iOS 26 is now available for public beta testing, offering a glimpse into the upcoming features that Apple plans to include in its latest operating system. Here are five iOS 26 features that made updating my iPhone worthwhile.
1. Liquid Glass Design
The new design feature, Liquid Glass, gives the interface an artistic yet practical look by making icons appear three-dimensional and layered, while menus are semi-transparent. This aesthetic draws users in and makes navigating easier.
To experience this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. Enable “Reduce Transparency” to see a more subtle version of Liquid Glass.
2. Enhanced Camera App
The camera app has been tweaked to make it easier to access controls and settings. By default, the app shows two common modes: photo and video. To switch between modes or adjust settings, swipe left or right or press down on the control.
To customize the key settings further, tap the mode button to open a Liquid Glass menu with icons for all settings. Tap an icon to adjust it, depending on your current mode.
3. Improved Photos App
The Photos app has been redesigned to display both libraries and collections on one screen. This change resolves a previous issue where users had to swipe up and down to switch between views.
To access the new Photos app, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Photos > Albums. You’ll see two icons at the bottom: Library and Collections. Tap the Collections icon to view your photos organized by memories, albums, people, and other criteria.
4. Enhanced Screen Call Protection
iOS 26 adds a helpful new option to screen unknown calls from strangers. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers. Tap “Ask Reason for Calling” to ask the caller why they’re calling.
This feature will display information on the screen to help you decide how to handle the call. You can then answer or ignore the call.
5. One-Stop Default App Settings
iOS 26 allows users to choose default apps in one place, making it easier to set up their preferred settings. To access this feature, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps. From here, you can modify defaults for various apps, including email, messaging, and browser.
These features make a significant difference in the user experience, making iOS 26 an upgrade worth considering.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/5-ios-26-features-that-made-updating-my-iphone-worthwhile-and-how-to-try-them