Apple launched iOS 26 to the general public at its annual Worldwide Builders Convention 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 accessible 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.
To set the stage, Apple’s iOS 26 affords a refreshing new look, extra streamlined first-party app layouts, extra functionalities throughout in style providers, and a few smaller Easter egg options that vastly improve your iPhone’s usability. My ZDNET colleague Kerry Wan and I’ve been testing the general public beta (by way of Developer Beta 4) for the previous few weeks, and listed below are our largest takeaways to this point.
1. Visible Intelligence is sort of prepared for primetime
Once 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 different telephones, the function was noticeably barebones. Nonetheless, I discovered myself utilizing it extra typically on iOS 26, due to the flexibility to higher course of on-screen info and comply with up with related duties.
Particularly, with the ability to add a calendar occasion from my e-mail has been a blessing. Apple now lets you take a screenshot of an invite (whether or not from e-mail, messages, or the rest) and run Visible Intelligence on it. This implies the choices to Add to Calendar, Learn Aloud, and Summarize. Utilizing the primary possibility creates an occasion within the Calendar app with particulars comparable to occasion identify, time, and length.
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 primarily based on AI strategies, some customers will desire that Apple’s AI service additionally helps you to save screenshots for future reference.
You’ll be able to, in fact, delete the screenshot proper after an occasion is created, however the technique of taking a screenshot after which ready for strategies to indicate the ‘Add to Calendar’ possibility is one thing that at the moment requires greater than ideally suited time.
It might be nice if I might allow on-screen Visible Intelligence with a press (or double press) of the Digital camera Management as a substitute of taking a screenshot.
2. Apple fastened the Images app, fortunately
The Cupertino tech big redesigned the iPhone’s Images app in iOS 18 final yr and touted it as “the biggest-ever redesign.” Over the course of 2024, I, like many others, by no means obtained used to the brand new UI and virtually all the time felt annoyed when wanting by way of my trip images. Apple listened to person suggestions to present us an up to date structure, and I adore it.
The brand new Images app is now compartmentalized by Library and Collections, so if I scroll to the tip of my library, it does not routinely present any excellent folders. As a substitute, these have been moved to a separate Collections tab. Total, the app interface appears to be like cleaner and does 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 count on from Apple.
Whereas we’re on this notice, the ZDNET workforce has agreed that the flexibility to shortly remodel nearly 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 properly — now greater than ever, on the general public beta. It is the identical expertise that offers lock display screen wallpapers that gyroscopic portrait impact.
3. A simplified Digital camera structure
The most important app redesign in iOS 26 is a simplified Digital camera app structure. Apple now provides you two choices for Video and Picture on the backside, the place you’ll be able to swipe as much as reveal extra settings like Flash, Stay Picture, Timer, and extra. These may also be discovered by tapping the settings button on the top-right nook.
You’ll be able to 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 aware of all of the instruments and settings within the digital camera app, there isn’t any clear indication — like a menu button or develop image — of how one can entry them. I would think about that extra informal customers will wrestle, a minimum of at first, to seek out sure settings.
Having a extra minimalist design does provide the good thing about a quick and responsive UI, which is a significant benefit for photographers and customers trying to seize fast photographs.
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 shortly switching between picture and video modes and framing scenic views. When each little element on buildings, streets, and statues issues a lot, the flexibility to simply see how issues match throughout the viewfinder was appreciated.
4. Safari will get the most important Liquid Glass remedy
Safari’s new Liquid Glass-enhanced look makes an enormous distinction for studying and shopping net pages. Apple’s browser on iOS 26 not solely appears to be like 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 an excellent portion of the net web page) is now merely a floating three-button navigation bar — which incorporates the again button, URL bar, and three-dot button.
The nav bar minimizes whenever you scroll by way of an online web page, and switching from one tab to a different with a swipe feels quicker than ever. I additionally love that Apple bundled the extra net web page choices in a three-dot menu, which homes shortcuts like Share, Add to favorites, Add Bookmark too, and many others.
One in all 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 net browser, whereas earlier, it will seem as a hidden notification. These delicate software program tweaks go a great distance, a lot in order that my colleague Kerry has switched again from primarily utilizing Chrome on his iPhone.
5. Our favourite lock display screen function is…
I’ve waited for this function for years, and it is lastly right here. No, it isn’t the expandable clock widget that adapts to the wallpaper. Neither is it the flexibility to now place ticker widgets on the underside half of the display screen.
As a substitute, it is the truth that whenever 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 shall be totally charged after I’m brief on time. I am additionally a fan of the refreshed album paintings, which now fills all the lock display screen 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 typically go away at dwelling to cut 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.
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 folks like me preferring carrying an analog watch to an Apple Watch.
Take into account that all of the options talked about right here might change earlier than the steady launch later this yr, 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 important updates to Apple’s working system in years, and we won’t wait to see what extra shoppers assume within the close to future.
