At the recent Worldwide Developers Conference held at Apple Park, exciting advancements for Apple users were revealed, featuring the new iOS 26, anticipated to roll out later this year, likely in mid-September alongside the next iPhone launch. This update marks a departure from Apple’s traditional versioning system, opting instead to name updates by year, with 2026 signified as version 26.
The company describes iOS 26 as its most significant design shift yet, introducing a fresh “liquid glass” aesthetic that enhances the appearance of menus, button bars, and borders without drastically altering the overall look. Apple has acknowledged critiques regarding the rollout of its AI features, promising that enhancements are on the way. Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, described the current AI capabilities as a foundational step towards tailored user experiences.
New features include a call-screening option that routes unknown calls for identification before they reach the user, displaying the caller’s name and purpose. SMS filtering will also be enhanced to ensure important messages are not lost amid unsolicited ones. Moreover, a waiting mode for calls on hold allows users to be notified when an operator is available, improving convenience.
iOS 26 aims to streamline communication further, introducing intelligent suggestions in group chats, such as polls for event planning. For multilingual users, real-time translation in text messages or calls now features prominently, allowing seamless conversations across various languages.
Additionally, the Phone app is set for a meaningful redesign, making it easier to access favourites and summarise voicemail messages—this may be a notable shift for long-term iPhone users. After considerable backlash surrounding last year’s changes to the Photos app, Apple is reinstating the “Library” option in iOS 26 alongside the more contemporary “Collections” feature.
Overall, the updated design language will also extend to other devices such as Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPad, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to a cohesive experience across its ecosystem. As the tech giant refines its integration of AI and user interface, iOS 26 promises to enhance functionality and accessibility for millions of Australians.