Certainly one of the main highlights of iOS 26, which was announced earlier this month at WWDC 2025, is the new Liquid Glass interface. But as we’ve reported here, the update also comes with a lot of other new features – such as many new APIs that open up a lot of possibilities for app developers.
While Liquid Glass is the most notable change for anyone trying out the iOS 26 public beta, it’s not the only one. With smarter battery tools, improvements for AirPods and Apple Music, and more capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence, the update brings improvements to everyone. So even if you’re not a fan of the new Liquid Glass interface or are wondering what else iOS 26 has to offer, we’re here to show you that the update comes with many other enhancements that will change the way you use your iPhone.
Ringtones
A small but important change for iPhone users in iOS 26 is the ability to set any ringtone you want. Although iOS comes with a lot of ringtones, choosing a custom iPhone ringtone has never been an easy process. You had to either buy a ringtone from iTunes or import one from a Mac or PC.
Users also have the option of creating their own ringtone using GarageBand for iOS, which requires downloading a 2GB app and a lot of steps.
Thankfully, with iOS 26, those days are over. The update lets users set any audio file as an iPhone ringtone. All you need to do is find a compatible audio file (such as MP3 or M4A), tap the Share button and look for the Use as Ringtone option. It’s as simple as that.
Security codes
iOS users have a very convenient feature that can autofill two-factor authentication (2FA) codes from Messages and Mail. Instead of having to manually open these apps to get the code, the system automatically fills in the code for you.
With iOS 26, this feature is getting even better. That’s because Apple is expanding auto-detection and autofill of 2FA codes to third-party apps. So for example, if you receive a code via WhatsApp or Gmail, the iOS keyboard will also show you the code.
The autofill used to work only in Safari on the Mac, but with iOS 26 and macOS 26, it works in third-party browsers like Chrome, too.
Adaptive Power
iOS already comes with many features that help extend iPhone battery life, such as Low Power Mode. However, iOS 26 goes one step further with Adaptive Power.
Essentially, this new mode uses algorithms to better understand how you use your iPhone and make small performance adjustments to make the battery last longer. For example, when this mode is on, the iPhone might slightly reduce performance or screen brightness when you’re not doing intensive tasks.
For comparison, Low Power Mode does similar things, but in a more aggressive way; it turns off background email fetch, automatic downloads, limits screen refresh rate, simplifies visual effects, and more. Adaptive Power is a mode for those who want to optimize the battery without sacrificing the overall experience.
However, since Adaptive Power relies on Apple Intelligence, it’s only available for iPhone 15 Pro and later.
Charging time estimates
Apple has also made it easier for users to check how long it will take to finish charging their iPhone. On the Lock Screen, the system shows the estimated time to reach 80% battery based on the charger being used. It can also alert users that charging will take longer when using a 5W adapter or an older Qi charger.
When the battery level is above 80%, users can check the estimated time to finish recharging under Battery Settings.
AutoMix
Apple Music subscribers will also get an exciting new feature with iOS 26. If you’re like me and have specific playlists for parties, you’ll certainly like AutoMix. The feature essentially uses AI to mix the transitions from one song to another, going beyond the traditional crossfade effect.
Apple
It’s almost like having a DJ mix the songs in your playlists. The feature is able to choose the best moment for transitions and even adjust the beats of the songs. However, it only works with certain genres.
Message filters
iOS 26 makes the screening tools in the Messages app even better. Your messages are now automatically categorized into Messages, Unknown Senders, Spam, and Recently Deleted. In supported regions, you’ll also see filters for Transactions and Promotions.
Apple
In other words, the Messages app will show you only the messages that matter from people you know, without bothering you with potential spam and messages from people you don’t know. There’s also a new filter for viewing only unread messages, which is quite convenient.
Audio recording with AirPods
AirPod owners will also get some new tricks with iOS 26. Apple’s wireless earbuds can not only control the iPhone camera, but for the first time they can also be used as high-definition microphones.
Apple
For creators, this means they can use their AirPods to shoot video when they don’t have a lavalier microphone around. It’s worth noting that this feature is limited to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, both equipped with the H2 chip.
Background activities
A new API in iOS 26 (and iPadOS 26) allows developers to implement more background activities in their apps, especially when it comes to finishing a task that takes longer.
For example, users can now start exporting a video in Final Cut Pro (on iPad) and switch to another app while the export continues. Apps can also use this API to continue uploading files in the background.
Of course, since this feature requires the adoption of a new API, it will only work once developers update their apps to iOS/iPadOS 26 later this year.
Live Translation
Communicating with people in other languages becomes much easier with iOS 26. As the name suggests, Live Translation can translate a phone call, FaceTime, or even an iMessage chat in real time.
When it comes to a FaceTime video call, you can see translated captions being generated on the screen. For phone calls, iOS 26 not only transcribes the call in your language, but also reads it out loud to you.
Apple
Keep in mind that this feature is only available for the iPhone 15 Pro and later, as it’s based on Apple Intelligence.
Visual Intelligence everywhere
iPhone models with Apple Intelligence have a feature called Visual Intelligence, which lets users point the camera at objects or scenes to learn more about them.
In iOS 26, Apple is expanding Visual Intelligence so that it now works everywhere, including for things on your iPhone screen. You can take a screenshot and circle what you want to search with Apple Intelligence.
For example, this will let you easily find where to buy something you’ve seen on Instagram. Again, because it’s part of Apple Intelligence, the feature requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
