iOS 26 Tutorial: Discovering the Latest Features

iOS 26 is here, bringing a slew of exciting updates and enhancements to the iPhone experience. This tutorial will guide you through the key features and how to make the most of them.

1. New Design Overview: Liquid Glass

iOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, a stunning new design that combines translucency and reflectivity. The interface is more expressive yet familiar, making it easy to adapt to while enjoying a fresh look.

• How to experience Liquid Glass:
• Update your iPhone to iOS 26.
• Open any app or system feature to see the new design in action.
• Notice how elements like buttons and windows have a translucent, glass-like appearance.

2. Apple Intelligence: Smarter and More Private

Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into iOS 26, offering powerful features while maintaining privacy.

Live Translation

• What it does: Enables real-time translation of text, speech, and even conversations.
• How to use:
• Open the Messages or Notes app.
• Type or paste text in any language.
• Tap the Translate button (a globe icon) to see the translation.

Genmoji

• What it is: A feature that lets you create custom emojis based on text descriptions.
• How to use:
• Open Messages.
• Type a description of the emoji you want (e.g., "a smiling cat").
• Tap the Genmoji button (an emoji face icon) to generate your custom emoji.

Image Playground

• What it does: Allows you to generate unique images using text prompts.
• How to use:
• Open Photos or Notes.
• Tap the Image Playground button (a paintbrush icon).
• Enter a description of the image you want to create and see the results.

3. Phone App Updates

The Phone app has been redesigned to make communication easier.

Unified Layout

• What it offers: Combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails in one place.
• How to use:
• Open the Phone app.
• Swipe through tabs to access Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails.

Call Screening

• What it does: Helps eliminate interruptions by gathering information from callers.
• How to use:
• When you receive a call, you may see a prompt asking if you want to screen the call.
• Tap Screen Call to let iOS gather information from the caller before you answer.

Hold Assist

• What it does: Notifies you when a live agent is available during a call on hold.
• How to use:
• During a call, if you’re placed on hold, iOS will alert you when a live agent is ready.
• Tap Return to Call to reconnect.

4. Messages App Enhancements

The Messages app is now more interactive and intuitive.

Screening Messages from Unknown Senders

• How to use:
• Open Messages.
• Tap ** Filters ** (top left corner).
• Enable Unknown Senders to view messages from unknown numbers.

Custom Backgrounds

• How to use:
• Open a chat in Messages.
• Tap the i (info) button at the top right.
• Select Change Background to choose from pre-designed options or generate one using Image Playground.

Generating Polls

• How to use:
• Open a chat in Messages.
• Type a question in the message field.
• Tap the Poll button (a bar chart icon) to create a poll.
• Send the poll, and participants can vote directly in the chat.

5. CarPlay Updates

CarPlay is now more beautiful and functional.

Compact View

• What it offers: A simplified view for calls, messages, and maps.
• How to use:
• Connect your iPhone to CarPlay.
• During an incoming call or message, you’ll see a compact view.
• Tap to expand for more details.

Widgets and Live Activities

• What they offer: Quick access to information like navigation, music, and more.
• How to use:
• Connect your iPhone to CarPlay.
• Add widgets for apps like Maps or Apple Music to your CarPlay interface.
• Use Live Activities to track real-time updates (e.g., sports scores or delivery status).

6. Apple Music Improvements

Apple Music now offers even more ways to enjoy your music.

Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation

• How to use:
• Open Apple Music.
• Play a song with lyrics.
• Tap the Lyrics tab to see translations or pronunciation guides.

AutoMix

• What it does: Seamlessly transitions between songs using on-device intelligence.
• How to use:
• Play a song in Apple Music.
• Tap the Mix button (a puzzle piece icon) to generate an AutoMix playlist.

7. Apple Maps: Visited Places and Route Optimization

Apple Maps is smarter than ever.

Visited Places

• What it does: Helps you remember places you’ve been.
• How to use:
• Open Maps.
• Tap your profile picture in the top left corner.
• Select Visited Places to see a list of locations you’ve visited.

Route Optimization

• How to use:
• Open Maps and enter a destination.
• Allow Maps to access your location and routing preferences.
• Maps will suggest your preferred route and notify you of any delays.

8. Apple Wallet Updates

Apple Wallet is now more convenient.

Installment Payments and Rewards

• How to use:
• Open Wallet.
• Add a credit card or other payment method.
• When making a payment, look for the option to use installments or rewards.

Refreshed Boarding Passes

• What it offers: Real-time updates for flights.
• How to use:
• Add your boarding pass to Wallet.
• Open Wallet on the day of your flight.
• Tap your boarding pass to see real-time updates (e.g., gate changes or delays).

9. Apple Games: Your Gaming Hub

iOS 26 introduces Apple Games, a new app for gamers.

What it offers:

• A single destination for all your games.
• Friends lists, achievements, and game recommendations.

How to use:

1. Open the Apple Games app.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Browse or search for games to download or play.
4. Use the Friends tab to connect with other players.

10. Installing iOS 26

How to Update:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General, then Software Update.
3. If iOS 26 is available, tap Download and Install.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

11. Device Compatibility and Availability

• iOS 26 is available for iPhone 11 and later.
• Apple Intelligence features require supported devices (e.g., iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max).
• The update will be available as a free software update this fall.

With iOS 26, your iPhone becomes more intuitive, helpful, and delightful to use. Explore these features and enjoy the enhanced experience!