Apple has released its new operating system, iOS 26, expected to be the most significant update in a decade, for iPhone and iPad devices. Alongside the "Liquid Glass" design, which provides a transparent, glass-like appearance, iOS 26 will include smart tools for call management, real-time translation, and major improvements in Messages. On the iPad, a new window system and apps brought from Mac devices will turn the iPad into a personal computer-like experience.
On the iPhone, iOS 26 will offer a range of innovations designed to simplify daily life. One of them is Live Translation – a built-in real-time translation service. This means users will be able to hold phone calls, FaceTime calls, or text conversations with people speaking different languages and receive instant translations. The service relies on Apple Intelligence, the company’s internal artificial intelligence, and aims to make language barriers a thing of the past. Apple has not yet revealed how translations will be executed directly on the iPhone, but demonstrated the new feature on the AirPods Pro 3, which translate any language in real time.
Another key addition is Call Screening – real-time call filtering. Similar to the solution introduced by Google on Pixel devices, Apple allows users not to answer calls immediately. Instead, a voice assistant will ask the caller for the reason for the call and display the response as live text on the screen. The user can then choose whether to answer, filter, or send a message. This is a significant tool in an era where spam and telemarketing calls have become increasingly common.
In the Messages app, new features will include creating group polls directly within the chat and customizing chat backgrounds. These additions are based on user requests over the years and are intended to make the messaging experience more diverse and interactive.
Another intriguing innovation is the Games app, which will gather all installed games on the device and allow sharing gaming experiences with friends. Apple is attempting to enter a space dominated by platforms like Steam and Epic Games, with the idea of providing the iPhone and iPad with a built-in gaming hub to facilitate game organization and management.
Additionally, iOS 26 introduces new integration with the Firefox browser: A feature called "Shake to Summarize." When the user shakes the device while reading a web page, the browser will generate an automatic summary of the content. The Wallet and CarPlay areas have also been upgraded. The digital wallet will include enhanced authentication options and support for new services, while CarPlay will offer an improved interface with smarter notifications during driving.
On the other hand, iPadOS 26 also receives a revolutionary update. The biggest change is the new window system. Instead of working with Split View and Slide Over, which existed until now, Apple offers a computer-like interface where apps can be resized, freely moved on the screen, and minimized or closed as needed. This further narrows the gap between the iPad and a laptop.
The iPad will also include additional apps previously exclusive to Mac, such as Journal, which allows writing a personal diary with Apple Pencil support; Preview for viewing and editing PDF files; and Phone, which supports the new call filtering. Additionally, the Games app will arrive on the iPad, providing the same smart gaming hub known from the iPhone.
The Files app will be upgraded with enhanced organization options: Users will be able to change columns in list view, quickly filter files, and customize folders with colors and icons. Apple Pencil support will make working with files a more interactive experience, especially for professional users.
Another important innovation is Local Capture – the ability to record separate, high-quality video and audio from different apps. This means users can, for example, record video calls or podcasts directly on the iPad and export them in advanced formats such as HEVC and FLAC. This is a particularly powerful tool for content creators.
iPadOS will also integrate Apple Intelligence capabilities, including tools for creating custom Genmoji, Image Playground for creative image editing, and Live Translation like on the iPhone. Integration with Shortcuts is expected to allow a more efficient workflow.
Not all devices will be able to enjoy the new features: Apple announced that iPadOS 26 will require at least an A12 processor, so older iPad models, such as the seventh-generation iPad, will not receive the update.