iOS 26 is here: Apple reinvents the iPhone with Liquid Glass and AI ✨

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After months of leaks and beta testing, iOS 26 has finally arrived. Apple isn’t holding back this year: the update introduces a refreshed interface, a heavy dose of AI, and the much-hyped Liquid Glass effect that’s been turning heads since its first demo. Should you install it right away? Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, how it affects battery life, and which iPhones can actually run it.

Liquid Glass: a visual upgrade that redefines the iPhone 🪩

The showstopper this year is Liquid Glass, a visual effect that adds depth and translucency across menus and the lock screen. Edges ripple as you swipe, the clock adapts seamlessly to your wallpaper, and redesigned icons bring a sense of polish that feels straight out of visionOS. It’s both stylish and playful, and if the transparency feels like too much, you can dial it back in settings.

© Apple

AI at the core: genuinely useful, or just hype? 🧠

Apple is finally taking AI seriously with Apple Intelligence, now deeply woven into iOS. Screenshots become interactive: highlight text and you can fire off a Google search or run it through ChatGPT instantly. Messages and calls support real-time translation, while Reminders auto-detect tasks and surface smart suggestions. You can even generate custom images on demand. It’s a significant productivity boost — provided you’ve got a compatible iPhone.

© Apple

© Apple

The small features that could make a big difference 🎁

• Call screening: iPhone now acts like a personal assistant, transcribing unknown calls so you can decide whether to pick up. Goodbye spam.
• 3D spatial photos: turn regular shots into immersive scenes with depth effects, tailor-made for social sharing.
• Camera app revamp: faster access to controls, a cleaner interface, and even a dirty-lens warning.
• Messages glow-up: animated backgrounds, built-in polls, and auto-translation.
• CarPlay updates: customizable widgets on the left side of the dash, smoother Music/Maps/Weather integration, and a less intrusive design that keeps driving info front and center.
• Facial control: hands-free navigation using facial expressions.
• Charging estimates: plug in and see exactly how long until you’re at 100%.

© Apple

© Apple

© Apple

Battery life: the post-update dip 🔋

Yes, your battery will drain faster right after updating — and Apple admits it. For two to three days, iOS reindexes your files, refreshes apps, and optimizes AI features. That means heavier processor use, more heat, and less uptime. The good news: things normalize after the initial period, and Apple is usually quick with bug-fix patches. Pro tip: keep an eye on power-hungry apps in Settings > Battery, and don’t hesitate to enable Low Power Mode if needed.

Compatibility: who actually gets iOS 26 ? 📲

The update is rolling out to all iPhones from the iPhone 11 onward, including the 2nd-gen iPhone SE (2020) and newer. Older devices — iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max — are stuck on iOS 18.7, a security-focused build with none of the shiny new features. This year, Apple is even listing both versions side by side in Software Update, letting users choose between stability and cutting-edge.

iOS 26: bold reinvention or just a facelift ? 🚦

Liquid Glass brings a striking new look, Apple Intelligence finally shows up in everyday use, and features like call screening and 3D photos feel genuinely impactful. But the shaky battery life and limited device support will leave some users frustrated. Still, iOS 26 feels like more than just another yearly refresh — it’s the start of a new software era for the iPhone.

What about you? Does Liquid Glass win you over, or will you stick with the safer iOS 18.7? And how do you feel about AI taking over so much of the iPhone experience? Share your thoughts — we’d love to hear your first impressions.