iOS 26
Introduction
iOS 26, Every year, Apple drops a new iOS version that sparks excitement, curiosity, and sometimes frustration among iPhone users. With iOS 26, that tradition continues—but this time, Apple has pushed the visual and functional boundaries of iOS in ways we haven’t seen before.
After spending a week testing iOS 26 on my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I can confidently say this update feels different. It’s not just another “polish and patch” release—it’s a major step toward the future of Apple’s software design. But of course, not everything shines as bright as Apple’s marketing makes it sound.
Let’s break down what’s new, what’s improved, what’s buggy, and whether iOS 26 is truly worth installing right now.
The Liquid Glass Revolution
One of the most talked-about elements of iOS 26 is its “Liquid Glass” design language. Apple has gone heavy on transparent, fluid, and layered visuals that feel both futuristic and luxurious.
The moment you unlock your phone, you’ll notice how icons seem to float above the wallpaper, widgets subtly shimmer as you scroll, and menus have that soft blur effect reminiscent of macOS Sonoma.
For visual designers and detail lovers, this is a treat. The Lock Screen feels more alive, and widgets have been redesigned to match the glass aesthetic. Notifications slide in more smoothly, and animations are buttery soft.
But for some users, this new design might be a double-edged sword. In bright light or under certain wallpapers, the transparency can reduce readability. Dark-mode users have also complained that icons appear “too glowy.”
Still, I have to admit—this is the most refreshing UI update since iOS 14 introduced widgets. It feels modern, fresh, and very “Apple.”
Smarter Calls with On-Device Screening
Apple has finally taken a big leap in call intelligence. iOS 26 introduces Call Screening, which automatically detects unknown numbers and asks them why they’re calling—before your phone even rings.
This means spam and telemarketing calls won’t interrupt you anymore. Instead, Siri handles the call like a real assistant and shows you the caller’s response in text form.
I tested this multiple times, and the accuracy was impressive. The AI recognized scams, delivery updates, and even customer-service calls. It’s a small feature on paper but a huge quality-of-life upgrade in practice.
This alone might make some users upgrade immediately.
Messages App: More Fun and Organized
Apple’s Messages app has finally grown up. iOS 26 brings message reactions, polls, improved group management, and even smart filters that automatically sort unknown senders.
You can now create polls right inside group chats—great for deciding movie plans or lunch spots. And for people with busy inboxes, the “Filter Unknown Senders” feature ensures spam or OTP messages don’t clutter your screen.
Typing indicators and emoji effects have been redesigned to feel more alive. The overall chat experience feels more like Telegram or WhatsApp—but with Apple’s sleek touch.
Battery Life and the Adaptive Power Mode
One of the standout features this year is the Adaptive Power Mode. This mode intelligently adjusts background processes, refresh rates, and brightness based on how you use your iPhone.
For example, if you’re just reading articles or scrolling through social media, the system quietly reduces energy usage without affecting performance. But when you start gaming or editing videos, it kicks back to full power.
During my testing, I noticed about 10–12 % better battery life on average. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s definitely noticeable. For heavy users, this makes a difference.
However, note that this feature is exclusive to newer iPhones—the iPhone 14 series and above. Older models still benefit from general performance optimizations but won’t get the full Adaptive Power Mode experience.
App Ecosystem and Updates
Apple has also refined the built-in apps we all rely on daily.
- Safari gets smarter tab grouping and built-in translation powered by on-device AI.
- Maps now includes offline navigation, detailed 3D landmarks, and public-transport improvements.
- Music adds better lyric syncing and personalized recommendations.
- Photos introduces automatic object detection that can identify items like pets, landmarks, and even brands.
What’s particularly nice is how all of these updates feel seamlessly integrated. Unlike past versions where new features felt bolted on, iOS 26 makes every addition feel intentional.
Performance and Stability
Let’s talk raw performance. iOS 26 feels smoother than iOS 18 (the previous major update), especially when switching apps or using widgets. App launch times are slightly faster, and background tasks like photo indexing finish quicker.
That said, some users—especially those on older iPhones—have noticed slowdowns and heat issues after updating. My experience was mostly positive, but yes, the first 24 hours after installation did drain the battery faster.
That’s fairly common because iOS reindexes your files and photos after every major upgrade. The issue typically resolves within a day or two.
The Hidden Bugs and Glitches
No iOS update comes without a few unwanted guests—and iOS 26 is no exception.
Here are the bugs I and many users have reported so far:
- Keyboard Lag: Random lag spikes while typing in third-party apps.
- App Crashes: Some older apps that haven’t been updated recently crash upon launch.
- Overheating: A few iPhone 13 and 14 models heat up more than usual during heavy use.
- Wi-Fi Dropouts: Occasional connection loss while switching between networks.
- Battery Drain: Noticeable for some users even after the initial indexing period.
Most of these issues aren’t deal-breakers, but they do remind us that Apple’s “it just works” slogan doesn’t always hold true. Thankfully, iOS 26.1 is already in beta, and most of these bugs are expected to be patched soon.
The Flip Side: Not Everyone’s Happy
While Apple fans are praising the fresh UI and smarter features, there’s another side of the story.
Some long-time iPhone users feel the Liquid Glass visuals are overdone. They say the transparency makes it harder to read text and distracts from usability. Others think Apple is focusing too much on aesthetics instead of real innovation.
And then there’s the hardware limitation issue—many new features are locked behind the latest models. This leaves iPhone 12 or 13 users feeling left out.
These criticisms are valid. Apple tends to push features that make you want to buy a new phone, and iOS 26 doesn’t completely break that cycle.
Security and Privacy Enhancements
Apple’s been doubling down on privacy since iOS 14, and this year’s update adds even more control.
- App Privacy Reports are more detailed, showing when and how each app uses your camera, mic, or location.
- Face ID under different lighting conditions works faster and more reliably.
- Local Processing: More Siri commands now run offline, which means your voice data never leaves your device.
If you care about digital privacy, iOS 26 feels like one of the safest environments to stay in.
Real-World Experience
So, how does iOS 26 actually feel to use day-to-day? Honestly, refreshing.
The UI makes your phone feel brand new, even if you’re using a two-year-old device. Apps open quicker, widgets look stunning, and the new animations add a sense of depth that iOS had been missing for years.
The biggest difference for me wasn’t the flashy visuals—it was how intelligent the phone now feels. Whether it’s detecting spam calls, auto-sorting messages, or adapting battery use based on habits, iOS 26 gives off a strong “smart companion” vibe.
However, the occasional lag or heat issue can still remind you that perfection doesn’t exist—not even in Apple’s world.
Should You Upgrade? My Verdict
If you’re on iOS 18 or 19, absolutely upgrade. The design, performance, and privacy improvements are worth it.
If you’re on an older device, like iPhone 12 or 13, proceed with caution. You’ll still get the new look and most features, but battery life might take a slight hit.
And if you prefer stability above all else, you might want to wait for iOS 26.1, which will likely iron out the remaining bugs.
In short:
- Upgrade now if you love new features and don’t mind minor bugs.
- Wait a bit if your iPhone is more than 3 years old or you depend on maximum battery performance.
How It Compares to Previous Versions
Compared to iOS 18, this version feels more ambitious and creative. Apple seems to be leaning into its “premium futuristic” identity again.
Performance is more refined, and security is stronger—but it also demands more from the hardware.
In short, iOS 26 feels like the iOS 14 moment all over again—that big jump where everything just looks and behaves differently.
Internal Link Suggestion
If you’re thinking of pairing this update with a new iPhone, check out our detailed comparison:
👉 iPhone 17 Pro Max Review – Apple’s Most Ambitious Flagship Yet
Final Thoughts
iOS 26 is a bold step for Apple. It’s not perfect, but it’s confident. The new Liquid Glass design might not please everyone, yet it symbolizes Apple’s vision for the next decade of iPhone design—fluid, smart, and deeply integrated.
From smarter calls to adaptive power management, everything here feels more personalized and intelligent. Yes, there are bugs, but none that ruin the experience.
After a week of daily use, I’d call iOS 26 the most exciting iOS release since iOS 14.
If you love design, efficiency, and a touch of futuristic polish, this update is absolutely worth a try.
If you’re curious how iOS 26 performs on the latest iPhone, check out our detailed comparison on iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iphone 16 Pro Max — we’ve covered its speed, battery life, and camera performance in depth.
Quick Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Stunning new Liquid Glass design
- Smart call screening and message features
- Adaptive Power Mode improves battery efficiency
- Smoother performance and better animations
- Enhanced privacy and offline Siri
Cons:
- Some visual readability issues
- Battery drain on older devices
- Minor bugs and app crashes
- Limited access to new features on older models
Apple elevates the iPhone experience with iOS 26