New iOS (e.g. iOS 26 / iOS 26.1) — Detailed Features for iPhone

 

Here are many of the new features, changes, and refinements introduced in the latest iOS (26 / 26.1) for iPhones. Some features may vary by device model, region, language, or whether the device supports the required hardware. Apple Support+3Apple+3Apple Support+3

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1. Design & Interface Enhancements

• Liquid Glass design
  iOS 26 introduces a new visual design language called “Liquid Glass” which adds more fluid, translucent, glass-like UI elements across Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and apps. Apple
  This includes app icons that can have new tinted effects or transparent elements. Apple

• More vibrant / dynamic Lock Screen

  • The time display adapts dynamically to the wallpaper, so it doesn’t overlay important parts of a photo. Apple

  • When you move the device, certain wallpapers gain a subtle 3D-like effect (parallax or motion) to make them feel more alive. Apple

  • Notification / time layout is improved for clarity. Apple Support+1

• Updated app icons & UI controls
  Icons now may appear with lighter / darker variants, tinted appearances, or semi-transparent “glass” touches. Apple
  Controls (buttons, sliders) may morph or refract (i.e. visually shift) in relation to backgrounds, giving a sense of depth and fluidity. Apple

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2. Intelligence, Translation & Visual Features

• Apple Intelligence & Visual Intelligence
  iOS 26 deepens integration of Apple’s intelligence/AI across the system: you can tap or ask questions about content on your screen (images, text) and get contextual results or actions. Apple
  “Visual Intelligence” lets you search and act based on what’s onscreen (e.g. images, text, etc.). Apple+1

• Live Translation

  • Messages: automatic translation of text in conversations. Apple

  • FaceTime & Phone calls: live captioning and translation during calls. Apple

  • AirPods integration: your AirPods (where supported) can play spoken translations in real time. Apple+2Apple Support+2

  • With iOS 26.1, more languages are added for the AirPods Live Translation feature. 9to5Mac

• Expanded shortcut / automation abilities
  Shortcuts get smarter. They can now call upon Apple Intelligence models to summarize text, generate images, or feed responses into your custom automations. Apple

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3. Communication / Messaging Features

• Polls in Messages & custom backgrounds
  Within group chats, you can now add polls (vote options) to facilitate decision-making (e.g. “Which movie tonight?”). Apple
  You can also personalize chats by applying new backgrounds to conversations. Apple

• Call & message screening / filtering
  iOS 26 includes Call Screening: unknown callers must share their name and intention before the call rings your phone. This helps reduce unwanted calls. Apple
  There are enhanced tools to filter spam / unwanted messages in Messages and Phone. Apple

• CarPlay improvements: Tapbacks, Live Activities, widgets
  In CarPlay, messages support Tapbacks (quick reactions). Apple Support+1
  Live Activities (real-time event info) are accessible from CarPlay dashboards. Apple Support+1
  Widgets can be displayed/managed more flexibly while driving. Apple Support+1

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4. Phone, Alarms, Distraction Reduction

• “Swipe to stop” alarms & timers (iOS 26.1)
  Instead of large “Stop” buttons (which led to accidental dismissals), alarms and timers now support a swipe gesture to stop them. 9to5Mac

• Better handling of notifications / interruptions
  The OS gives more control over when and how you see distractions. Unknown calls are screened; messaging interruptions can be minimized. Apple+1

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5. Other Noteworthy Enhancements

• Swipe to change tracks in Apple Music (new in 26.1)
  In the Music app, within the mini-player, you can swipe left or right to go to next or previous song. 9to5Mac

• Support differences & device support end
  Some older models lose support with newer iOS versions. For example, the iPhone XR and XS series will not receive iOS 26 updates. Repair My Phone Today
  So, features above may not be available on all models. Check compatibility before expecting all features. Repair My Phone Today+1

• Bug fixes, stability improvements, performance tweaks
  As with all major iOS updates, there are under-the-hood improvements in speed, energy efficiency, memory handling, and stability.

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Context & Relevance to RepairMyPhone.Today

I looked at Repair My Phone Today (a UK-based repair service) to see how the new iOS features might impact repair, compatibility, or user expectations. Repair My Phone Today+1

• They mention software repair among their services. (They do screen repairs, battery replacement, water damage, charging port repair, etc.) Repair My Phone Today

• Because new iOS versions sometimes cause battery performance changes or require calibration, users might bring devices in for battery-related issues after updates.

• Older iPhones that lose iOS support will become more vulnerable (e.g. missing security patches) — such devices may require more frequent repairs or replacements.

• Some hardware-related features (e.g. transparency effects, sensor-driven features) depend on device components; if those are damaged, new software features may degrade.

• RepairMyPhone.Today emphasises fast turnaround, using original / high-quality parts, and offering warranty on repairs. Repair My Phone Today