Top 15 New Features in iOS 26

After two weeks of testing the new iOS 26 developer beta, here are 15 key changes that improve the user experience.

Lock Screen Evolution

1. Bottom widgets: A new widget panel has been added above the camera and flashlight buttons. Widgets move downward to keep the image in focus.

2. Music search: A new widget for quick track identification through the Music app.

3. Smart buttons: New buttons for controlling devices, reminders, and universal settings.

4. Live covers: Animated song covers on the lock screen for Apple Music.

Home Screen

5. Quick wallpaper switch: New option to change wallpapers without visiting Settings, improving convenience.

App Updates

6. Photos improvements: The Photos app adds a view settings menu and section organization options.

7. Call recording: Screen and call recording functionality introduced for users.

8. Object recognition: Google Lens-like functionality for identifying objects in screenshots.

New Settings Options

9. Message filtering: Unknown senders are now automatically archived in a separate folder.

10. Lens cleaning: iOS prompts you to clean the camera lens when dirt is detected.

11. Screenshot settings: New options to customize screenshot appearance and functions.

12. Snooze alarm: Added ability to customize alarm snooze duration for greater comfort.

13. Safari interface: Three Safari browser interface variants for user convenience.

14. Phone app: New voicemail features and call silencing options.

15. New ringtone: A new ringtone is available in sound settings for personalization.