iOS 26: Apple's Biggest Update in Years
- Maximus Barrenechea
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
By Max Barrenechea
A Long-Awaited Update
Apple has officially released iOS 26, its biggest iPhone update since iOS 7 from over a decade ago. Instead of the usual minor changes that Apple is known for, this update makes some big improvements that you notice as soon as you turn on your phone. From the brand-new look of the screen to small quality-of-life features that save time and make life so much easier, iOS 26 is a massive step in the right direction for Apple.
Wait, Did We Skip a Few?
If you were wondering, wait, weren’t we just on iOS 18? How are we on iOS 26? Well, you do have a reason to be confused. At Apple’s annual developers conference, they announced that they would be skipping iOS 19 and jumping directly to iOS 26. They did this so that all of the Apple products would be on the same number for their software. If you're still wondering why they jumped to 26, well that number isn't random. They decided to make it so that their iOS number adds up with the year and they can add and update each year.
A Brand-New Look
The first thing you will notice when you turn on your phone is the bold new Liquid Glass design. Liquid Glass provides brand-new upgraded icons, with improved light and dark appearances and new tinted icons which provide a sleek and modern look to the home screen. Liquid Glass also adds new features to the lock screen, with customizable fonts and sizes for the clock and the major feature of 3D wallpapers that shift as you move your phone, creating a brand-new sense of depth.
“I like that they updated the Photos app design. Last year’s design was confusing,” said Mr. Larrubia, the computer science teacher, “Liquid Glass is cool. The animations and transitions are clean and fluid.”
Solving Everyday Problems
If you have ever been bothered by a scam call asking about your car’s extended warranty or a text promising you a fake new job opportunity, Apple has completely gotten rid of them with the brand-new Call and Message Screening. Apple now screens calls that look suspicious and waits for the person on the other end to give a name and reason and then Apple gives you the information and asks if you want to answer. Apple also added Hold Assist, which waits on hold for you and alerts you when a real person finally answers, meaning no more awful hold music.
“I hate scam calls, I’m always getting them and they are never anything useful. I didn’t know about the new thing and it’s actually something that’s useful.” said junior, Eduardo R. Gutierrez.
Tools for Students
Apple also added some more small but useful features for school life. Messages now have polls, which makes it easier to decide on fantasy punishments, meeting places, or even weekend plans. They also have a new Live Translation feature that works in texts, calls and FaceTime, and translates any conversation you’re in to make conversing way easier. Also, with Adaptive Power Mode, iPhone batteries last even longer and can last the full school day without needing to be charged in the middle of a class.
The Bottom Line
From brand-new design to quality of tools, iOS 26 is more than just a typical Apple update that doesn’t improve much, it’s almost a complete refresh of how the iPhone looks and feels.
What are your thoughts on the update?
I love it
I like some parts but not others
It feels the same to me
I’m really disappointed with it
I love it