iOS 26 and iPadOS : Apple announces new and redesigned Operating Systems with liquid Glass design & smarter features for iphones and ipads.
Apple at its Annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) announced iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating Systems for iPhones and iPads. It previewed the software update packed with a ton of new features.
The new interface features a dynamic “Liquid Glass effect” which gives iOS a fresh yet familiar look. It enhances personalization options for the Lock screen and Home screen. It boosts the capabilities of CarPlay, Apple music, Maps and Wallets.
iOS 26
The new design is crafted with Liquid Glass that gives a translucent and dynamic look across the system. The liquid Glass brings new customisation options to app icons and widgets.
Apple Intelligence
The upgrade includes AI tools like live Translation in Messages, facetime and Phone.
On-device Visual Intelligence allows users to interact with their device in a smarter and more intuitive manner by understanding what’s on the screen and suggesting relevant actions.
Features for staying connected and eliminating interruptions such as Unified Phone app layout, Call screening & Hold Assist are also included.
Message Upgrades
These updates help users to screen messages from unknown senders. iOS 26 offers conversation enhancements such as custom backgrounds, typing indications, and request, send & receive Apple Cash in group chats. It also allows users to create polls in messages.
Carplay enhancement
The new design includes a new compact view for incoming calls, tapbacks and pinned conversations to messages, widgets and live activities. These updates also comes to the CarPlay Ultra.
Music, Maps and Wallet Updates
Apple music supports lyrics translation, lyrics pronunciation and smooth song transition via Automix.
Apple maps introduces ‘Visited Places’, a feature that helps users keep track of locations they have been to. The places are automatically detected and stored with end-to-end encryption. iPhones can use on-device intelligence to know user’s daily travel patterns to offer delay alerts, preferred routes and alternate route suggestions.
Apple Wallet adds new features to simplify everyday tasks such as order tracking and event access.
Additional features
1. Apple Games App – It is the best way to experience over 200+ highly rated and award-winning Apple Arcade games,
2. Airpods – New features for AirPods 4, AirPods with ANC and AirPods Pro 2, which supports voice isolation, studio-quality audio recording for clearer calls and great sound quality.
3. Parental Controls for Child Account Management – The App store includes parental approval for contact requests from kids, blurring out sensitive content in FaceTime calls and photos in shared albums and App download exceptions based on age rating.
4. Safari Privacy – Advanced fingerprint protection extends to all browsing by default.
5. Accessibility Enhancements – The features include accessibility reader and braille access. Also, live listen, background sounds, personal voice and more are improved.
Availability
Most iPhone users will get iOS 25 for free later this year, but the smart AI features will only work on newer devices and in supported languages.
The smart AI features will only be available on –
• All iPhone 16 models
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad and Mac Models with M1
iPad OS 26
Apple calls iPadOS 26 its most significant update ever, introducing major upgradations that boosts the iPad’s versatility and power.
iPadOS 26 introduces a new powerful Windowing System with new features. It deepens the integration of Apple intelligence with new features like Live Translation, Genmoji creation, Image Playground and intelligent shortcuts.
Redesigned User Interface
The system introduces a new look using “Liquid Glass”, a translucent material that dynamically responds to user input and environment, adding liveliness to the UI.
The supercharged Files App offers new ways to organize files and customize folders.
New Menu Bar: The updated menu bar makes it easier for users to access app commands. A quick swipe down from the top of the screen or moving the cursor to the top reveals the menu.
developers now have the ability to customize the menu bar.
Apple Intelligence Integration
• Live translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages enables seamless multilingual communication.
• iPadOS 26 brings more customization to Genmoji.
• Image Playground gets more advanced controls. Image Playground can send a user’s description to ChatGPT and create unique images.
• Shortcuts have become significantly more powerful with the help of Apple Intelligence.
• The files app gets a major update with new list view that features resizable columns and collapsible folders.
Folders can be customized using custom colors, icons, and emoji.
Multitasking and file management can become easier as folders can now be dragged directly into the dock for quicker access.
• The preview app comes to iPad letting users view, edit and mark up PDFs & images with apple pencil or by touch.
• Apps can now run heavy tasks in the background. These tasks appear as live activities giving users complete control.
• iPadOS 26 introduces separate microphone selection for each app and individual website. Recorded audio can be enhanced with voice isolation by minimizing ambient noise.
• During video calls, high-quality audio & video can be recorded with echo cancellation to isolate voice & enhance clarity.
• Journal App is now available on iPad allowing users to capture everyday moments through writing, photos, videos & audio. Entries can be organized by location with map view. Users can draw or handwrite directly using apple pencil or touch.
• iPadOS 26 introduces game overlay allowing users to quickly see new events and updates, adjust settings, call or invite friend mid-game & more.
• Messages now feature conversation backgrounds allowing users to personalize chats with vibrant designs using image playground.
Users can create & send polls within groupchat.
A redesigned details view helps users quickly access shared photos, links & files from any conversations.
Messages supercharge group chats with typing indication, and ability to request and receive Apple cash.
• Phone app includes updates like, Hold Assist and call screening.
Additional Updates
Reed Pen
This tool is available in tool palette offering stroke-angle presets for a realistic calligraphy experience. It works in Notes, Preview, Freeform, Journal and third-party apps using PencilKit with apple pencil or touch.
Calculator
Calculator now support 3D graphing in Math notes.
Equations with 3 variables and 3D graphs can be created written and curated respectively.
Notes app
Notes app can import and export notes as markdown files.
Accessibility features
iPadOS 26 introduces Accessibility Reader – a systematic reading mode that makes on screen text easier to read for users with visual or cognitive challenges.
Braille users can now benefit from an all-new Braille access experience using connected braille display.
Share accessibility settings allows users to temporarily use their personalized accessibility settings on another person’s device.
Availability
A public beta will be released through Apple Beta software program next month at beta.apple.com.
New software features will be available later this year as a free software update for the following devices:
• iPad Pro (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen & later)
• iPad Air (M2 & later)
• iPad Pro 11 inch (1st gen & later)
• iPad Air (3rd Gen & later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (8th Gen & later)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (5th Gen & later)
The Apple Intelligence features require supported devices as follows:
• all iPhone 16 models
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad & Mac models with M1 & later
Devices must also have Siri and the system language set to one of the supported languages.
Some features may not be available in all languages or regions and availability may vary due to local laws & regulations.
Visit –
https://www.apple.com/os/ipados/
https://www.apple.com/apple-intelligence/
for more information
Also Read
Pixel Products Now available directly from Google Store in India.
Coming Soon : Vivo T4 Ultra with periscope telephoto camera and 100X zoom
Leave a Reply