5 Essential iOS 26 Features You Need to Try

iOS 26 brings several standout features that can significantly improve your iPhone experience. From visual upgrades to AI capabilities, this update offers both style and substance.

Here are five must-try iOS 26 features you need to know about:

1. **Get Transparent Icons with Liquid Glass**: Long-press on your homescreen and tap “Customize” to enable transparent icons. Choose from Light, Dark, Tinted, or Clear options to customize the look of your apps.

2. **Block Spam Calls with Call Screening**: Open Settings > Apps > Phone > Screen Incoming Calls and toggle on call screening. When an unknown number calls, you’ll receive a notification asking them to identify themselves before taking the call or sending it to voicemail.

3. **Add Custom Backgrounds to iMessages**: Tap the header at the top of any message conversation to access background options. Choose from Apple’s curated collections or use your own photos to personalize each conversation.

4. **Unlock Visual Intelligence with Screenshots**: Take a screenshot and press “Ask” to search for information, add events to your calendar, or find similar images. This feature uses ChatGPT to provide answers and is available for live camera views and screenshots.

5. **Create Immersive Lock Screen Scenes**: Press and hold on your lock screen to access Spatial Scenes. Select a photo and the device will apply a subtle 3D effect, making it feel more dynamic.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/5-must-try-ios-26-features-for-your-iphone-and-how-to-use-them