Apple launched iOS 26 to the general public at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference occasion in early June, and since then, has been sprucing the software program with builders for the eventual beta launch. Now that it is lastly obtainable for everybody to check, it’s possible you’ll be questioning if it is value diving straight into or ready for the official software program launch — seemingly someday in September. That is what we’re right here to reply.
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To set the stage, Apple’s iOS 26 affords a refreshing new look, extra streamlined first-party app layouts, extra functionalities throughout fashionable providers, and a few smaller Easter egg options that significantly improve your iPhone’s usability. My ZDNET colleague Kerry Wan and I’ve been testing the general public beta (through Developer Beta 4) for the previous few weeks, and listed below are our largest takeaways to this point.
1. Visible Intelligence is nearly prepared for primetime
After I first examined Visible Intelligence on iOS 18, I primarily used the function to translate signage and menus when touring overseas. In comparison with competing multimodal instruments on other phones, the function was noticeably barebones. Nevertheless, I discovered myself utilizing it extra usually on iOS 26, because of the power to higher course of on-screen data and observe up with related duties.
Particularly, having the ability to add a calendar occasion from my electronic mail has been a blessing. Apple now lets you take a screenshot of an invite (whether or not from electronic mail, messages, or the rest) and run Visible Intelligence on it. This means the choices to Add to Calendar, Learn Aloud, and Summarize. Utilizing the primary possibility creates an occasion within the Calendar app with particulars reminiscent of occasion title, time, and length.
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Whereas each Kerry and I discover Samsung’s AI Choose and Google’s Circle to Search simpler to acknowledge on-screen gadgets and carry out features based mostly on AI options, some customers will want that Apple’s AI service additionally enables you to save screenshots for future reference.
You may, after all, delete the screenshot proper after an occasion is created, however the strategy of taking a screenshot after which ready for options to indicate the ‘Add to Calendar’ possibility is one thing that presently requires greater than splendid time.
It might be nice if I may allow on-screen Visible Intelligence with a press (or double press) of the Digital camera Management as an alternative of taking a screenshot.
2. Apple fastened the Images app, fortunately
The Cupertino tech large redesigned the iPhone’s Images app in iOS 18 final 12 months and touted it as “the biggest-ever redesign.” Over the course of 2024, I, like many others, by no means acquired used to the brand new UI and virtually all the time felt pissed off when trying by way of my trip pictures. Apple listened to person suggestions to provide us an up to date format, and I like it.
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The brand new Images app is now compartmentalized by Library and Collections, so if I scroll to the tip of my library, it would not robotically present any excellent folders. As a substitute, these have been moved to a separate Collections tab. General, the app interface seems to be cleaner and would not frustrate me anymore. Fewer pathways are required to entry sure albums, bringing iOS 26 nearer to the burdenless software program expertise we have come to anticipate from Apple.
Whereas we’re on this word, the ZDNET group has agreed that the power to rapidly rework just about any nonetheless picture into one with spatial depth is the “gimmicky” function we love essentially the most. It is enjoyable, simple to make use of, and works reliably effectively — now greater than ever, on the general public beta. It is the identical know-how that provides lock display wallpapers that gyroscopic portrait impact.
3. A simplified Digital camera format
The most important app redesign in iOS 26 is a simplified Digital camera app format. Apple now offers you two choices for Video and Photograph on the backside, the place you possibly can swipe as much as reveal extra settings like Flash, Dwell Photograph, Timer, and extra. These can be discovered by tapping the settings button on the top-right nook.
You may press, maintain, and drag to vary to different modes like Cinematic Video, Portrait, and many others. At first, I discovered the brand new look too minimal for my style; even when you’re accustomed to all of the instruments and settings within the digital camera app, there is no clear indication — like a menu button or broaden image — of how you can entry them. I might think about that extra informal customers will wrestle, at the least at first, to seek out sure settings.
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Having a extra minimalist design does provide the advantage of a quick and responsive UI, which is a serious benefit for photographers and customers trying to seize fast pictures.
Hiding extra of the interface additionally makes framing and capturing topics simpler. My colleague Kerry lately went on a visit to Barcelona and Lisbon, two cities stuffed with structure and tilework with Mediterranean affect. He discovered the revamped digital camera app very intuitive when rapidly switching between photograph and video modes and framing scenic views. When each little element on buildings, streets, and statues issues a lot, the power to simply see how issues match throughout the viewfinder was appreciated.
4. Safari will get the largest Liquid Glass remedy
Safari’s new Liquid Glass-enhanced look makes a giant distinction for studying and searching internet pages. Apple’s browser on iOS 26 not solely seems to be higher however is extra usable than earlier than. For instance, the emphasis on minimizing distracting UI means what was beforehand a two-row menu on the backside (which took up a superb portion of the online web page) is now merely a floating three-button navigation bar — which incorporates the again button, URL bar, and three-dot button.
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The nav bar minimizes while you scroll by way of an online web page, and switching from one tab to a different with a swipe feels sooner than ever. I additionally love that Apple bundled the extra internet web page choices in a three-dot menu, which homes shortcuts like Share, Add to favorites, Add Bookmark too, and many others.
Certainly one of our favourite new Safari options is the introduction of haptic queues. For instance, you may really feel a mild buzz when a picture or file has efficiently downloaded from the online browser, whereas earlier, it will seem as a hidden notification. These delicate software program tweaks go a good distance, a lot in order that my colleague Kerry has switched again from primarily utilizing Chrome on his iPhone.
5. Our favourite lock display function is…
I’ve waited for this function for years, and it is lastly right here. No, it is not the expandable clock widget that adapts to the wallpaper. Neither is it the power to now place ticker widgets on the underside half of the display.
As a substitute, it is the truth that while you cost your iPhone now, iOS 26 shows the estimated battery charging time. It is a small contact, however one which proves surprisingly helpful, giving me glanceable information on precisely when my iPhone can be totally charged after I’m quick on time. I am additionally a fan of the refreshed album art work, which now fills the whole lock display when streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, and different providers.
Bonus: Utilizing my AirPods as a Digital camera distant
As a solo traveler, there are occasions after I miss having my Apple Watch — which I usually go away at residence to scale back charging wants — when I’ve to report or seize a picture of myself. However now, I can set off video recording wirelessly with my AirPods Professional 2.
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Apple’s iOS 26 lets you begin recording video in Digital camera by urgent and holding on AirPods or AirPods Professional with the H2 chip. It ought to come particularly helpful for content material creators and other people like me preferring carrying an analog watch to an Apple Watch.
Take into account that all of the options talked about right here may change earlier than the steady launch later this 12 months, together with how they’re accessed, how they appear, and the way they work. Even so, iOS 26 is shaping as much as be one of the crucial vital updates to Apple’s working system in years, and we will not wait to see what extra shoppers assume within the close to future.
