Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26 and its entire lineup of software updates — iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
The updates introduce a striking new Liquid Glass design, expand Apple Intelligence across devices, and deliver major upgrades to everyday experiences on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro.
A Unified Design with Liquid Glass
For the first time, Apple has delivered a consistent design language across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The new Liquid Glass interface reflects and refracts surroundings while dynamically shifting focus to content.
This design brings vitality to app icons, navigation, and widgets, creating a sleek but familiar look. It unifies Apple’s ecosystem while maintaining the unique characteristics of each platform.
Apple Intelligence
At the heart of these updates is Apple Intelligence, a system-wide framework enhancing communication, creativity, and productivity.
With Live Translation, users can seamlessly translate in real-time across Messages, FaceTime, Phone, and AirPods.
Visual intelligence now allows screenshots to be queried through ChatGPT integration or searched directly across platforms like Google and Etsy.
Users can also generate Genmoji by combining emojis or explore Image Playground with ChatGPT for fresh creative styles.
Apple has extended its intelligence models to Shortcuts and third-party apps, enabling workflows to be completed faster and even offline.
For instance, Streaks suggests and organizes tasks automatically, CARROT Weather offers conversational forecasts, and AI Video Editor creates scripts for creatives.
The models operate with privacy at their core, running on-device when possible.
Developers can now directly integrate these capabilities into their apps, expanding intelligent features across the ecosystem.
iOS 26: New Call Screening, Messages Features, and Apple Games
On iPhone, iOS 26 introduces new Lock Screen customization, adaptive time displays, and immersive 3D spatial photo scenes.
Users also benefit from Call Screening to filter unknown numbers and Hold Assist, which waits on hold until an agent is available.
Messages now include polls, conversation backgrounds, and message screening from unknown senders.
iOS 26 also brings Lyrics Translation in Apple Music, Visited Places in Maps, and order tracking in Wallet.
Meanwhile, iOS 26 introduces the new Apple Games app, which serves as a personalized gaming hub.
iPadOS 26: A Leap Forward With Windowing System and Pro Features
Apple is calling iPadOS 26 its biggest iPad release ever, thanks to a new, powerful windowing system that allows better multitasking.
A redesigned menu bar gives users quick access to app commands, while the supercharged Files app enables deeper organization with folders now available in the Dock.
The Preview app arrives on iPad, adding native PDF editing with Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill.
Creative professionals also gain Background Tasks, high-quality local recording, and audio control tools, while Journal debuts on iPad for personal reflection.
macOS Tahoe: Spotlight Gets Its Biggest Upgrade Yet
The Mac update, macOS Tahoe, introduces design enhancements, including a transparent menu bar and a personalized Control Center with new color themes.
The biggest leap comes to Spotlight, which now supports file browsing, enhanced search, and quick-action keys for tasks like sending emails or scheduling events.
Tahoe also expands Continuity with iPhone, integrating Phone app features like Recents, Favorites, Call Screening, and Hold Assist directly into Mac.
watchOS 26: Sleep Scores, Hypertension Alerts, and Workout Buddy
With watchOS 26, Apple Watch gains new health and fitness tools powered by Apple Intelligence. The Sleep Score feature provides insights into rest quality, while FDA-cleared hypertension notifications warn users of chronic high blood pressure risks using machine learning.
Workout Buddy offers AI-powered motivational audio using voices from Apple Fitness+ trainers. The update also introduces new watch faces, Smart Stack hints, automatic Live Translation in Messages, and one-handed gestures like wrist flick for quick actions.
tvOS 26: Apple TV Turns Into a Karaoke and Social Hub
tvOS 26 transforms Apple TV into a more immersive entertainment device with its new design and interactive experiences.
Users can now enjoy Sing in Apple Music, which turns iPhones into wireless microphones with real-time lyrics and visuals on the big screen.
FaceTime gets Contact Posters, and profile updates allow personalized recommendations and playlists. With emoji reactions and group singing sessions, Apple TV becomes even more social and fun.
visionOS 26: Spatial Computing Gets More Natural and Powerful
visionOS 26 upgrades Apple Vision Pro with features that deepen immersion and collaboration. Widgets now seamlessly integrate into spaces, while Personas become more lifelike and expressive.
New spatial scenes and Safari spatial browsing let users view lifelike depth in photos and interact with 3D web objects. Users can also unlock their iPhone while wearing Vision Pro and store biometric data for sharing convenience. A new Jupiter Environment lets users explore the planet in real time, while native support arrives for 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide-view action camera playback.
Accessibility
Apple has introduced Accessibility Nutrition Labels in the App Store, allowing developers to disclose supported accessibility features upfront. Magnifier for Mac now connects to external cameras, helping users with low vision zoom into surroundings.
Other key tools include Accessibility Reader for customizable systemwide text, Braille Access for braille display users, and enhanced Live Listen with Live Captions on Apple Watch. These tools extend Apple’s commitment to inclusivity across its ecosystem.
Availability: iOS 26 and More Now Available Worldwide
Apple confirmed that iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 are available starting today as free software updates.
However, certain features like hypertension notifications will roll out based on regulatory approval in regions like the U.S. and EU.
For more information on availability, visit apple.com/watchos/feature-availability.
With its Liquid Glass design, Apple Intelligence integration, and device-specific power features, Apple’s 2025 software updates mark one of the most ambitious cross-platform upgrades in years.
Together, they strengthen the ecosystem while giving users new ways to stay productive, creative, and connected.
