iOS 26 Beta: Every New Feature Announced for Apple’s Next iPhone Operating System

At WWDC25, Apple unveiled iOS 26, a transformative update for the iPhone that introduces a stunning redesign, advanced AI integration, and a suite of new features aimed at enhancing user experience. The iOS 26 developer beta 1, released on June 9, 2025, offers a glimpse into what promises to be one of Apple’s most significant software updates in years. With a public beta expected around July 15, 2025, and a full release slated for September 15, 2025, iOS 26 is set to redefine how users interact with their iPhones. Here’s a detailed look at every new feature announced in the iOS 26 beta, based on the latest information from web sources and posts on X.

A Bold New Look: Liquid Glass Design

The standout feature of iOS 26 is its complete visual overhaul, dubbed the “Liquid Glass Design.” Moving away from the flat, minimalist aesthetic introduced with iOS 7 in 2013, iOS 26 embraces a sleek, transparent look inspired by visionOS, the operating system powering Apple’s Vision Pro. The interface now features frosted glass effects, smooth animations, and a modernized UI that feels both futuristic and intuitive. This redesign touches nearly every aspect of the system, from the home screen to core apps, giving the iPhone a fresh, cohesive appearance that aligns with Apple’s evolving design language.

Apple Intelligence: AI at the Core

Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI framework, takes center stage in iOS 26, bringing smarter, more personalized experiences to the iPhone. Key AI-driven features include:

• AI-Powered Battery Management: iOS 26 uses machine learning to analyze user habits and optimize battery life dynamically. The system intelligently adjusts power allocation to apps and processes, extending device usage without compromising performance.
• Real-Time Call Translation: Making multilingual communication effortless, iOS 26 introduces real-time translation for phone calls, allowing users to converse seamlessly across languages.
• Image Playground in Messages: This creative feature lets users generate unique, conversation-specific background images for chats in the Messages app, adding a personalized flair to interactions.

Messages App: Smarter, More Social

The Messages app receives significant upgrades in iOS 26, making it more functional and user-friendly:

• Live Translation in Chats: Group chats and FaceTime calls now support real-time translation, breaking down language barriers for global communication.
• Polls Creation: Users can create polls in group chats to streamline decision-making, perfect for planning events or settling debates.
• Unknown Sender Filtering: To combat spam, iOS 26 filters messages from unknown contacts, keeping your inbox clean and focused.
• Enhanced Group Chat Features: Improved organization and interaction tools make group conversations more manageable, though specific details are still emerging.

Phone App: Streamlined and Spam-Proof

The Phone app gets a practical refresh in iOS 26, focusing on convenience and privacy:

• Hold Assist: This feature notifies users the moment a live agent picks up during a call on hold, saving time and reducing frustration.
• Time-Saving Call Management: While specifics are limited, Apple has introduced new tools to make call handling more efficient.
• Screening for Unknown Calls: Enhanced spam protection filters out unwanted calls, ensuring only relevant communications get through.

Camera App: Faster, Smarter Photography

The Camera app in iOS 26 has been streamlined for quicker access to controls and improved capture options. The updated interface simplifies adjusting settings like exposure and focus, making it easier to snap the perfect shot. While exact details are sparse, the changes aim to enhance both casual and professional photography experiences.

Photos App: A Fresh Take on Memories

The Photos app receives a redesign in iOS 26, with a new layout that improves organization and browsing. Users can expect a more intuitive way to navigate their photo and video libraries, making it easier to find and relive memories. Specific enhancements, such as new editing tools or AI-driven curation, are hinted at but not fully detailed in available sources.

Maps: Smarter Navigation

Apple Maps gets a boost in iOS 26 with new features for navigation and exploration. While the specifics remain under wraps, the updates promise to make discovering new places and planning routes more seamless, continuing Apple’s push to rival competitors like Google Maps.

CarPlay: Enhanced In-Vehicle Experience

CarPlay sees five new features and changes in iOS 26, though exact details are not fully disclosed. These updates aim to improve integration with vehicles, offering a smoother and more connected driving experience. Expect enhancements to navigation, media playback, and vehicle controls.

Apple Music: A Better Listening Experience

Apple Music in iOS 26 introduces new features to enhance music discovery and playback. While specifics are limited, the updates focus on making it easier to find new tracks, curate playlists, and enjoy a more personalized listening experience.

Wallet App: Small but Meaningful Tweaks

The Wallet app receives minor updates in iOS 26, improving usability and functionality. Though details are scarce, these changes likely streamline payment processes and enhance integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple Games App: A New Hub for Gamers

A brand-new Apple Games app debuts in iOS 26, offering a dedicated space for gaming on the iPhone. This app curates games, provides recommendations, and creates a seamless gaming experience, catering to both casual players and enthusiasts.

Genmoji: Personalized Emoji Creation

iOS 26 introduces Genmoji, an AI-powered feature that lets users create custom emojis tailored to their preferences. Whether for fun or to express a specific mood, Genmoji adds a creative twist to messaging.

Lock Screen: Subtle Customization Updates

The lock screen in iOS 26 sees minor changes, likely related to customization or functionality. While specific details are not fully outlined, users can expect small tweaks that enhance the lock screen’s flexibility and aesthetic.

Keyboard: A MacOS-Inspired Refresh

The iOS 26 keyboard gets a visual and functional overhaul, adopting a MacOS-inspired design. The new look is cleaner and more modern, with improvements to typing accuracy and user comfort, making texting and writing more enjoyable.

Journals App: More Creative Freedom

The Journals app in iOS 26 gains new customization options, including enhanced scrapbooking features and thematic designs. These updates make journaling more engaging, allowing users to personalize their entries with greater creativity.

AirPods Integration: Seamless Translation

iOS 26 enhances AirPods functionality with features like Live Translations, activated via stem-squeeze gestures. This makes it easier to communicate across languages while using AirPods, further integrating the accessory into the iPhone ecosystem.

Spam Protection: Keeping Your iPhone Secure

Building on existing privacy features, iOS 26 bolsters spam protection with advanced filtering for calls and texts. These improvements ensure a safer, less cluttered communication experience, giving users greater control over their interactions.

Availability and Compatibility

The iOS 26 developer beta 1 was released on June 9, 2025, with the public beta expected around July 15, 2025. The full release is projected for September 15, 2025, and will be available as a free update for compatible iPhones. While specific device compatibility details are not fully disclosed, some features, particularly those tied to Apple Intelligence, may require newer hardware to function optimally.

Final Thoughts

iOS 26 represents a bold step forward for the iPhone, blending a stunning new design with powerful AI capabilities and thoughtful app enhancements. From the Liquid Glass aesthetic to real-time translation and Genmoji, the update is packed with features that cater to both productivity and creativity. As the beta process continues, additional refinements and details may emerge, but iOS 26 already promises to be a game-changer for iPhone users.