Four immediate actions to take on iOS 26 after your iPhone undergoes a complete makeover
The latest update in iOS, version 26, brings a host of new features to iPhones, including a visually striking interface called Liquid Glass. This vibrant and transparent design may not be suitable for everyone, but Apple has ensured that users can still return to the familiar iOS interface while enjoying the benefits of the new iPhone experience.
Upon updating to iOS 26, users will notice a change in the dialer. Now, when a call comes in, the caller's name and reason for the call will be displayed on-screen, allowing users to decide whether to answer. If the Liquid Glass interface proves too challenging for legibility, the dialer's new interface can be disabled by tapping the top right corner of the Phone app and selecting Classic.
Another feature aimed at improving legibility is the toggle in the settings menu to darken the background (Reduce Transparency). Additionally, the new theming engine allows users to darken or tint icons to improve their readability.
In the Messages app, iOS 26 introduces a new message filtering feature. By tapping the three dots in the top right and selecting Unknown messages, users can filter out numbers they don't have saved, helping to manage nuisance or spam messages.
Host Assist, an AI-powered feature in the Phone app, combines calls, missed calls, and visual voicemail messages in one single menu, making it easier to keep track of communications. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the call screening feature automatically screens incoming calls from unknown numbers. To enable this feature, navigate to the Phone app settings, tap Manage Filtering, and toggle on the call screening option.
iOS 26 also offers a new feature for screenshots. By default, screenshots will now display a full-screen page instead of a small thumbnail. However, users can disable full-screen previews by navigating to Settings > General > Screen Capture and turning off the toggle next to Full-Screen Previews.
The development of these new features in iOS 26 is led by Apple Inc., the company behind iOS and its other operating systems. They have released the iOS 26 SDK and updated resources for developers to create innovative applications for the updated platform.
Lastly, users can customise the theme colours and options to make their iPhone unique, ensuring that their device remains personal and tailored to their preferences. With iOS 26, Apple continues to push the boundaries of what smartphones can offer, while still providing the familiar comfort of the iOS interface.
