Top 20 Features in iOS 26 for the Everyday User

I’ve listed top 20 features of iOS 26.

however one point of attention is – While the iOS 26 update has brought a significant visual overhaul to the iPhone, some iPhone users have reported that their devices feel sluggish and that the battery drains faster.

Apple has confirmed that this is a temporary and normal occurrence after a major iOS release. The slowdown is due to background processes, like re-indexing files and updating apps, which can take a few days to complete. If the issues persist, you can try restarting your phone, freeing up storage, or checking for a minor follow-up update from Apple.

now lets move in to the topic. following is the list of features.

1. “Liquid Glass” Design: Your iPhone’s look and feel is changing. Everything from buttons to menus now has a shiny, see-through, and fluid appearance, as if it’s made of liquid glass. This makes the entire phone feel smoother and more modern.
2. Smarter Lock Screen: The time on your lock screen will now smartly move around your wallpaper photo so it doesn’t cover someone’s face. When you tilt the phone, your photo gets a cool 3D effect, making it pop.
3. App Icons You Can Change: You can now change the look of your app icons on the home screen. You can choose from light, dark, a specific color, or a new “clear” glass style that shows off your wallpaper.
4. Automatic Call Screening: Say goodbye to spam calls. Your phone can now automatically answer calls from unknown numbers, ask the caller who they are and why they’re calling, and then let you decide if you want to answer. You’ll never be bothered by a scam call again.
5. Hold Assist for Customer Service: Stuck on hold with a company? Your iPhone can now wait in line for you. It will put you on hold and send you a notification when a real person is on the line, so you don’t have to listen to boring hold music.
6. Real-time Translation: This is a big one. The phone can now translate conversations as they happen in real-time. This works in Messages, on phone calls, and during FaceTime video chats, so you can talk to someone who speaks a different language without any apps.
7. Polls in Messages: Finally! You can now create a poll directly inside a group chat to get a vote on things like where to go for dinner, what movie to watch, or who’s bringing the snacks. Everyone can see the results as they come in.
8. Custom Chat Backgrounds: Make each of your conversations in Messages unique. You can now set a custom background for any chat using a photo or a fun new design.
9. Enhanced Visual Search: Taking a screenshot is now more powerful. You can now ask questions about anything in a screenshot, like “What is this product?” or “When is this event?” and the phone will give you the answer.
10. Smarter Maps: The Maps app now learns your regular routes, like your commute to work. It will warn you about traffic or road closures on that route before you even start driving, and suggest a better way to go.
11. Redesigned Camera App: The camera app is simpler to use. The most common modes like “Photo” and “Video” are front and center, while other controls are neatly grouped together, making it easier to take a quick, great photo.
12. New Passwords App: All of your saved passwords, Wi-Fi details, and security keys are now in their own separate app. This makes it easier and more secure to manage all your sensitive login information.
13. “Studio-Quality” Audio Recording: Your iPhone can now record much better sound, especially in a noisy environment. This is great for recording videos, voice memos, or even just regular phone calls.
14. CarPlay Upgrades: The in-car display is getting a major update with a new look. It’s now easier to reply to messages with quick “Tapbacks” and see important information like a live game score right on your dashboard.
15. 3D Photo Effects: You can now make your regular 2D photos look like they have a 3D effect. The new “Spatial Scenes” feature gives your photos a sense of depth that moves as you look at them.
16. New Games App: All of your games, achievements, and friends’ activities are now in a single “Games” app. It’s a central hub for everything related to gaming, making it easier to find new games and challenge your friends.
17. Better Battery Life: The phone now has a smarter “Adaptive Power” mode. It learns how you use your phone and adjusts settings to save battery life when you need it most.
18. Customizable Alarm Snooze: You are no longer stuck with the default 9-minute snooze. You can now change the snooze time to anywhere from one to fifteen minutes.
19. Hold Assist: Instead of waiting on hold for a customer service representative, your phone can now hold your place in line and let you know when someone is ready to talk.
20. AirPods as a Camera Remote: You can now use your AirPods to start and stop video recording or take a photo from a distance. Just press the button on your AirPods, and it will control the camera on your iPhone.