Your iPhone might look quite different today, especially if you didn’t manually update to iOS 26 and it automatically updated while you were sleeping.
With its translucent effects and a more user-pleasant menu, iOS 26 stands out as one of the most critically important updates for the iPhone that I can recall. Having used every version of Apple’s software since the original iPhone, this change feels monumental.
This latest version is not only highly customizable but also incredibly useful. If you've been hoping for Apple to adopt some features from top Android devices, you'll likely appreciate the new interface on your iPhone.
Given all these changes, it may feel a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t worry; if you've just upgraded to iOS 26 on your iPhone 11 or any newer model, here are five essential steps to take right away. If you're among those who recently purchased an iPhone Air or one of the new models in the iPhone 17 series, you’ll find these tips helpful too!
Personalize Your liquid Glass Experience
The standout feature in this update is Liquid Glass—Apple's revamped user interface that brings glass-like clarity across all its platforms. this major redesign instantly gives any device a fresh and modern feel.
However, this new look may not suit everyone’s preferences.While vibrant and refreshing effects abound, they can be arduous for some users to read clearly. Although ther’s no way to completely turn off Liquid Glass without skipping updates altogether, there are several adjustments you can make for better visibility.
If text readability is an issue due to transparency effects,consider using darker or tinted icons with the new theming options introduced in earlier versions like iOS 18. Simply press and hold anywhere on your Home screen and select Customize.From there, you can modify theme colors and settings so that your phone reflects your style.
If obvious elements still hinder visibility for you, try darkening backgrounds considerably through a specific setting adjustment: go to Settings > Accessibility, then toggle on Reduce Transparency; this will enhance legibility considerably.
Automatically Block Spam Calls and Messages
I’m especially fond of two features in iOS 26: call screening and message filtering tools. We’ve all dealt with annoying spam calls or messages from unkown numbers—now Apple has stepped up with smart solutions powered by their technology.
The first feature screens incoming calls from unfamiliar numbers automatically—a function made popular by leading Google phones. When an unknown caller rings in, your device will prompt them to state their name along with their reason for calling before displaying it on-screen so that you can decide whether or not to answer. This makes answering calls much easier than ever before!
The second feature focuses on message filtering—a fantastic upgrade! Are promotional texts cluttering up vital conversations? Just open Messages, tap the three dots at the top right corner of your screen where you'll find a new Unknown messages section designed specifically for filtering out unsaved contacts’ numbers.
Explore Enhancements in Phone App Features
A key improvement lies within the Phone app itself which now includes AI-driven Hold Assist capabilities aimed at enhancing daily use experience significantly!
Your dialer now merges calls—from internet apps like WhatsApp alongside regular phone lines—with missed calls plus visual voicemail notifications into one convenient menu option! However—it might seem slightly confusing initially—but don’t fret! You have control over how it appears: simply tap the button located at top right corner of Phone app then select Classic view option instead!
While you're adjusting settings within that menu area—tap Manage Filtering, allowing access into phone app configuration page where swiping upwards reveals toggles including Hold assist detection option which keeps track while waiting during holds until human interaction occurs again! It has saved me countless hours—even though sometimes I miss vibrations indicating it's time pick up again!
Adjust Your Screenshot settings Now!
This means rather than seeing small thumbnails disappearing quickly after capture—they now display full-screen pages which could become frustrating unless utilized properly based upon personal preference choices available through various options provided directly via system preferences menus accessible easily anytime needed later down line too!.
You’ll want disable default setting quickly navigating towards Settings > General turning off toggle next Full-Screen Previews . Trust me when I say most people would prefer disabling unless keenly interested utilizing AI insights regarding locations/products/people captured within those images taken previously rather!.
A plethora awaits beyond just these highlighted features introduced throughout IOS26—but following above suggestions should help ease transition back familiar territory while enjoying benefits offered by latest innovations brought forth via apple's newest offerings overall!. Have already updated yet? What thoughts do have surrounding recent changes made?.
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