iOS 26: the truly useful new features and app improvements

iOS and iPadOS 26 were announced at WWDC on June 9, 2025. As was expected, Apple released both of them on September 15, 2025. The new operating system for the mobile part of the Apple ecosystem delivers a substantial redesign, more than a handful of new features, and noticeable enhancements for the widely used core apps.

It really is a major update, and not only because of the brand new Liquid Glass look, which is considered the most dramatic UI change since iOS 7. It feels like Apple’s software engineers approached this iteration of the system as a house renovation project: keep the general frame, but replace and improve everything that can be safely replaced and improved. In this piece, we collected the new features and improvements of the indispensable apps that really make a difference for most users in their daily lives.

Call Screening

Call Screening is a new feature that arrived in iOS 26. Its purpose is to give users more control over calls, enabling them to avoid wasting time on spam, automated communications, and fraud attempts.

Call Screening:

automatically intercepts calls from unknown numbers;
asks such callers to identify themselves and tell why they are calling;
transcribes the answers, submits them to the phone owner, and lets them decide whether to take the call or not.

At the time of the rollout, the feature supports nine languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese. It is not enabled by default, you have to switch it on in Settings → Apps → Phone → Screen Unknown Callers (choose the preferred behavior there).

Adaptive Power Mode

There are many cases of artificial intelligence being used for totally insane purposes. Luckily, those are fewer than AI applications that yield real benefits. One of the latter is the Adaptive Power Mode introduced in iOS 26: it tasks AI with under-the-hood adjustments (based on user behavior and recent usage patterns) that don’t have a visible effect on the device’s performance but extend its battery life considerably.

Adaptive Power Mode is enabled in Settings → Battery → Power Mode. There is an Adaptive Power toggle there. Once enabled, it requires no further inputs from the user. Since the feature requires Apple Intelligence to function, it is only available on iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.

New features in Messages

Messages got a rather major overhaul in iOS 26; here are the really important additions (not just some backgrounds and the like bells and whistles):

Polls. Now you can create Polls in Messages, much like you have been able to for some years now in other popular messaging apps.
Apple Cash integration. You can now send/receive funds within group chat conversations, quickly and easily.
Live translation. Yes, it’s not limited to voiced conversations: Apple Intelligence will translate text messages for you, too.
Natural language search. Starting from iOS 26, you don’t have to strain your memory typing to remember the exact wording of a message: Messages will find whatever you need (files and photos included) based on a natural language query. Just type what you need.

New features in Safari

Safari in iOS 26 got leaner, more effective, and safer. Here are the noticeable improvements:

Liquid Glass. Safari now has translucent toolbars and rounded buttons, but the improvements here go beyond the looks: the browser’s tab bar is more compact, and it collapses when the user scrolls, which is convenient. There are also multiple toolbar layout options available.
Advanced fingerprinting protection. Now you’re protected from browser fingerprinting in all modes, not just when browsing in Private. This means less tracking by websites and, hopefully, fewer annoying ads.
Improved tab management and gestures. Safari lets you swipe on the URL bar to switch tabs or enter tab view, which makes multitasking a more fluid process. Moreover, some space has been freed up by tucking several toolbar buttons behind a menu (in Compact layout).

New features in Apple Maps

Apple Maps is one of those apps we usually take for granted, without realizing that such services actually lean on an infrastructure that literally extends into outer space. In iOS 26, Maps got a few meaningful improvements:

Proactive notifications. This is a really handy one. Apple Maps learns your regular routes, like daily commutes, and sends you alerts about delays or incidents on these routes before you set out. The feature goes beyond notifications and suggests alternate paths.
Turn-by-turn directions. These are now in a smaller pop-up bar rather than on top of the screen, covering part of the map. This may sound minor, but makes a big difference in terms of usability.

Proactive notifications are an opt-in feature; Maps will suggest enabling it once you update to iOS 26.

New features in Wallet

With iOS 26, Wallet, thanks to the improvements added to it by Apple, has grown into a considerably bigger deal than it used to be:

Order tracking. Wallet can automatically keep tabs on your shopping if allowed to scan emails for order numbers and tracking info. The feature is enabled by Apple Intelligence, which means it’s available on iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.
Digital IDs. Thus far, this one is reserved for US citizens. Wallet can now store a US passport that is, presumably, a legally acceptable ID at TSA airport checkpoints, apps, and in-person locations.
Apple Pay installments. This one is handy, but requires involvement of a third party, like Affirm. Basically, you can now choose to not pay the whole sum in one go and break it into installments, all without leaving your Apple Wallet.

So, there you have it, a subjective list of new functionalities and features that iOS 26 gives us. Stay tuned for more!