iOS 26 - Every Big Feature Update!

Brief Summary

This video provides a first look at Apple's new operating system, showcasing a redesigned interface called "Liquid Glass" and several key updates across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The update includes changes to device support, battery management, camera, photos, Safari, messages, new apps, Apple Intelligence features, live translation, FaceTime, music, CarPlay, and AirPods functionality.

• New "Liquid Glass" design with translucent elements and fluid animations.
• Enhanced battery management with adaptive power and detailed usage statistics.
• Redesigned apps like Camera, Photos, and Safari with updated interfaces and features.
• Introduction of Apple Intelligence with visual search and integration with ChatGPT.
• Live translation capabilities in phone calls, messages, and FaceTime.

Everything New

Apple has released a new operating system across its devices, featuring a significant redesign called "Liquid Glass." The update is currently in beta and is expected to improve before its official release in the fall. The video aims to cover the major changes, acknowledging that the current beta version may be buggy.

Device Support

The new iOS update drops support for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max but continues to support iPhone 11 and later models. The video transitions to discussing the new "Liquid Glass" design.

Liquid Glass Redesign

The "Liquid Glass" design features translucent backgrounds that change as you move across the wallpaper. The standard iOS 26 wallpaper has been redesigned to showcase this effect. App folders have a glass look that pops in and out. The Control Center also incorporates the glass look, with fluid animations. Users can customize the appearance, including a "clear" look that affects the entire interface, though it may make it harder to differentiate apps. Tint updates and animations have also been added. Updated icons for apps like Phone and Photos have a different border or surround. The lock screen features an expanded clock that can be customized for size and thickness. Menus also have a different look, with expanding and contracting elements.

Battery Redesign and Intelligence

The battery settings screen has been redesigned with potential features like estimated time to charge. The phone may get hot during initial setup. The battery section provides information about battery usage, including a comparison to the previous day with screen active time and screen idle time. A new "adaptive power" feature allows the iPhone to make small performance adjustments to extend battery life when usage is higher than usual, such as lowering display brightness. Battery health information remains the same.

Camera

The camera app has been redesigned with a new interface. The menus are located on the side and rotate with the phone's orientation. Users can switch between different options such as raw photos and 48-megapixel mode, as well as adjust video settings like HEVC. The camera interface includes exposure and action controls, all contained within the new design.

Photos

The Photos app has been redesigned, offering options for "Library" and "Collections." Collections provide a layout similar to previous versions. Users can customize the layout and scroll through photos. The app features fluid animations. Menu options are available in the top right. Actions like deleting or sharing photos have been updated with new menus and share sheets.

Safari

Safari has been updated with a translucent design that makes the bottom menu disappear and reappear as you slide. The menu pops out, providing options for bookmarks and new private tabs. The overall look of Safari has been updated. The phone app has a new layout with options for calls, missed calls, voicemails, unknown callers, and spam, located in the upper right. Users can manage filtering options, including moving unknown callers and screening incoming calls. Cards for different contacts can be updated and pinned to the top.

Messages

Messages features all-new backgrounds that can be set for each conversation, with motion backgrounds that can be Apple Intelligence-generated. These backgrounds change across devices. The top menu includes info and a new backgrounds option. Users can select from suggestions or generate something from the image playground. Spam options similar to the phone app are available, with filtering for transactions, promotions, and spam. Typing indicators are available within groups, showing who is typing and providing summaries.

All New Apps

A new games app combines the App Store arcade with Game Center, focusing games in one area. It includes options to play against people, challenges for friends, and information on what friends are playing. A new preview app allows users to edit and change file formats, adjust size, remove backgrounds, and share or export files.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence includes updates for visual intelligence, allowing users to search based on what's on the screen. Users can highlight to search or perform an image search. The system integrates with ChatGPT to provide additional details and context.

Live Translation

Live translation is a major feature, integrated into the phone app. Users can translate to English from French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish. The system translates in real-time, speaking first in the original language and then in the user's language. This feature works in both directions and is also available in messages and FaceTime.

FaceTime

FaceTime's design and updates include options in the upper right for missed video, voicemail, and spam, as well as call filtering. The interface has been updated with a different look.

Music

In the Music app, users can pin songs or albums to the top for easy access. Live translation is also available. A new automix feature seamlessly transitions from one song to the next, similar to a DJ.

CarPlay Redesign

CarPlay receives an update to its appearance. A more in-depth look will be provided in a future video.

AirPods

AirPods receive several updates. Users with AirPods or AirPods Pro with an H2 chip can start recording video in the camera by pressing on the stem of the AirPods. The option to capture high-quality audio during video conference calls and record in high definition with the camera is also available with the H2 chipset. Beta software updates are available for AirPods.

Conclusion

The video concludes by summarizing the major updates in iOS 26, highlighting the overhaul of the design, the redesign of various apps, and the new features. The presenter expresses a positive view of the update, calling it one of the best in years. The presenter also mentions that the iPad gets huge updates as well that will be covered in separate video.