Apple’s iOS 26 is here with its most ambitious redesign in years, introducing “Liquid Glass” visuals, a redesigned camera app, and more AI features. But despite the hype, you might want to think twice and hold off on the update. From battery drain to confusing new UI elements, here’s everything you should consider.

Battery Drain & Overheating Issues

Shortly after the update rolled out, iPhone users began reporting unusually fast battery depletion. Many say their phones lose 20 to 40% battery charge within just an hour after a full charge. Overheating during regular use is also a common complaint. Apple claims this is partly due to background tasks like indexing and data re-optimization, but for people who rely heavily on their iPhones throughout the day, this kind of battery behavior can be a dealbreaker.

Massive Update Size & Storage Demands

Before moving to iOS 26, your iPhone likely needs to pass through iOS 18.7 if you haven’t already. Beyond that, iOS 26 requires a substantial amount of free space for download, unpacking, and installation. Users are being warned to free up at least 10GB of space. If your phone has limited storage or many large apps/data, this process can become frustrating and time-consuming. The download size alone is over 6GB, so this could be an issue for users who’ve nearly maxed out their iPhones.

UI Redesign

The “Liquid Glass” design is Apple’s new aesthetic translucent elements, dynamic visuals, and bold changes. But not everyone is happy. Key controls in apps like Camera have been moved, labels hidden in sub menus, and familiar features are less directly accessible. Users say this makes navigation less intuitive, particularly for longtime iPhone users.

Camera App Overhaul Could Be Jarring

The Camera app in iOS 26 has been redesigned in a way that hides previously visible toggles and options. For example, features like Live Photos or Exposure controls now live deeper in menus instead of being immediately visible. Users report that this increases friction when trying to adjust settings quickly. If you often use your Camera in manual or semi-manual mode, this change might frustrate you.

Bugs, Incomplete Features & Mixed Developer Feedback

As with many major OS updates, not all features are polished at launch. There are reports of CarPlay issues, Face ID problems, camera failures, and connectivity glitches. Some users feel that aspects of iOS 26 feel like beta software instead of a polished public release. Developers especially point out usability trade-offs in the redesign.

Final Verdict: Hold Off on iOS 26 Unless You’re Ready for These Changes

If your iPhone is your daily driver and you need reliability, battery life, and no surprises, it might be smarter to wait a few weeks. Let others report bugs, updates stabilize, and Apple patch the rough edges. But if you are looking to update:

• Make sure your device is backed up
• Free up plenty of storage (more than 10GB)
• Charge overnight, and avoid gaming immediately after updating
• Try toggling off controversial features (like some of the Liquid Glass / redesigned camera toggles) for better familiarity.

Upgrades are exciting, but sometimes patience gives you a better version from the start.

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Apple has officially released iOS 26, marking the most dramatic refresh of the iPhone’s operating system since iOS 7. Leading the update is the Liquid Glass interface, a translucent design language that reshapes app icons, widgets, and controls. It makes menus feel alive and adds depth to the home screen without abandoning the familiar iOS layout.

Alongside the visual overhaul, iOS 26 introduces Call Screening, which lets unknown callers announce themselves before you pick up, and Hold Assist, which waits on hold and alerts you when a real person joins. Messages gains new conversation backgrounds, polls for group chats, and an “Add Contact” shortcut.

On supported hardware, Apple Intelligence powers features such as Live Translation inside FaceTime and Messages, on-device visual search, and smarter suggestions throughout the system. Music fans can try AutoMix, which blends tracks like a DJ, while the Camera and Photos apps receive simpler layouts and search upgrades.

Which iPhones support iOS 26

Apple is cutting off a few older models this year. To install iOS 26, you’ll need an iPhone with an A13 Bionic chip or newer. That includes:

• iPhone 17 lineup (ships with iOS 26)
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 16 series
• iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020 and 2022)

Devices from 2018, such as the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, remain on iOS 18. iPadOS 26 also launches today for recent iPad Pro, Air, mini, and standard iPad models.

Prepare your iPhone

Major updates run smoothly when you prepare in advance:

Free up storage: iOS 26 needs roughly 3-6GB of free space. Delete unused apps, clear large videos, or move photos to iCloud or a computer.

Back up your data: Use iCloud Backup (Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or connect to a Mac/PC and create an encrypted backup in Finder or iTunes.

Charge up: Keep your battery above 50 percent or leave the phone plugged in.

Connect to Wi-Fi: A Stable connection avoids interruptions and data charges.

How to update to iOS 26

Once your iPhone is ready:

• Open Settings.
• Tap General > Software Update.
• Wait while your device checks for updates. When iOS 26 appears, tap Download and Install.
• Agree to Apple’s terms, then let the update download.
• When prompted, tap Install Now or wait for automatic installation.

Your phone will restart several times. Keep it charging and don’t interrupt the process.

After the installation

On the first boot, you’ll see Apple’s “Hello” animation in multiple languages. Right after that, the Tips app will introduce what’s new in the update. During the initial minutes, your device may feel slightly sluggish as it finishes indexing photos and messages in the background.

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Apple’s 2025 fall showcase, titled “Awe-Dropping”, is set for September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater. The hype behind this event is growing as the company is expected to make a series of major announcements. This includes the iPhone 17 lineup, the launch of iOS 26, next-gen AirPods Pro 3, and much more. So here’s everything we know so far.

Apple iPhone 17 Series

The highlight of this upcoming event is undoubtedly the latest iPhones. Apple is expected to release four models in the iPhone 17 lineup, bringing various upgrades to the base variants, while also adding a new entry in the annual flagship. Replacing the iPhone 16 Plus, we have the iPhone 17 Air that has an ultra slim and lightweight design. The standard option is still here, but it finally gets an upgraded 120Hz refresh rate display.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pros are being redesigned with a longer camera module, which might house a new 8x telephoto lens. This sensor is reportedly getting bumped to a 48MP sensor. Leaked renders have also revealed new color options, like a bright orange model. Apple could be going back to the aluminum frame, keeping titanium exclusive to the razor thin iPhone 17 Air.

iOS 26 & AI-Powered Siri

The Cupertino based giant first unveiled iOS 26 with the Liquid Glass UI back in WWDC. Now, the latest iPhones will likely roll out with the latest software. It is expected to get enhanced AI tools across devices and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence. Another big upgrade is to Siri, which could be powered by AI.

AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 may debut with major new features that include improved ANC, better audio quality, and longer battery life. Although, a notable new feature might be the heart rate monitoring through new built-in sensors.

New Apple Watches

The latest line of Apple Watches is expected to be announced during this event as well. Rumors have hinted at the Apple Watch Series 11 arriving alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3. The Watch 11 series are expected to get the new S11 chip and enhanced health tracking features like Sleep Score, while the Watch Ultra 3 might also get a wide angle OLED panel with a faster refresh rate. Meanwhile, the more affordable Watch SE 3 model may get a plastic body as an entry level option.

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Apple’s iOS 26 Beta 2 is here, and while it brings a host of improvements and refinements over the first beta, that doesn’t mean it’s ready for everyone. Between limited feature availability, hardware restrictions, and lingering bugs, there are several good reasons why you might want to hold off on installing iOS 26 Beta 2.

Still a Developer Beta, Not a Public One

Although iOS 26 Beta 2 is more stable than Beta 1, it’s still a developer release, not a public beta. That means it’s designed for testing, not daily reliability. You may encounter random app crashes, system slowdowns, or UI glitches. If you rely on your iPhone for work, travel, or critical communication, this isn’t the OS version you want to be running just yet.

Apple Intelligence Is Still MIA

Much of the iOS 26 hype is centered around Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s answer to AI features from Google. But there’s a catch: most of these features are locked behind hardware restrictions. Unless you’re using an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or one of the latest iPhone 16 models, you won’t get access to ChatGPT-powered Visual Intelligence, on-screen search, or the enhanced AI assistant tools. So this could be a frustrating experience for older iPhone users that use the iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 lineup.

Battery Life and Performance Issues Still Linger

The Cupertino based giant just rolled out the iOS 2 Beta 2 a day before, and there are already complaints from early adopters. Some have claimed that their iPhones have offered the worst battery life. This is due to a mix of reasons including inconsistent standby times and overheating during light use. Some background processes tied to new features have been taxing the iPhone’s chips more heavily.

While Apple has refined the beta and efficiency by passing tasks in the background, these optimizations are still not consistent across all iPhones. So you might want to consider the battery life overall before joining the iOS 26 Beta 2. There have already been issues with the general day-to-day use, with issues related to the redesigned Control Center and updated Camera app.

Better Builds Are Right Around the Corner

With Apple’s Public Beta expected in early July and a stable release coming in September, it’s smarter to wait. The public beta will likely fix many of the core bugs and be optimized for broader hardware support. If you’re not a developer and can wait for a bit longer, I’d suggest waiting before running into the current iOS 26 Beta builds.

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Apple’s unveiling of iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 has stirred up some friendly competition—Google is having a bit of fun with it. The company just released a new ad as part of its #BestPhonesForever series, and this time it’s gently ribbing Apple for introducing features Pixel users have had for years.

The short video, published on June 17, features a light-hearted conversation between a Pixel 9 Pro and an iPhone. As the iPhone excitedly lists off iOS 26’s new features—Live Translation for messages, Hold Assist, and Call Screening—the Pixel responds with calm amusement, pointing out that it’s had those capabilities for quite some time. In fact, Live Translate rolled out with the Pixel 6 back in 2021, Hold for Me appeared on the Pixel 5 in 2020, and Call Screen dates all the way back to the Pixel 3 in 2018.

The exchange ends with a sly nudge: the iPhone asks what’s coming in the Pixel 10, subtly suggesting Apple might be “inspired” again for the iPhone 17.

While the tone is playful, the message is clear—Google wants to remind users that some of Apple’s new features aren’t exactly groundbreaking in the broader smartphone landscape. Samsung, too, recently poked fun at iOS 26’s new Liquid Glass design and limited AI features, drawing comparisons to its own One UI 7 aesthetic and Galaxy AI.

On social media, reactions are mixed. Some users are enjoying the tongue-in-cheek rivalry, noting how Apple’s updates mirror features already available on Pixel or Galaxy devices. Others point out that inspiration often flows both ways, with Android occasionally adopting iOS’s design choices in return.

It’s a timely lead-up to the expected August launch of the Pixel 10 series, which is rumored to include a telephoto camera even on the base model, along with improved wireless charging.

In the end, it’s all part of the game. These playful jabs keep the rivalry interesting, and it’s a reminder that in tech, no one really has a monopoly on good ideas.

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Smartphone brands are constantly taking inspiration from one another. Android manufacturers are often inspired by the iPhone’s design elements, but Apple is usually a couple of years behind in terms of software features. The latest WWDC 2025 event had it showcased its new suite of software for its ecosystem, including the new iOS 26. Apple is finally bringing a bunch of long awaited Android features to the iPhones, so here’s what’s coming.

Visual Intelligence: AKA Circle to Search

If you’ve used Google Lens or the popular Circle to Search feature on Android, you’ll instantly recognize this one. iOS 26 introduces a new Visual Intelligence, and as the name suggests, it is an on-screen search function. It allows users to take a screenshot and search for anything visible in any app. This includes text, objects, places, or even unknown products.

While Apple was pushing its Apple Intelligence with the iPhone 16 lineup, the new Visual Intelligence is powered by ChatGPT. So newer iPhones like the iPhone 15 Pro models and the entire iPhone 16 lineup can also perform more complex tasks and answer questions using AI.

Call Screening Finally Comes to iPhones Along With Spam Detection

Pixel users have long enjoyed the ability to let Google Assistant screen unknown calls and provide a transcript before they pick up. With iOS 26, Apple introduces its own version. So now, iOS 26 can answer the call automatically when an unknown number starts ringing you. Furthermore, it will even ask the reason for the call and display the response on the lock screen.

While Android has had spam filtering for messages for quite a while, iOS 26 now routes suspected spam texts to a dedicated Unknown Senders folder. By default, iOS 26 silences all unknown messages, so they won’t pop up as notifications unless previously approved by the user. It’s a small quality-of-life feature, but one that brings iPhones more in line with the smarter, less noisy inboxes Android users already enjoy.

Live Translation Across the OS

Android users have had real-time translation in various apps for years, especially via Google Translate. Now, iPhones get the same perk. With iOS 26, Apple expands its Live Translation feature to Messages, FaceTime, and even the Phone app, making it easier to communicate across languages without needing a third-party app.

Conclusion

Apple may not have taken the lead in terms of innovation, but iOS 26 is proof that the Cupertino based giant is still trying to keep pace. By finally adding features Android users have taken for granted, iPhone users now get a more intelligent, user-friendly experience. Better late than never right?

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Apple’s new iOS 26 may look like an ordinary version jump on paper, but it signals something bigger: a fresh chapter in how iPhone software looks, feels, and acts. You can call it the most ambitious refresh to iOS in years, one that goes beyond cosmetic polish and taps into Apple’s evolving vision for AI and real-time interaction.

Apple announced iOS 26 this week at WWDC 2025, and no, you didn’t miss iOS 19 through 25. The company is aligning version numbers across its platforms, giving us iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and so on, to match the year. That alone speaks to Apple wanting its entire ecosystem to feel more cohesive. But the real story here is what’s inside.

iOS finally feels alive again

If there is one visual change you’ll notice first, it is the new Liquid Glass design. Inspired by the glassy, layered aesthetic of visionOS, Liquid Glass introduces an entirely fresh material to iOS. Everything from app icons to widgets to system controls now appears as if crafted from translucent glass, subtly refracting and reflecting what lies beneath. It makes static elements like the Lock Screen clock feel dynamic, adapting fluidly to images and space. Move your iPhone and spatial wallpapers respond with a 3D parallax effect that adds depth and dimension.

This marks an interesting evolution when viewed against iOS’s design history. Earlier versions of iOS, especially from iOS 1 to iOS 6, used a skeuomorphic design style. This approach mimicked real-world textures and materials, with many UI elements featuring a glassy, shiny, or 3D-like appearance. Buttons often looked like polished glass or plastic with highlights and reflections.

Starting with iOS 7 in 2013, Apple moved to a flat design under Jony Ive’s direction. This stripped away most of the skeuomorphic textures in favor of a flatter, more minimal aesthetic, using bright colors and simple icons. Subtle translucency effects, such as frosted glass in the Control Center and Notification Center, remained but were far more restrained.

Now, Apple has reworked app interfaces to take full advantage of this new Liquid Glass material. Safari flows edge-to-edge, shrinking tab bars to reveal more content. In apps like Music, News, and Podcasts, floating tab bars expand or shrink depending on your interaction, keeping content front and center. The Camera app also adopts a streamlined layout with hidden controls, allowing you to focus more fully on your shot.

Apple is also giving third-party developers access to Liquid Glass APIs, meaning your favorite apps could soon match this dynamic look and feel.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence isn’t entirely new, it first arrived in iOS 18. But in iOS 26, it has grown into a much smarter and more integrated part of the iPhone experience. Live Translation now works seamlessly across Phone calls, Messages, and FaceTime, translating both audio and text in real time, entirely on-device. No cloud required. You can hold a phone conversation in two different languages and both sides will follow along effortlessly.

Visual Intelligence takes the concept of Google’s Circle to Search and gives it an Apple spin. You can take a screenshot of anything — a social post, an event flyer, a product you like and ask ChatGPT questions about it or search similar items on Google or Etsy. It also recognizes event details and can suggest adding them straight to your calendar.

Apple Intelligence also now powers smarter Shortcuts and Writing Tools, auto-summarizes order tracking emails, and lets users create Genmoji, custom emoji built by combining their favorite icons and descriptions. The result is an AI layer that feels more capable and present in your day-to-day iPhone use.

Everyday apps get sharper, smarter

iOS 26 breathes new life into core iPhone apps too.

The Phone app now screens unknown calls for you. Your iPhone will answer first, ask who is calling and why, and show you the info so you can decide to pick up or ignore. Hold Assist will stay on hold for you, notifying you when a real person joins the call.

Messages gains message screening for unknown senders, typing indicators in group chats, and AI-suggested polls. You can even set AI-generated custom backgrounds for your chats.

Music gets lyrics translation and AutoMix DJ-style transitions. Maps adds Visited Places to help you track your favorite spots and suggests optimized routes for your commutes. Wallet now gives you real-time flight updates with airport maps and Find My integration.

And yes, gaming gets love too: the new Apple Games app pulls all your titles into one hub, helps you discover new ones, and shows you what friends are playing.

Designed for today’s Apple ecosystem

iOS 26 also brings its Liquid Glass aesthetic and smarter interactions to CarPlay, AirPods, and beyond. CarPlay Ultra now takes over your car’s entire display system, including climate and vehicle controls, giving you a unified, Apple-powered in-car interface.

For AirPods, you get studio-quality audio recording and even a new camera remote function that lets you snap photos or start recording with a press of the AirPods stem.

The bottom line

iOS 26 is more than a coat of fresh paint. It marks Apple’s clearest move toward an AI-integrated, visually immersive OS that adapts to how we use our devices today, while staying true to its privacy-first principles.

iOS 26 arrives this fall for iPhone 11 and later, though you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to access the full Apple Intelligence feature set. Based on what we’ve seen so far, this feels like one iOS update worth the hype.

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