The 5 new iOS 26 features to try after installing the public beta
Top 5 iOS 26 Beta Features You Need to Try
Apple has released the public beta for iOS 26! While exciting, it's crucial to understand that beta software isn't without potential issues. Before installing, consider whether you're comfortable with potential bugs and instability. This article highlights some of the best features to look out for.
iOS 26 introduces a significant design overhaul, improved quality-of-life features, new AI capabilities, and much more. We won't cover every single detail, but after installing the public beta (instructions here), these are some of the standout features to explore.
The 5 Best New Features to Try in the iOS 26 Beta
This isn't an exhaustive list of every change in iOS 26 – there are many! We'll focus on the most significant and impactful improvements.
Liquid Glass: A New Design Language
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
First showcased at WWDC (learn more), Liquid Glass is a comprehensive visual redesign. App icons and UI elements now have a liquid, glassy appearance with smooth animations. The effect is subtle yet noticeable. While there's not much more to explain, experiencing it firsthand is highly recommended. You can also customize the transparency of Liquid Glass if you prefer a less pronounced effect. (Adjusting Liquid Glass)
Revamped Phone App
Credit: Apple
iOS 26 significantly redesigns core apps, starting with the Phone app. Recents, Voicemails, and Favorites are now consolidated onto a single screen instead of separate tabs. A new call screening feature automatically answers calls, identifies the caller, and allows you to decide whether to accept the call or decline it. Hold Assist eliminates the need to listen to hold music; you'll receive a notification when a representative is ready to speak.
Enhanced Messages Features
Credit: Apple
The Messages app (more details) receives several updates. You can now create polls within group chats, a useful feature for quick decisions. The ability to see who's typing in a group chat is finally added, a highly requested feature. Customizable chat backgrounds add a personalized touch.
Photos App Overhaul
Credit: Apple
The Photos app receives a much-needed redesign (read more). The interface simplifies to just two tabs: Library and Collections. This streamlined approach promises a more intuitive and less cluttered experience compared to previous iterations.
Live Translation Enhancements
Credit: Apple
iOS 26 boosts the capabilities of Live Translation. It now integrates with Messages, phone calls, and FaceTime calls, enabling real-time conversations between individuals who don't share a common language. Remarkably, it even functions with non-iPhone users.
Honorable Mention: Genmoji Creation with ChatGPT
Credit: Apple
To fully utilize the new AI features, you'll need a compatible iPhone (iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max with Apple Intelligence enabled). iOS 26 introduces advanced tools (Apple's announcement) for creating custom Genmoji using ChatGPT. These tools, alongside the Image Playground (previous coverage), offer enhanced self-expression options.
This is just a glimpse of the many features in iOS 26. We'll continue exploring and sharing more insights in the coming weeks and months.
from Mashable
-via DynaSage
