iOS 26 Features: The Ultimate Epically Awesome Guide to Apple’s AI

We’re heavily invested in all things Apple - including Apple TV on Android.. but nothing gets the blood pumping like a massive, total-system overhaul. Forget the rumors, forget the speculation. iOS 26 features are here, and this isn't some minor tweak. This is the ultimate epically awesome shift that changes everything about how you use your iPhone. This update is pure fire, packed with AI, a brand-new fluid look, and features that make your device smarter and more secure than it’s ever been. We’re going balls out with attitude to give you the only breakdown you need. Get ready to update.

The iOS 26 features update is the ultimate software reset:

You know what iOS is - it's the operating system that makes your iPhone a killer piece of gear. It’s what handles the apps, the calls, the security, and everything that makes your phone tick. Every year, Apple drops a new version, and the name usually lines up with the version number. But this time? Apple went balls out and skipped a ton of numbers.

Why'd they jump straight to iOS 26? Simple. Apple changed their naming convention to match the year. It's about consistency across all their gear, which is a total pro move. This update isn't just about a new number, though. It's a total reset. It brings the heavy-duty design of visionOS - their headset software - right to your phone. We're talking about a unified, powerful experience. This massive shift needed a huge number to match the huge features inside. It’s a clean break from the past. It’s here to show you that what you're holding isn't just an old phone with a paint job, it's a serious, redesigned weapon.

You bet they are. Look, we know the tech world is full of noise. Every company screams that their latest thing is the ultimate, awesome update. But iOS 26 features actually deliver. They’re not just small fixes. This update is a huge step for two main reasons - design and intelligence.

First, you get the Liquid Glass design. This isn't just a shiny look; it makes your phone feel faster, more fluid, and more intuitive. It’s a total visual power boost. Second, you get Apple Intelligence. This is the AI we've been waiting for - it's built into the core of the OS. It’s on-device power that keeps your data locked down and private. It lets your phone do heavy-lifting tasks instantly. This is the difference between having a fast phone and having a phone that’s actually smart. You'll shave time off your daily grind, create content faster, and lock down your privacy. The features aren't just good; they make your daily life kick butt.

You want to know if you're in. We keep it simple. If your iPhone has an A13 Bionic chip or newer, you’re getting the iOS 26 features update. That’s a serious list of phones ready to take on the world - they include:

• iPhone 11 Series

• iPhone 12 Series

• iPhone 13 Series →Hold up → The iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max debate just got interesting. The 13 Pro Max still gets all the modern AI tools

• iPhone 14 Series

• iPhone 15 Series: Thinking about an upgrade? The iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comparison shows both - and now they run on this powerful OS. 

• iPhone 16 Series:

• iPhone 17 Series:

• Other Models: iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer, iPhone 16e, and iPhone Air.

If you’re on that list, you just got handed a brand new phone experience.

Alright, so let’s look at the visuals. This iOS 26 feature is a stellar change. Apple calls it Liquid Glass. It’s optical quality glass with actual fluidity. It moves in real time.

This isn't a wallpaper. This is dynamic design. It’s a total system facelift that runs at full, uncompromising speed. It feels faster. Zero lag. It’s a truly awesome look.

Everything you touch is enhanced. All the buttons, the sliders—they come alive. This makes simple taps feel premium now.

Navigation bars in apps like Mail float. They morph when you need them. It's pure efficiency.

Editing text is faster. Finding the command you need is instant.

Search is easy to reach. It sits at the bottom of the screen. No more stretching. Huge win for daily use.

You get total control. Moving your text cursor is flawless.

Stop worrying about garbage apps for style. It's all built right in. This is final control.

App icons are totally reworked. They're multiple layers of Liquid Glass. They pop.

You get total control over the look. Personalize your icons and widgets with any colored tint. Go for the all-clear glass look. It’s pure class.

The Matched tinting feature is a total pro move. It automatically matches the color to your iPhone's color. In an all-out battle of the Apples, we’ve seen first-hand that these deep customization options matter. It's about total system integration.

This is the new standard. Apple Intelligence is the AI blast we've been waiting for. It’s not some slow cloud system. This intelligence works on your device. Your data stays private. The performance is instant.

You get power without compromise. It’s baked right into the OS core to run the whole show. This is how your iPhone finally becomes the smartest device you own. Total utility.

Language barriers are finished. They're totally shut down. You get instant, clear communication now. This is a massive win for going global.

Your texts and calls get smart. Messages translate automatically. Phone calls? You get spoken translations instantly. FaceTime adds captions. Global chat is simple again.

The ultimate power move? AirPods Nearby. Use your AirPods for real-time translation when talking to someone near you. Perfect for travel. You just walk and talk.

Your iPhone now understands exactly what’s on your screen. It can take action instantly. This is pure AI utility. You want it? You get it.

Hit the screenshot buttons. Visual Intelligence pops up. It works in any app.

You can search deep. See a cool object? Ask ChatGPT about it right there. This feature ends wasted time.

Now, check this out - Instant Events. Tap a date on screen. All the details go straight to your calendar. This saves massive time. When we learned how to connect the Apple Pencil to the iPad, we were excited about new interactions. This level of automation is even better. It’s total control over your digital life.

Even the shortcuts are faster and smarter now. Forget your old automation rules. This is serious speed.

New Intelligent Actions can summarize text or even create images. They tap straight into the Apple Intelligence models. The response is instant. You get total, immediate power.

You can create serious workflows now. This is an awesome utility. You get the desktop power you need, right in your hand. This is professional control on your phone.

This update is a creative explosion. It puts instant, high-quality image and emoji generation right in your hand.

Ditch the basic emojis. They're done. Genmoji lets us mix and create new icons on the fly. This is pure, immediate creation power.

Turn a simple text description into a Genmoji. Even cooler, mix existing emojis to create something totally new. Want a focused, fire-breathing dragon? It's done instantly.

You can even customize people now. Adjust the hairstyle or facial hair for Genmoji inspired by your photos. That’s total creative control.

This is the fastest way to crank out visuals. It's perfect for flexing on social media. This feature ends wasted time.

We get total control over the look. Now for the engine. Create images using ChatGPT right in the Image Playground. This gives us new styles like Watercolor and Oil Painting. Need something fast? Tap Any Style. It handles the heavy lifting.

This tool even ties into messaging. Create custom images for your Messages Backgrounds. It’s a total visual upgrade. When it comes to iPhoneography, these tools give you the ability to create, edit, and share unique content instantly. This is a content factory in your pocket. This is how you win on every platform.

You use these apps constantly. The iOS 26 features below make them faster, more personalized, and stops interruptions dead in their tracks.

Your Lock Screen should look as serious as your gear. This update delivers total custom control.

Check out Adaptive Time. The clock moves dynamically, keeping your subject clear. Music looks incredible now. Tap the album art for immersive, animated artwork.

Here's the major flex: Spatial Scenes. Move your iPhone. Your 2D wallpaper comes alive with a serious 3D depth effect. Your phone doesn't just look new. It moves new.

The Phone app is now fully armed against unwanted calls. Your privacy is locked down.

Look at Call Screening. This feature is pure gold for privacy. Your phone screens unknown calls for you. It stops spam colds.

Stop wasting time on hold. Hold Assist keeps your place in line. Voicemails get smart, too. Apple Intelligence summarizes them instantly.

You're always in total control of who can reach you. When it comes to Apple’s security features, even the iPhone 13 running this update gets a serious shield against call spam. This is security for the win.

It's the small, smart details that really make an update feel complete. iOS 26 features are packed with these serious quality-of-life updates below:

This is the smart tech you need. It’s called Adaptive Power Mode. It conserves battery life automatically when you're pushing your phone to the limit. Note this one: it’s available on the iPhone 15 Pro and later models.

Stop guessing how long you need to wait. Your battery settings now show you the exact charge time. When your iPhone isn’t charging as fast as you expected, you won't be stuck waiting around blindly.

The battery UI is better now. You see which apps use the most juice. Get real data. Knowledge is power.

Your camera is smarter. Your phone tells you if the lens is smudged with a Lens Cleaning Hint. No more ruined shots.

You get hands-free power. Use your AirPods Remote. A simple press snaps a photo or starts video recording.

Need to lock in? Turn on Ambient Sounds from the Control Center. It instantly blocks distractions. Protect your hearing, too, with the new Volume Control toggle.

That classic hack is still here: Back Tap Power. If you’ve ever wondered how to run a custom shortcut with a quick double or triple-tap, the Back Tap feature gives you that instant physical control.

You get total command over the noise now.

If you're a Dual SIM user, listen up: you get a new Focus Filter based on the SIM line. That’s serious control over your work and personal life.

This update gives you a massive shield against interruption. Even when you want to master notifications on an iPhone like a pro, this update delivers the granular controls you need. You set the rules. You're the boss now.

Your communication and navigation tools are faster and more reliable now with these iOS 26 features:

Your chats get a serious upgrade. Personalize conversation backgrounds. Make them look killer.

Need a fast decision? Send a Poll in iMessage. Apple Intelligence suggests one when you need it.

We dig this: the new Draft Filter. Find all your unfinished messages instantly. You won't lose your thoughts.

Search is intuitive. Use natural language to find content fast. You get Text Filters to sort senders. Total control over your conversations.

This app is finally keeping up. Your phone learns your Preferred Routes. The Maps widget shows trip previews instantly. It thinks ahead for you.

Search the way you talk. Use Natural Language Search. Maps deliver. You get control over the road, too. Easily report closures and traffic while driving. Stay informed.

Security is faster now. See every single change in your Password History. It’s a full security file right there.

Logging in is faster. Verification Code AutoFill works instantly.

Check out Wallet. It pulls together all your Order Tracking details. Apple Intelligence keeps everything organized. That’s why we consider accessories - like our Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand that keeps your phone powered on-the-go necessary hardware. You need to keep that smart software powered up.

iOS 26 brings pure performance to your ride and your gaming sessions with these iOS 26 features:

This app is finally ready for the open road. The Liquid Glass look is sharp. It’s clean. And it’s fast.

Here’s the huge safety win: the Compact Call UI. You see your map. You don't lose your direction. Widgets and Live Activities pop right up. You get real-time updates. You already know when you’re hitting the road, you can count on our iPhone car phone mounts, because our system is built for this kind of secure, high-utility use. It's all about total command when you drive. Own the road.

The gaming experience just leveled up. Hard. The Game Overlay gives you instant access. Adjust settings, connect with friends, check updates. You don't leave the game. It keeps the flow going.

The visuals are better. MetalFX Frame Interpolation makes your games sharper and faster. That’s pure speed. Setup is easy. Pair your DualSense controller with your iPhone automatically. This is serious gaming on your phone. Get in the fight.

This software is intense. It's fast, smart and beautiful, but none of that matters if you drop your phone. You have serious hardware. It demands serious protection. Around here, no matter what model you’re rocking, we’ve got some of the most protective cases for it… because we design for the real world. We don't mess around.

You don't take chances with your gear.I mean, we all know there’s big benefits to an iPhone 15 case, especially when it's running something this complex and powerful.

Our iPhone cases - in Rugged, Crystal, and more - for the most popular models out there are built tough. They meet military drop-test standards. We keep that stunning Liquid Glass display safe.

No matter what you think of the new iOS 26 features, the top magnetic cases for iPhone users are something that delivers true utility. Our industrial-grade magnet system gives you instant mounting and total security.

Our Mounts - for your car, bike, motorcycle, and more are built for action. Our mounts hold your phone securely. You get rock-solid access whether you're using the new Maps Preferred Routes or just watching a video.

This is the required insurance plan for your new, powerful OS. You wouldn't put cheap gas in a race car, so don't put a flimsy case on a phone running a beast like iOS 26. Protect the mission.

The debate is over. iOS 26 features are fully loaded. And hey, this is the truth - we ain’t lying. It's the biggest overhaul we've seen in years. You get raw power from Apple Intelligence. You get silence from Call Screening shutting down spam. You get the stunning, fast Liquid Glass look.

No doubt, this update delivers full control. Forget the glitches. If you’ve ever wondered how to soft reset an iPhone, you know weak software is the reason. This OS is rock-solid. You're getting an epic level of power.

You have this speed now. You need gear built for this level of action. We build the equipment that keeps up. Get one of our iPhone cases , Mounts or accessories that are for-the-win whether you’re on your next adventure or doing the daily grind.

When you roll with the best, you can even ROK iPhone military cases for tactical protection you can take to the bank, because your equipment is the mission. Update now. Lock your phone down with Rokform. Go use it.

• Top 9 Apple iPhone Accessories

• 7 Unique Phone Cases

• Can You Use an Apple Watch with an Android Phone? The Truth About Cross-Platform Compatibility

• Which iPhones Have Wireless Charging?