Every year around September, iPhone users get excited — it’s update season. This time, Apple has rolled out iOS 26, and it’s not your usual “fix a bug here, tweak a menu there” kind of update. Think of it as a full makeover for your iPhone. The way your screen looks, the way you manage calls, even how you chat in different languages — everything feels refreshed. It’s Apple’s way of saying, “Hey, your iPhone just got a little smarter and a lot prettier.”
A Fresh Look with Liquid Glass Design.
Think back to when Apple launched iOS 7 and completely changed the iPhone’s look with that flat design — it felt like a huge jump back then. Well, iOS 26 is giving us that same “wow” moment again. Apple is calling this new style Liquid Glass, and honestly, it does feel like your screen has been given a glossy, see-through finish. The menus and icons appear brighter, smoother, and slightly futuristic. Sure, not everyone enjoys drastic changes, but if your iPhone’s old look was starting to feel stale, this update will definitely feel like a breath of fresh air.
Real-Time Help: Apple Intelligence Steps Up in iOS 26
Apple’s AI—officially called Apple Intelligence—is now built right into iOS 26. Imagine chatting on FaceTime or in Messages and having live translations happen instantly, without needing any extra apps. Or simply asking your phone to explain what’s on your screen, without the hassle of copying and pasting. It’s these little but powerful touches that make everyday tasks feel effortless and smarter.
Top 20 New Features Of iOS 26 Updates.
1. Liquid Glass Design
iOS 26 introduces a stunning “Liquid Glass” look that makes your iPhone feel fresh and modern. Everything from app icons to the Control Center has a smooth, glassy appearance, giving your phone a dynamic and premium feel.
2. Apple Intelligence
Your iPhone just got smarter. Apple Intelligence is like having a mini assistant inside your phone—helping you with translations, suggestions, and understanding what’s on your screen without any extra apps.
3. Genmoji
Want a more personal touch in your chats? Genmoji lets you create custom emoji characters to reflect your mood or personality.
4. Live Translation
Now you can talk to anyone, anywhere. Whether in Messages, FaceTime, or phone calls, your iPhone can translate conversations in real-time, making communication across languages effortless.
5. Image Playground
Turn ordinary photos into artwork. With Image Playground, you can apply styles like anime, watercolor, or oil painting, transforming your photos into something truly unique.
6. Call Screening
Tired of spam calls? Your iPhone can now answer unknown calls for you, screen them, and even give you a summary—so you only pick up the important ones.
7. Hold Assist
No more sitting on hold forever. Hold Assist lets your iPhone keep your spot in a queue and notifies you when it’s your turn—saving you time and frustration.
8. Smart Reminders
Forgetful? No worries. iOS 26 can now suggest reminders from your emails, messages, or calendar, so you never miss an important task or deadline.
9. Message Polls
Group decisions just got easier. You can now create polls directly in Messages and let everyone vote—perfect for planning events or making quick decisions.
10. Tapbacks In Messages
Respond faster with a simple tap. Tapbacks let you react to messages with a quick emoji or reaction, keeping conversations flowing naturally.
11. Automix In Apple Music
Enjoy smoother listening. AutoMix automatically balances volume across different tracks, so you won’t get sudden spikes or dips while playing your playlist.
12. Enhanced CarPlay
Driving is now safer and more intuitive. The new CarPlay interface offers easier navigation, media controls, and app integration while keeping distractions to a minimum.
13. Adaptive Power
Your battery just got smarter. Adaptive Power learns your daily habits and adjusts performance to extend battery life without you having to lift a finger.
14. Improved Photos App
Your memories look better than ever. The Photos app now has a cleaner layout, enhanced editing tools, and even lets you create spatial scenes from your pictures.
15. AirPods Camera Remote
Capture the perfect shot remotely. Press and hold your AirPods to control your iPhone camera—ideal for selfies or group photos without asking someone else to take it.
16. New Games App
Gaming just got more fun. The redesigned hub replaces Game Center, offering easier access to your games, achievements, and friends’ activity.
17. Enhanced Accessibility Features
Apple continues to be inclusive. iOS 26 improves Braille support, reading customization, and motion cues—making iPhones more usable for everyone.
18. Multiple Journal Entries
Keep your thoughts organized. You can now create and manage multiple journal entries, making reflection, note-taking, or planning much easier.
19. Refined Lock Screen
Your lock screen feels alive. The clock adjusts dynamically based on your wallpaper, and photos come to life with subtle 3D effects—making the first thing you see every day feel personal.
20. Spam Filtering
Say goodbye to unwanted interruptions. iOS 26 filters spam calls and messages using smart algorithms, keeping your notifications clean.
Some Things Users Aren’t Loving
1. Siri Update Missing
A big disappointment for many is that Siri didn’t get the expected upgrade. People were hoping for smarter, more capable Siri features, but that update didn’t arrive, leaving some users a bit underwhelmed.
2. Getting Used to the New Look
The new Liquid Glass design looks stunning, but it can take some time to get used to. Translucent icons and dynamic effects are beautiful, yet they can feel a little confusing or distracting at first.
3. Older Devices Left Behind
Unfortunately, iOS 26 isn’t available for older iPhones like the XR, XS, and XS Max. Users with these devices might feel left out, especially since their phones are only a few years old.
How to Easily Update Your iPhone to iOS 26.
Step 1: Backup Your iPhone
Before you update, make sure all your important data is safe. This includes photos, contacts, apps, and settings—just in case something goes wrong during the update.
• iCloud Backup:
1. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → “Back Up Now”
• Computer Backup:
1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC
2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) → “Back Up Now”
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Step 2: Connect to Wi-Fi and Charge
• Make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network
• Keep your battery at least 50% charged, or better yet, plug it in while updating
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Step 3: Check for the Update
1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update
2. Your iPhone will automatically check if iOS 26 is available
3. If it is, tap “Download and Install”
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Step 4: Enter Passcode & Accept Terms
• Enter your passcode if prompted
• Read and accept the Terms & Conditions
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Step 5: Download & Install
• Once the update downloads, your iPhone will automatically start installing it
• Your phone will restart, and here you go—iOS 26 is ready to use!
⚠ Why the Green Screen Might Happen
A few things can cause your iPhone screen to turn green after updating:
• Software Glitches: Sometimes new updates bring unexpected bugs that can mess with your display.
• Compatibility Issues: Older iPhones might struggle a bit with the latest iOS, which can lead to screen problems.
• Hardware Quirks: In some cases, hidden hardware issues only become noticeable after a software update.
How to Fix the Green Screen Issue
If your iPhone screen has turned green after updating to iOS 26, don’t worry—there are a few ways to fix it:
1. Force Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes a simple restart can solve a lot:
• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
2. Check for Software Updates
• Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
• If there’s a new update, install it—it might include fixes for display issues.
3. Reset All Settings
• Go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings.
• This resets system settings to default but won’t erase your data, so your photos and apps stay safe.
4. Restore Your iPhone Using Recovery Mode
• Connect your iPhone to a computer and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
• Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode and select Restore.
• Important: This will erase all data, so make sure you have a backup before doing this.
5. Contact Apple Support
• If the green screen persists, reach out to Apple Support—they can guide you through more advanced fixes or hardware checks.
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Extra Tips
• Don’t Downgrade iOS: Going back to an older version isn’t recommended—it can cause more issues and isn’t officially supported by Apple.
• Keep an Eye on Performance: After updating, monitor how your iPhone is running. If anything seems off, report it to Apple Support right away.