iOS 26 Features – Covered But Useful Features You May Miss
Apple released the first iOS 26 developer beta on June 10th, 2025. After months of testing and refinement, Apple has officially released iOS 26. The update brings smoother performance, bug fixes, and a more fluid experience. Now that the official version is out, let's see iOS 26 features and explore useful ones you may miss.
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iOS 26 Features 1. UI Design
Liquid Class UI Design
The new iOS 26 UI features include transparency and fluid, glass-like elements. All screens on your iPhone, including the Home Screen, Control Center, apps, icons, widgets, and notifications, are transparent.
This is a significant change, and many users doubt the new UI's utility; it may also impact screen clarity under certain scenarios. For example, many users reported that it is hard to recognize icons in the new Control Center. Therefore, in iOS 26 Beta 3, it reduces navigation bar transparency, enhances the contrast of Control Center icons, and softens glass effects to improve overall text clarity. What do you think about the final effect?
Bottom Bar
In iOS 18 and earlier, the bottom home indicator was always visible. iOS 26 now automatically hides it, and it only appears when you swipe. Most users review this update as good. It creates a cleaner interface, complements the new Liquid Glass design, and maximizes usable screen space.
Swipe Back Gesture
iOS 26 introduces a new global back gesture that smooths the user experience. It lets you swipe right from anywhere in the middle area of the screen to go back to the previous page. This gesture is triggered when tapping on an empty area of the screen, as long as no buttons are touched.
This function is currently being extended to support third-party apps.
iOS 26 Features 2. Alarm Snooze Duration
In iOS 18 and earlier, the alarm snooze time is fixed and uncustomizable at 9 minutes. But in iOS 26, users can customize it from 1 minute to 15 minutes.
The default duration is still 9 minutes, but it makes the alarm more flexible. However, the update doesn't address the long-standing issue: users still can't set the alarm ring tone from low to loud. Do you think it will be updated in the iOS public release version?
iOS 26 Features 3. Ringtone
Customize Ringtone
In iOS 26, the ringtone settings have a small but useful update. Users can now set and customize ringtones. If you have an audio file, you can tap the more info icon and set it as the phone call ringtone. Now you can git rid of so many iPhone ringtone makers.
New Ringtones
Moreover, Apple also updated several default ringtones for users. To delete a ringtone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
iOS 26 Features 4. Notes
Autocategory
The new Notes app in iOS 26 has become a powerful tool. For example, with the AI power, it automatically categorizes notes, making it easier to navigate information.
Export Markdown
Moreover, you are allowed to export the markdown format of a note and export it to other apps.
Control Center
The Note control center is a new function. You could create a reminder here, assign it from the Lock Screen and access it from the Lock Screen. It's very convenient and cool.
iOS 26 Features 5. Phone Call
Calling Screen
The Phone app in iOS 26 adds a new Calling Screen feature. It helps iPhone users avoid answering spam calls. It actually answers the phone silently, and you can hear their name and the reason for the call. Then, it's up to you whether to answer or ignore.
Calling Haptics Feedback
Moreover, if you decide to answer, you get a single vibration as confirmation when the call connects. When the call ends, you receive a three-pulse vibration to signal disconnection. These subtle designs make the calling experience more intuitive.
iOS 26 Features 6. CarPlay
CarPlay Incoming Calls
Apple doesn't build its own cars but keeps updating CarPlay. The UI and icons in CarPlay are brand-new and use Liquid Glass design. Incoming calls and other important notifications will take up a smaller screen and only display at the bottom of the screen, which won't impact the on-screen information, such as driving directions.
CarPlay Message Updates
What's more, iOS 26 updates the messages interaction. You are allowed to use Tapbacks to quickly reply to a message using emojis, and a new call will take up a smaller screen.
Recover lost Data during updating to iOS 26
Conclusion
This is probably the most comprehensive iOS 26 features list. Do you find the ones that are useful for you? If yes, you can check whether your device is supported by iOS 26 and update to it.
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