Year in, year out, Apple treats us to something new to look forward to—and this year, it’s iOS 26. You might be the sort of person who installs the minute it comes out, or someone who waits to catch up on how it’s going for others before you try it out yourself, but this iteration has a lot to delve into.
I’ve been exploring the new update, and here’s the lowdown on what’s new, what’s exciting, and what’s actually practical.
An Smarter, More Assistive Siri
Let’s be honest—Siri hasn’t always been the most reliable assistant. But with iOS 26, it feels like Apple finally gave Siri the upgrade it truly needed. It’s now noticeably quicker and more capable, even when you’re offline. Whether you’re setting a reminder or firing off a quick message, Siri handles it smoothly and without needing to connect to the internet.
Control Center Got a Glow-Up
The Control Center now feels much more personal. You can rearrange it, include shortcuts for the apps you use most often (yes, even third-party apps), and have a configuration that finally suits your daily routines. It’s a subtle change, but a big difference in how you’re going to use your phone.
Lock Screen, Your Way
Apple’s gradually allowing us more control over what our phones look like, and iOS 26 continues that trend. You can now include more live widgets, mess around with fonts, and even designate animated lock screen wallpapers. It’s not only a pretty face—it’s useful, displaying real-time information from the apps you’re interested in.
Privacy That Keeps Getting Better
Apple’s doubling down on privacy once more. With more comprehensive app privacy reports, you can view exactly what your apps are up to behind the scenes. There’s even a new ‘permission summary’ that reminds you which apps have access to your location, camera, and more. It’s peace of mind—without having to dig through settings.
Messaging and FaceTime Improvements
Messages now include the ability to schedule messages, employ intelligent reply suggestions, and even simplify media sharing. FaceTime? Now you can employ fun reactions simply by moving your face (yes, it’s a thing), and screen sharing is at long last more accommodating. It’s perfect for remote catch-ups or speedy work gatherings on-the-go.
Faster, Smoother, Better
Across the board, iOS 26 simply feels. snappier. Apps launch quicker, battery life is improved slightly, and multitasking (particularly on the newer iPhones) is considerably smoother. Even the older devices seem to cope with the update quite well—so far, no slowdowns worth noting.
Works Better with Apple Vision Pro
If you’re venturing into the Apple Vision Pro world, you’ll love how fluidly iOS 26 integrates with it. From sharing content to AR capabilities, this update obviously has one eye on what’s coming next—and the other on ensuring your iPhone remains in line with it.
Which iPhones Are Compatible with iOS 26?
Here’s the short list:
– iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12 series
– iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
– Older devices such as iPhone 11 or XR also receive the update, though with some features left out
Final Thoughts: Should You Press “Update”?
Love a quicker phone, enhanced customization, and minor adjustments that streamline life? Go ahead. iOS 26 isn’t a complete overhaul, but it refines what’s already excellent and includes a couple of genuinely helpful tools.
Whether you’re in the mood for experimenting with the new Control Center or simply thrilled Siri finally ‘gets it,’ this update is a worthwhile step forward.
Over to You
Updated to iOS 26 yet? Found anything interesting (or infuriating)? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!
