(Vietnam Insider) – In the early hours of September 16, Apple officially released iOS 26, calling it one of the most significant software upgrades in the iPhone’s history. The update introduces sweeping changes to both design and functionality, setting the stage for the next era of iOS.
Liquid Glass Design Language
For the first time, Apple has rolled out a unified design language across its platforms called Liquid Glass, inspired by the look and feel of visionOS. The system interface and app icons now feature a transparent, glass-like aesthetic with refreshed visuals for core apps such as Camera, Photos, Safari, Phone, and FaceTime. Both the Lock Screen and Home Screen gain new customization options.
“This is the biggest design update we’ve ever delivered,” said Alan Dye, Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design. “Liquid Glass brings glass-like elements across the entire iOS interface, from the dock to the lock screen, and will guide our design direction for years to come.”
AI Enhancements and Smarter Apps
Alongside the visual overhaul, iOS 26 upgrades many built-in apps. The Camera app sports a cleaner, more intuitive interface, while the Phone app adds call screening to help manage incoming calls when users are busy. Messages now supports custom chat backgrounds and in-app polls.
Apple has also expanded Apple Intelligence, its AI suite, across more areas. Users can translate conversations in real time through Live Translation, available in Messages, Phone calls, and FaceTime. The Genmoji feature lets users merge two emojis to create new ones, going beyond simple text prompts.
Other Apple services, including Music, Maps, and Wallet, also receive significant refinements designed to make everyday use smoother and smarter.
Gaming and Visual Intelligence
iOS 26 debuts a dedicated Games app, giving users centralized access to their App Store game library. A “Play Together” tab highlights what friends are playing and includes leaderboards for friendly challenges.
Another major feature, Visual Intelligence, leverages AI to understand what’s on the iPhone screen. For example, a screenshot of a jacket on social media can be used to search for shopping links, while a screenshot of an event can be converted directly into a Calendar entry.
Availability and Supported Devices
Apple confirmed iOS 26 will ship with the new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models this fall, likely coinciding with the iPhone 17 launch in September. The update will also be available for older devices, including the iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 series, and the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
To update, users can go to Settings → General → Software Update on their iPhone.
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Source: Vietnam Insider