Apple launched iOS 26 to the general public at its annual Worldwide Builders Convention occasion in early June, and since then, has been sharpening the software program with builders for the eventual beta launch. Now that it is lastly obtainable for everybody to check, you could be questioning if it is price diving straight into or ready for the official software program launch — possible someday in September. That is what we’re right here to reply.
To set the stage, Apple’s iOS 26 gives a refreshing new look, extra streamlined first-party app layouts, extra functionalities throughout in style providers, and a few smaller Easter egg options that enormously 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 here are our largest takeaways to date.
1. Visible Intelligence is sort of 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 different telephones, the function was noticeably barebones. Nevertheless, I discovered myself utilizing it extra usually 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 permits you to take a screenshot of an invite (whether or not from e mail, messages, or anything) and run Visible Intelligence on it. This means the choices to Add to Calendar, Learn Aloud, and Summarize. Utilizing the primary choice creates an occasion within the Calendar app with particulars corresponding to occasion title, 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 capabilities based mostly on AI solutions, some customers will choose that Apple’s AI service additionally permits you to save screenshots for future reference.
You possibly can, in fact, delete the screenshot proper after an occasion is created, however the technique of taking a screenshot after which ready for solutions to point out the ‘Add to Calendar’ choice is one thing that at the moment requires greater than perfect time.
It might be nice if I may allow on-screen Visible Intelligence with a press (or double press) of the Digicam Management as a substitute of taking a screenshot.
2. Apple mounted the Images app, fortunately
The Cupertino tech large 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 received used to the brand new UI and virtually all the time felt annoyed when wanting by way of my trip photographs. Apple listened to person suggestions to provide us an up to date format, and I find it irresistible.
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 robotically present any excellent folders. As a substitute, these have been moved to a separate Collections tab. Total, the app interface appears 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 anticipate from Apple.
Whereas we’re on this word, the ZDNET staff has agreed that the flexibility to rapidly rework nearly any nonetheless picture into one with spatial depth is the “gimmicky” function we love probably the most. It is enjoyable, straightforward 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 Digicam format
The largest app redesign in iOS 26 is a simplified Digicam app format. Apple now provides you two choices for Video and Photograph on the backside, the place you may swipe as much as reveal extra settings like Flash, Reside Photograph, Timer, and extra. These will also be discovered by tapping the settings button on the top-right nook.
You possibly can press, maintain, and drag to alter to different modes like Cinematic Video, Portrait, and many others. At first, I discovered the brand new look too minimal for my style; even should you’re aware of all of the instruments and settings within the digicam app, there isn’t any clear indication — like a menu button or develop image — of tips on how to entry them. I might think about that extra informal customers will battle, 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 seeking to seize fast pictures.
Hiding extra of the interface additionally makes framing and capturing topics simpler. My colleague Kerry just lately went on a visit to Barcelona and Lisbon, two cities full of structure and tilework with Mediterranean affect. He discovered the revamped digicam 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 flexibility to simply see how issues match inside the viewfinder was appreciated.
4. Safari will get the largest Liquid Glass therapy
Safari’s new Liquid Glass-enhanced look makes a giant distinction for studying and shopping internet pages. Apple’s browser on iOS 26 not solely appears 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 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.
The nav bar minimizes while you scroll by way of an internet 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.
One in every of our favourite new Safari options is the introduction of haptic queues. For instance, you may really feel a delicate buzz when a picture or file has efficiently downloaded from the online browser, whereas earlier, it will seem as a hidden notification. These refined 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 is not 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 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 will likely be totally charged after I’m quick on time. I am additionally a fan of the refreshed album art work, which now fills your complete lock display screen when streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, and different providers.
Bonus: Utilizing my AirPods as a Digicam distant
As a solo traveler, there are occasions after I miss having my Apple Watch — which I usually depart at dwelling to scale back charging wants — when I’ve to file or seize a picture of myself. However now, I can set off video recording wirelessly with my AirPods Professional 2.
Apple’s iOS 26 permits you to begin recording video in Digicam 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 may change earlier than the secure 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 vital important updates to Apple’s working system in years, and we will not wait to see what extra shoppers suppose within the close to future.
