Quick summary

iOS 26 is one of the biggest iPhone updates in recent years. It introduces a completely new visual style called Liquid Glass, which makes the interface look more dynamic, transparent, and alive. Alongside the design changes, Apple has supercharged Apple Intelligence (AI) with deeper GPT-5 integration, giving users powerful tools like live translation, natural language search, and AI-powered reminders. The Messages app also gets a major upgrade with customizable chat backgrounds, polls for group chats, Apple Cash integration, and advanced spam detection. Even AirPods get smarter, with features like charging case lighting indicators, battery reminders, and remote camera control. While iOS 18 laid the foundation with RCS support, basic AI tools, and improved privacy features, iOS 26 takes things further by adding more polish, personalization, and intelligent features that make everyday iPhone use faster, more fun, and more productive.

1. New look — Liquid Glass design

iOS 26 uses a new design language called Liquid Glass. Controls, widgets, and app surfaces have a glass-like look with depth and subtle motion. This makes the interface feel more modern and dynamic.

Compared to iOS 18: iOS 18 used a flatter style with less motion and fewer translucent elements. Liquid Glass is richer visually, but some users prefer the simpler look of iOS 18 for clarity.

2. Messages — more customization and tools

Messages in iOS 26 includes:

• Custom chat backgrounds and themed conversations
• Polls inside group chats
• Apple Cash shortcuts for quick payments
• Spam detection for unknown senders

Compared to iOS 18: iOS 18 supported RCS and basic reactions, but lacked built-in polls and deeper chat theming.

3. Apple Intelligence (AI) — more helpful

iOS 26 expands Apple Intelligence with more real-time and helpful features:

• Live translations (calls, FaceTime, messages) on supported devices
• AI-powered Reminders and suggestions
• Natural-language search in Maps
• New AI actions in Shortcuts

Compared to iOS 18: iOS 18 introduced Apple Intelligence basics (writing tools, visual intelligence), but iOS 26 brings deeper real-time AI and integrations for daily tasks.

4. Photos — better organization and viewing

iOS 26 separates the Photos app into clearer sections (Library and Collections) and adds subtle 3D or spatial effects for some views. Searching and smart grouping are improved.

iOS 18: Had a unified view with good search, but fewer presentation effects and less split organization.

5. Phone app and calls

The Phone app in iOS 26 groups Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail into a more unified interface. On supported phones, you may also see AI-generated call summaries and richer preview text for voicemails.

iOS 18: Kept these sections separate and did not include AI call summaries.

6. AirPods and accessories

AirPods features in iOS 26 include new charging-case lighting indicators, battery reminders, a “stay-in-headphones” audio mode, and remote camera control via AirPods (where supported).

iOS 18: Supported core AirPods controls but fewer advanced integrations.

Quick comparison table

Should you upgrade to iOS 26?

If you like new visuals and smarter AI tools, upgrade to iOS 26 when your device supports it. If you prefer a simpler, less animated interface or you have an older iPhone, you might wait — some AI features work best on recent iPhone models.

Tips before upgrading

1. Back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer.
2. Check if your iPhone model supports all iOS 26 features (some AI features require newer hardware).
3. Free up storage space before the update.

Conclusion

iOS 26 isn’t just an update—it’s a redesign and rethinking of how iPhones look and work. Compared to iOS 18, it offers more customization, deeper AI, and a modern design that makes using your iPhone more enjoyable.