Apple has today rolled out the public beta for iOS 26, but it’s wise to have a strategy in place before proceeding with the installation. This newest iteration of iOS brings forth a fresh design language, improvements in quality of life, AI enhancements, and more. Although this piece won’t delve into every new feature, here are some key additions to check out once you’ve set up the public beta.
The 5 Top New Features to Experience in the iOS 26 Beta
Liquid Glass
Revealed at WWDC earlier this year, Liquid Glass is Apple’s innovative design language for iOS 26. It alters app icons and UI components to imitate liquid and glass, featuring animations that replicate fluid movement along with a glassy, see-through texture. Additionally, you can tailor widget appearances to match your tastes.
Updates to the Phone App
iOS 26 reimagines essential applications like Phone, Messages, and Photos. The Phone app consolidates Recents, Voicemails, and Favorites onto a single screen. A newly added call screening function responds to calls by inquiring about the caller’s identity and reason for calling. Hold Assist alerts you when a representative is available during customer service calls.
Enhanced Messages Features
The Messages app now boasts functionalities such as polls in group conversations, typing indicators, and personalized chat backgrounds, improving group chat experiences.
Photos App Revamp
The Photos app undergoes a major overhaul with a streamlined interface featuring just two tabs: Library and Collections, making navigation and organization more straightforward.
Live Translation
iOS 26 brings forth advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, including Live Translation in Messages, phone calls, and FaceTime, facilitating conversations in various languages, even if the other party does not possess an iPhone.
Honorable Mention: New Genmoji Creation Tools, Powered by ChatGPT
iOS 26 presents fresh tools for crafting custom Genmoji utilizing ChatGPT, accessible on newer iPhone models. These tools enable users to blend emojis, Genmoji, and descriptions to design distinctive images.