iOS 26: New iPhone update for UAE users include 'liquid glass', live translation
Here is when Apple's iOS 26 will come to your iPhone
Dubai: Amid much fanfare and speculations, US-based tech juggernaut Apple previewed major updates to its iPhone operating software - iOS 26- at Monday's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The changes are set to ‘elevate the iPhone experience’ with a beautiful new design, intelligent features powered by ‘Apple Intelligence,’ and substantial improvements to everyday apps, according to Apple.
Updates have been made to the Phone and Messages apps, which will now help users stay connected while eliminating distractions like unwanted calls. iOS 26 will also introduce new features in CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and Apple Games. This brand-new app gives players a single destination for all their games.
According to Apple, iOS 26 will showcase a "gorgeous new design" and "meaningful improvements" to everyday features, making the iPhone "even more helpful." The company has said that experiences will become "more expressive and personal," and new Apple Intelligence capabilities will enable users to "get things done easier than ever."
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, highlighted the impact of the new operating system and said, “iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful.” He said that the updates will make experiences "more expressive and personal" and that new Apple Intelligence capabilities will enable users to "get things done easier than ever."
Apple Intelligence
How is Apple integrating its much-awaited AI into the iOS26? According to Apple, "Apple Intelligence" is set to revolutionise how users interact with their iPhones. Apple said that this new capability will elevate the iPhone experience by enabling the following:
Live Translation: This feature will be integrated into messages, FaceTime, and Phones, allowing for the real-time translation of text and audio for seamless communication across languages. This feature will run entirely on the device, ensuring user privacy.
Visual Intelligence: Users can interact with content directly on their screen, asking questions about images or searching for similar items. Apple also states that events seen on the screen will be automatically suggested for calendar additions.
Genmoji and image playground: New creative tools will allow users to generate unique emojis and images for expression.
Smarter shortcuts: Apple Intelligence will enable new "intelligent actions" and dedicated features like Writing Tools.
Automated order tracking: Order details from emails will be automatically summarised, providing a unified view of purchases
New design
At the core of iOS 26, Apple said a striking new design will be implemented, featuring "Liquid Glass." This translucent material will add depth and vitality across controls, app icons, and widgets. This visual overhaul will also extend to the Lock Screen and Home Screen, allowing for greater personalisation.
For example, the Lock Screen will dynamically adapt the time display to images, and spatial scenes will bring wallpapers to life with a 3D effect when the iPhone is moved. Apple said key apps like Camera and Photos will also receive streamlined designs. At the same time, Safari, Apple Music, News, and Podcasts will see redesigned tab bars for a more immersive viewing experience. Developers will also be given access to these new design elements for integration into their apps.
When will iOS 26 come to your phone?
Apple has confirmed that while developers will be able to test iOS 26 immediately, a public beta will be made available next month.
The full software update is expected to roll out for iPhone 11 and later models this fall as a free download.
However, Apple has said that the advanced Apple Intelligence features will require newer devices, including all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and compatible iPad and Mac models with M1 chips or later.
Eco-system wide updates
The update will extend its enhancements across various Apple services and products:
CarPlay: Apple said CarPlay will gain a new compact view for calls, Tapbacks and pinned conversations in Messages, and integration of widgets and Live Activities for safer driving.
Apple Music: Lyrics Translation, Lyrics Pronunciation, and AutoMix for seamless song transitions will be introduced.
Apple Maps: "Visited Places" will be featured to help users remember locations, and intelligent routing based on daily commutes will be provided.
Apple Wallet: Options for installment payments, refreshed boarding passes with Live Activities, and better integration with Maps and Find My will be added.
Apple Games: A brand-new app will be provided, serving as a central hub for all games, including Apple Arcade.
AirPods: New features for studio-quality audio recording and camera remote control will be added.
Parental Controls: Enhanced tools for creating child accounts, managing communication limits, and approving app downloads will be included.
Safari: Privacy will be boosted with advanced fingerprinting protection.
Accessibility: New features like Accessibility Reader and Braille Access will be introduced, alongside improvements to existing features.
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