As part of its presentations at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple has released iOS 26, the upcoming version of its iPhone operating system.
Along with upgrades to apps across the OS, it boasts a comprehensive overhaul using Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design language.
The announcement represents a shift in Apple’s approach to announcing significant iOS releases. The direct sequel to iOS 18, iOS 19, would have been the main release this year under the prior marketing plan. However, similar to how automakers number new car launches, Apple will henceforth number its major iOS updates according to the year after they are released.
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The overhaul is giving a number of operating system components a significant makeover. Your lockscreen’s time can enlarge to take up more screen real estate. The layout of the Camera app has been simplified; several controls are now hidden to create a clearer interface. The tab bar hovers over your content, and webpages on Safari are edge-to-edge.
A call screening tool that may answer calls and wait on calls while you’re on hold is one of the enhancements Apple is making to the phone app.
Additionally, the Messages app is receiving numerous changes, such as personalized backgrounds. Apple will provide backgrounds, but you can also use Image Playground to create your own pictures. You’ll be able to make polls, and if Apple Intelligence thinks it could be useful, it may recommend adding one. Additionally, typing signs are appearing in group conversations.
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Instead of only utilizing a written description, Apple will allow users to combine two emoji using Genmoji to create a new emoji. Additionally, Image Playground is gaining a new feature that enables you to create images using ChatGPT from OpenAI.
Additionally, Apple is introducing Live Translation—a real-time conversation translation tool driven by Apple Intelligence. All of the models it uses are on-device. For instance, the translations may take place during FaceTime chats, phone conversations, or text threads. With an API, developers will also be able to incorporate Live Translations into their programs.
Lyrics are being translated and pronounced on Apple Music. Like a DJ, AutoMix is able to switch between songs with ease. Additionally, you will have the option to pin your preferred musicians and playlists to the app’s home screen.
Your favorite routes will be recognized by Apple Maps, which will also notify you of any delays or traffic on those routes. If you would like to share your visited locations with your friends more simply, you will also be able to check back on them.
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You will be able to create a digital ID with Apple Wallet starting this fall. In addition to being updated, boarding cards will now provide access to airport inside maps. Orders placed outside of Apple Pay can be tracked by Apple Pay using Apple Intelligence.
Apple is developing the gaming app, which is solely focused on gaming. You will be able to view the Apple Arcade collection and access all of the App Store games you have downloaded. The Play Together page displays the games your friends are playing as well as challenge leaderboards amongst them.
After the release of Apple Intelligence AI features, this is the company’s second significant iOS upgrade. Some rudimentary AI features were added to iOS 18, including ChatGPT integration, Genmoji for bespoke emoji, and writing improvement tools. However, other significant promised improvements to Siri, including as the capacity to act on what it saw on your phone, were postponed until after their anticipated release.
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