Experiment with 26 new iOS beta features available to the public, don't miss out on this opportunity to explore!
In a significant leap forward for iPhone users, Apple has released iOS 26 for public beta testing. Beyond the visually stunning Liquid Glass design makeover, the latest software update brings a host of functional improvements that enhance entertainment, communication, accessibility, and financial management.
One of the standout features is the introduction of a dedicated Games app on the Home Screen, complete with a Top Played Games chart in the App Store. This chart showcases the current 25 most-played games based on Game Center activity, making it easier for users to discover new games.
Accessibility has also taken a step forward with the introduction of Accessibility Nutrition Labels in the App Store. These labels inform users which accessibility features an app supports before downloading, promoting a more inclusive app ecosystem.
Apple Intelligence has been enhanced in iOS 26, with smarter shortcuts app integration enabling on-device offline intelligence, AI-powered order tracking in Wallet, and Visual Intelligence for screenshots. These features aim to make everyday tasks more efficient and intuitive.
In the realm of communication, the Messages app now supports live translations for texts, allowing seamless cross-language conversations. Users can also create polls within chats, with Apple Intelligence suggesting the polling system when it detects a conversation going in that direction.
The Messages app also allows setting custom backgrounds for chats, which can be created on the fly using the Image Playground system. This feature adds a personal touch to conversations.
In the Phone app, users will find a unified dashboard for Favourites, Recents, and Voicemails. There's also a call screening facility to inform users about the caller's intent before they pick up. Additionally, a hold assist system handles wait times during calls and informs users of the caller's availability.
The Photos app has been simplified into two main sections: Library and Albums feed. Meanwhile, the camera app now shows only two options at the bottom for photo and video, with other modes accessible by sliding across pill-shaped controls. Each mode prominently shows granular options at the top, which open in a dashboard at the bottom of the screen.
Format and resolution options have been given their own unique place in the camera viewfinder. The camera app can now also be controlled by AirPods, and users can select specific audio inputs.
In the world of navigation, Apple Maps introduces a new feature called Visited Places, a personal log of all notable places visited by the user. All data saved in this dashboard is end-to-end encrypted for privacy.
The CarPlay interface has also received an overhaul, and the iPhone Preview app makes its debut. The software update also includes Spatial Scene mode, which converts 2D photos to a more 3D look.
These features collectively emphasize smarter AI integration, improved accessibility transparency, enhanced entertainment and communication experiences, and streamlined financial management, making iOS 26 a significant step forward for iPhone users.
Technology has play a crucial role in the advancements brought by iOS 26. From the introduction of AI-powered features like live text translations and smarter shortcuts app integration, to the simplified navigation experience offered by Apple Maps, this software update emphasizes smarter AI integration and improved accessibility transparency.
