iOS 26 brings a redesigned interface called Liquid Glass, new calling and messaging tools, Apple Intelligence features, and updates to Apple’s apps. Apple released it as a free update on September 15, 2025, for iPhone 11 and later, so you do not need a new iPhone just to install it. Some features—especially Apple Intelligence additions—have narrower device, language, and regional availability.
What changed in iOS 26?
Apple previewed iOS 26 on June 9, 2025. The announcement focused on a new visual design and changes to communication, Apple Intelligence, and built-in apps. This is an overview of those announced features, not a complete changelog for every later iOS 26 update.
Liquid Glass redesign
Liquid Glass is Apple’s translucent visual material for system elements. It reflects and refracts its surroundings and appears in controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and other parts of the system. The Lock Screen also gains adaptive time presentation and spatial scenes. Apple describes Liquid Glass as the central design change in iOS 26. Apple’s iOS 26 announcement explains the redesign.
Apple Intelligence additions
Apple announced Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, plus visual intelligence that can respond to or search for items displayed on screen. Apple also describes Live Translation with supported AirPods paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. These capabilities are not available on every iOS 26-compatible iPhone: Apple applies additional device, language, and regional requirements. Check Apple’s feature announcement for the applicable availability details.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What’s new in Phone and Messages?
Call Screening and Hold Assist
Call Screening can screen calls from unknown numbers. Hold Assist can remain on a call while you wait for a live agent to become available. These tools are intended to reduce the need to answer every unfamiliar call or listen through hold music. Availability can vary by region.
Messages screening, polls, and backgrounds
Messages adds an option to screen messages from unknown senders, along with polls and conversation backgrounds. Screening is a choice rather than a requirement, so you can decide whether it suits how you handle messages.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What’s new in Apple’s apps and CarPlay?
- Apple Music: Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation help users understand and sing along with songs in other languages.
- Apple Maps: Visited Places lets users keep track of places they have been.
- Apple Wallet: Order tracking adds a way to follow eligible purchases.
- Apple Games: A new app brings games together in one place.
- CarPlay: Updates include a compact incoming-call view, Messages Tapbacks, widgets, and Live Activities.
Apple’s announcement describes these app and CarPlay changes; their availability and behavior can depend on region, language, app, or service support.
When did iOS 26 come out, and which iPhones support it?
Apple announced iOS 26 on June 9, 2025, and released it as a free software update on September 15, 2025. Apple lists iPhone 11 and later as compatible with the update. That broad compatibility does not mean every feature works on every supported model: Apple Intelligence features have additional compatible-device requirements, and Apple notes that some features may not be available in all regions or languages. See Apple’s release announcement for the release and eligibility information.
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Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
If you are deciding whether to upgrade your phone, separate the software update from the features you want: an iPhone 11 or later can install iOS 26, while some Apple Intelligence features require a newer compatible device. Apple introduced iPhone 17 featuring iOS 26, but buying a new phone is not necessary simply to get the update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from the announcement
Apple’s June and September 2025 announcements describe the major feature groups and compatibility boundaries, not every change in every later iOS 26 release. For the most relevant expectations, check Apple’s current feature availability information for your device, language, and region before relying on a specific capability.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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