As someone who has been testing the beta version of iOS 26 for a while now, I can confidently say that this update is one of the most significant changes Apple has made to its operating system in years. The new features, design overhaul, and performance improvements make it a noteworthy upgrade, but it’s not without its quirks. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with iOS 26, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on daily use.
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Liquid Glass: A Bold Redesign
The standout feature of iOS 26 is undoubtedly the new “Liquid Glass” design. Apple has reimagined the entire OS with a material design style that emphasizes transparency, refractions, and reflections. At first glance, it’s visually stunning. The lock screen, for example, feels dynamic and alive, with elements like the extended clock that can be resized and repositioned. Notifications scroll seamlessly underneath, creating a layered effect that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Strengths of the Liquid Glass Design
- Dynamic Lock Screen: Elements such as the clock and notifications feel alive.
- Resizing and Repositioning: Users can adjust elements like the extended clock to suit personal preferences.
- Layered Effects: Notifications scroll underneath other elements, enhancing the aesthetic.
Challenges and Limitations
However, the Liquid Glass design isn’t without its challenges. While the transparency adds a unique character to the interface, it can sometimes compromise readability, especially against complex backgrounds. Apple seems to be addressing this issue in the beta updates by adding more background blurring and reducing transparency in certain areas.
For those who find the design overwhelming, there’s a “Reduced Transparency” option in Accessibility settings that tones down the effects, transforming Liquid Glass into a frosted glass aesthetic.
Personally, I’m torn. While I appreciate the innovation and attention to detail, I’ve always preferred clean, flat designs. The bubbly UI elements, like the volume slider and quick settings, feel a bit too playful for my taste. That said, I can’t deny the craftsmanship behind this redesign—it’s a bold move that sets iOS apart from other operating systems.
The Camera App: A Much-Needed Overhaul
One of the most exciting updates in iOS 26 is the redesigned camera app. Apple has simplified the interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. The shutter button, zoom controls, and mode selector are now streamlined, with less clutter on the screen.
Key Features of the New Camera App
- Streamlined Controls: Shutter button, zoom, and mode selector are less cluttered.
- Format Settings Menu: Allows selection of preferred frame rates and resolutions with a single tap.
- Hidden Advanced Settings: Less frequently used options are tucked away in a swipe-up menu.
What I love most is the new format settings menu. Instead of cycling through frame rates and resolutions repeatedly, you can now select your preferred settings with a single tap. This is a game-changer for video recording, saving time and reducing frustration.
While the reorganization is a step in the right direction, I did find it slightly harder to navigate between modes at first. The hidden options require a bit of muscle memory to master, but once you get the hang of it, the experience is smooth and efficient.
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Visual Intelligence: A Step Forward for AI
Apple’s Visual Intelligence has received a significant upgrade in iOS 26, and while it’s not perfect, it shows a lot of promise. Previously limited to identifying objects through the camera, the feature now extends to on-screen elements.
New Functionalities
- Screenshot Analysis: Take a screenshot and use tools like “Ask” or “Image Search” to gather information.
- Circle to Search: Circle an object in a screenshot and perform a reverse image search.
- Calendar Integration: Extract event details from a photo of a poster and add to Apple Calendar automatically.
One of the coolest additions is the ability to circle an object in a screenshot and perform a reverse image search, similar to Android’s “Circle to Search” feature. It’s incredibly useful when it works, but I did encounter occasional bugs and imprecise results.
Another standout feature is the integration with Apple Calendar. If you take a photo of an event poster, the system can automatically extract details like date, time, and location, and add them to your calendar. It’s surprisingly accurate, though I wish it supported third-party calendars like Google Calendar.
Overall, Visual Intelligence feels like a work in progress. It’s not as polished as some of Android’s AI tools, but the potential is undeniable. I’m excited to see how Apple continues to refine this feature in future updates.
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Phone App: Borrowing the Best from Google Pixel
The phone app in iOS 26 has received some much-needed improvements, borrowing features from Google Pixel devices.
New Features
- Call Screening: Unknown callers can record their name and reason for calling before you decide whether to answer.
- Hold Assist: Detects when you’re on hold and takes over until a human operator returns, notifying you when it’s time to resume.
- Unified Layout: Combines favorites, recents, and voicemails into a single screen.
- Cross-Device Availability: Phone app now available on iPad and Mac, syncing seamlessly.
These changes improve the overall usability of the phone app and help reduce frustrations with spam calls and hold times.
Apple CarPlay: A Massive Quality-of-Life Update
If you use CarPlay, you’ll be thrilled with the updates in iOS 26.
Key CarPlay Improvements
- Incoming calls no longer take up the entire screen.
- Ability to react to texts with Tapbacks directly from the dashboard.
- Addition of widgets and live activities for a more customizable interface.
The design has been refreshed, and while it’s not a complete overhaul, the changes are noticeable and appreciated. For those lucky enough to own a car that supports CarPlay Ultra, the experience is even more immersive, though I haven’t had the chance to test this feature myself.
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Other Notable Features
iOS 26 is packed with smaller updates that enhance the overall experience:
- Photos App: Defaults to library view, resolving a common user complaint.
- Spatial Scene Feature: Turns photos into responsive 3D images, perfect for lock screens.
- Messages Enhancements:
- Inline polls in chats
- Typing indicators for group chats
- Offline live translation
- Alarms: Customizable snooze duration.
- Battery & Charging: Shows estimated charging times.
These small yet meaningful updates improve usability across multiple apps.
Performance and Stability
In terms of performance, iOS 26 feels snappy and responsive.
Observations
- Apps load quickly.
- Animations are smooth.
- Battery life remains consistent during testing.
- Occasional bugs and crashes are present (typical for beta software).
Overall, the system performs reliably and efficiently despite being in beta.
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iOS 26: Final Thoughts
iOS 26 is a bold update that pushes the boundaries of design and functionality.
Pros of iOS 26
- Innovative Liquid Glass aesthetic.
- Redesigned and more intuitive camera app.
- Improved phone app with useful features.
- Enhanced Visual Intelligence for smarter interactions.
- CarPlay updates and other small but impactful enhancements.
Cons of iOS 26
- Some features still feel unfinished or in beta.
- Liquid Glass design may not appeal to everyone.
Despite these minor drawbacks, iOS 26 represents a step forward for Apple. Whether you are a fan of the new aesthetic or prefer a more traditional design, this update provides valuable new features and improvements across the system.
If you’re considering upgrading, I recommend testing the public beta to see how it fits your preferences. iOS 26 truly has something for everyone, from bold design changes to practical usability upgrades.
Sophia Oliver is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in technology reviews, delivering in-depth and unbiased insights into the latest gadgets, devices, and software. Her content helps readers stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving tech world.
Sophia’s reviews are known for their clarity and balance, offering both pros and cons to give readers a full picture before making a purchase. She covers smartphones, laptops, smart home devices, wearables, and emerging tech products.
Her mission is to simplify technology for everyday users, while also offering valuable insights for tech enthusiasts who seek detailed performance analysis. Sophia’s work inspires confidence in readers to make informed choices in a fast-paced digital marketplace.