Apple launched iOS 26 to the general public at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference occasion in early June, and since then, has been sprucing the software program with builders for the eventual beta launch. Now that it is lastly obtainable for everybody to check, chances are you’ll be questioning if it is price diving straight into or ready for the official software program launch — doubtless someday in September. That is what we’re right here to reply.
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To set the stage, Apple’s iOS 26 provides a refreshing new look, extra streamlined first-party app layouts, extra functionalities throughout fashionable companies, and a few smaller Easter egg options that drastically improve your iPhone’s usability. My ZDNET colleague Kerry Wan and I’ve been testing the general public beta (through Developer Beta 4) for the previous few weeks, and listed here are our largest takeaways thus far.
1. Visible Intelligence is nearly prepared for primetime
After I first examined Visible Intelligence on iOS 18, I primarily used the characteristic to translate signage and menus when touring overseas. In comparison with competing multimodal instruments on other phones, the characteristic was noticeably barebones. Nevertheless, I discovered myself utilizing it extra typically on iOS 26, due to the flexibility to higher course of on-screen data and comply with up with related duties.
Particularly, having the ability to add a calendar occasion from my e mail has been a blessing. Apple now means that you can take a screenshot of an invite (whether or not from e mail, messages, or anything) and run Visible Intelligence on it. This means the choices to Add to Calendar, Learn Aloud, and Summarize. Utilizing the primary possibility creates an occasion within the Calendar app with particulars similar to occasion identify, time, and period.
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Whereas each Kerry and I discover Samsung’s AI Choose and Google’s Circle to Search simpler to acknowledge on-screen objects and carry out capabilities based mostly on AI recommendations, some customers will choose that Apple’s AI service additionally helps you to save screenshots for future reference.
You possibly can, after all, delete the screenshot proper after an occasion is created, however the means of taking a screenshot after which ready for recommendations to point out the ‘Add to Calendar’ possibility is one thing that at the moment requires greater than perfect time.
It would be nice if I may allow on-screen Visible Intelligence with a press (or double press) of the Digicam Management as an alternative of taking a screenshot.
2. Apple mounted the Photographs app, fortunately
The Cupertino tech large redesigned the iPhone’s Photographs app in iOS 18 final yr and touted it as “the biggest-ever redesign.” Over the course of 2024, I, like many others, by no means acquired used to the brand new UI and nearly at all times felt annoyed when trying by my trip pictures. Apple listened to consumer suggestions to provide us an up to date format, and I find it irresistible.
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The brand new Photographs app is now compartmentalized by Library and Collections, so if I scroll to the top of my library, it does not robotically present any excellent folders. As a substitute, these have been moved to a separate Collections tab. General, the app interface seems to be cleaner and does not frustrate me anymore. Fewer pathways are required to entry sure albums, bringing iOS 26 nearer to the burdenless software program expertise we have come to anticipate from Apple.
Whereas we’re on this be aware, the ZDNET staff has agreed that the flexibility to rapidly remodel just about any nonetheless picture into one with spatial depth is the “gimmicky” characteristic we love essentially the most. It is enjoyable, simple to make use of, and works reliably properly — now greater than ever, on the general public beta. It is the identical expertise that provides lock display screen wallpapers that gyroscopic portrait impact.
3. A simplified Digicam format
The most important app redesign in iOS 26 is a simplified Digicam app format. Apple now offers you two choices for Video and Picture on the backside, the place you’ll be able to swipe as much as reveal extra settings like Flash, Dwell Picture, Timer, and extra. These may also be discovered by tapping the settings button on the top-right nook.
You possibly can press, maintain, and drag to vary to different modes like Cinematic Video, Portrait, and so on. At first, I discovered the brand new look too minimal for my style; even if you happen to’re aware of all of the instruments and settings within the digicam app, there isn’t any clear indication — like a menu button or develop image — of find out how to entry them. I would think about that extra informal customers will battle, a minimum of at first, to search out sure settings.
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Having a extra minimalist design does provide the advantage of a quick and responsive UI, which is a significant benefit for photographers and customers trying to seize fast photographs.
Hiding extra of the interface additionally makes framing and capturing topics simpler. My colleague Kerry not too long ago went on a visit to Barcelona and Lisbon, two cities full of structure and tilework with Mediterranean affect. He discovered the revamped digicam app very intuitive when rapidly switching between picture and video modes and framing scenic views. When each little element on buildings, streets, and statues issues a lot, the flexibility to simply see how issues match inside the viewfinder was appreciated.
4. Safari will get the largest Liquid Glass remedy
Safari’s new Liquid Glass-enhanced look makes a giant distinction for studying and searching net pages. Apple’s browser on iOS 26 not solely seems to be higher however is extra usable than earlier than. For instance, the emphasis on minimizing distracting UI means what was beforehand a two-row menu on the backside (which took up portion of the online web page) is now merely a floating three-button navigation bar — which incorporates the again button, URL bar, and three-dot button.
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The nav bar minimizes if you scroll by an online web page, and switching from one tab to a different with a swipe feels quicker than ever. I additionally love that Apple bundled the extra net web page choices in a three-dot menu, which homes shortcuts like Share, Add to favorites, Add Bookmark too, and so on.
One in all our favourite new Safari options is the introduction of haptic queues. For instance, you will really feel a delicate buzz when a picture or file has efficiently downloaded from the online browser, whereas earlier, it will seem as a hidden notification. These delicate software program tweaks go a great distance, a lot in order that my colleague Kerry has switched again from primarily utilizing Chrome on his iPhone.
5. Our favourite lock display screen characteristic is…
I’ve waited for this characteristic for years, and it is lastly right here. No, it isn’t the expandable clock widget that adapts to the wallpaper. Neither is it the flexibility to now place ticker widgets on the underside half of the display screen.
As a substitute, it is the truth that if you cost your iPhone now, iOS 26 shows the estimated battery charging time. It is a small contact, however one which proves surprisingly helpful, giving me glanceable information on precisely when my iPhone shall be absolutely charged after I’m brief on time. I am additionally a fan of the refreshed album paintings, which now fills the complete lock display screen when streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, and different companies.
Bonus: Utilizing my AirPods as a Digicam distant
As a solo traveler, there are occasions after I miss having my Apple Watch — which I typically go away at dwelling to scale back charging wants — when I’ve to report or seize a picture of myself. However now, I can set off video recording wirelessly with my AirPods Professional 2.
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Apple’s iOS 26 means that you can begin recording video in Digicam by urgent and holding on AirPods or AirPods Professional with the H2 chip. It ought to come particularly useful for content material creators and other people like me preferring sporting an analog watch to an Apple Watch.
Needless to say all of the options talked about right here may change earlier than the secure launch later this yr, together with how they’re accessed, how they give the impression of being, and the way they work. Even so, iOS 26 is shaping as much as be probably the most important updates to Apple’s working system in years, and we won’t wait to see what extra customers suppose within the close to future.
