What new features are exclusive to iPhone 17 with iOS 26

The standout design innovation in iOS 26 is called Liquid Glass, which gives the entire user interface a fluid, dynamic look. Menus, tabs, and buttons appear translucent with a glossy sheen, creating the effect of looking through a thick, moving layer of glass. This design is contextually adaptive, responding to touch and the surrounding lighting conditions, thereby offering an immersive experience that changes with device movement or scrolling. For example, app icons on the Home Screen can be customized in tint, lightness, darkness, or translucency to better blend with wallpapers. The Lock Screen has a new 3D effect where the time changes position dynamically to keep the photo's subject in view when the device is moved. Notifications and pop-up modals also adopt this liquid glass aesthetic to increase visual depth throughout iOS interfaces. This design shift marks the most significant UI refresh in several years.

Apple Intelligence receives notable updates specifically optimized for the iPhone 17 and other recent models. One major addition is Live Translation, which operates in real-time across FaceTime, Messages, and phone calls, enabling seamless multi-language communications. For example, texts and conversations can be automatically translated as users type or speak, and translations can be spoken aloud during phone calls. Additionally, Visual Intelligence can analyze screenshots or images on the screen to provide AI-driven summaries or contextual information immediately. The Apple Intelligence suite also supports the creation of custom Genmoji using combinations of existing emoji or descriptive text with the ability to change their expressions and styles. Image Playground enables users to create and edit backgrounds for messaging chats or other applications, leveraging AI to generate unique visuals based on the content of Photos libraries.

In the Messages app, new features enable more personalized and interactive communication. Users can set custom backgrounds for individual chats, which all chat participants can see, adding a new layer of personalization. Group chats now support typing indicators so participants can see when others are typing, enhancing conversational flow. Polls can be created within group conversations to facilitate decision-making or feedback gathering. Beyond messaging, the Phone app introduces Call Screening to efficiently block spam and unknown calls. There is also a new feature that acts as a hold assistant when users are placed on hold during calls, reducing frustration by managing wait times. These communication improvements aim to reduce distractions from unwanted contacts while enhancing expressiveness and control over conversations.

Camera and media features have been revamped with iOS 26 targeted for the iPhone 17 hardware capabilities. The Camera app UI is simplified with modes like Photo and Video more accessible, while secondary camera controls are just a swipe away. Screen recording resolution has been enhanced significantly, allowing much higher quality captures compared to previous iOS versions on compatible hardware. Additionally, the update optimizes camera software for a more natural and clearer look during video calls, helping users appear more authentic in FaceTime and other apps. The AirPods ecosystem benefits from firmware updates that enable Live Translation for in-person conversations along with other smart features such as pausing audio automatically when a user falls asleep and remote controlling the iPhone camera via AirPods.

Other core system upgrades include customizable snooze times in the Clock app, password history retrieval in the Passwords app for easier management of past logins, and interactive widgets on the Home Screen that blend with the Liquid Glass design ethos. The Wallet app can now track all your purchases, providing a better overview and insights into spending. CarPlay also receives enhancements to improve user experience in vehicles. Notably, Apple Games debuts as a new single destination app for managing game libraries and experiences on the iPhone, leveraging the enhanced performance and AI capabilities of the iPhone 17.

Accessibility and user control have also seen improvements, including smarter notifications and adaptive power modes that optimize battery life dynamically based on usage patterns. The update streamlines navigation gestures and back button appearances within apps, replacing text with icons for a cleaner look.