlay's iOS 26 makeover is almost here: 3 new features coming to your dashboard
Live Activities can also be displayed beside your Maps navigation, so you can stay up to date with flight timers, deliveries, and more.
CarPlay Ultra will also receive this design overhaul, though the software remains limited to select premium models.
The Phone app is getting an Apple Intelligence makeover, with voicemail summaries appearing in the main screen, alongside the new unified layout -- your Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails will all appear on the same page now.
Also: Apple's secret sauce is exactly what AI is missing
Call Screening automatically screens and responds to unknown calls. Once the caller responds, you can read their response and decide whether to pick up the call. While the feature has existed on Android devices for years now, we'll have to see if Apple's interpretation is any more reliable.
The new Hold Assist feature is essential when you've been put on hold by a live agent and want to be notified when they've returned to the call. Now, instead of leaving the usual elevator music on speaker, the iPhone will alert you when it's time to resume the call, so you don't have to wait on the line.
The iPhone will now learn your preferred navigations and travel paths to prioritize those. If there are alternate routes available, you'll now receive a notification as you're driving. You can also enable your iPhone to track your visited locations. The information is end-to-end encrypted and can easily be removed with a swipe.
Apple Wallet is also becoming more capable across the board, from how you pay to how to access information about your purchases.
For example, you can now store a digital version of your passport, which doesn't necessarily replace your physical passport but will be helpful when you need to verify your age or identity at TSA checkpoints.
Also: How to use Apple Pay in stores and online (and why you should)
On your digital boarding pass, you'll also be able to tap into Maps for a 3D view of your terminal and airport floor plan.
The Apple Pay terminal now displays several ways to purchase a product, including installments and rewards points based on your credit card.
Wallet now uses merchant and delivery emails to summarize tracking details at a glance.
A new Apple Games app bundles all the titles available on your iPhone and through your Arcade subscription, providing quick access to various games. There's even a section dedicated to multiplayer games and leaderboards, allowing you to compete with your friends and contacts.
Apple kicked off the Monday keynote with Apple Intelligence and how it's being improved in 2025.
This year, the languages supported by Apple Intelligence will be expanded, as well as the devices that will run the software. Apple is also opening up a new Foundations Models framework, which gives developers direct access to the various language models that are used in Apple devices -- many of which are on-device for cost-efficient developing and enhanced privacy.
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