iOS 26 is here and opinions are mixed, plus information on the update you can install if you’ve decided iOS 26 is not for you (yet)

iOS 26 is here and with it come aesthetic changes that many users have mixed opinions about (coincidentally the same can be said for the new update for Mac, macOS 26).

This update primarily features the new “liquid glass” feature which is meant to give the screen an almost 3D appearance, which is generating a lot of mixed opinions. Some users love the new feature and say it hearkens back to the older days of Mac when the designs were more playful and experimental. Others hate it, claiming the visual effects inclusions cause dizziness.

There’s also concerns across the board on the effect the new update is having on battery life, with many users claiming their phones batteries are draining much faster and users with older iPhones also mentioning sluggish performance after updating. The update did introduce an adaptive power mode meant to improve battery life by adjusting performance for certain tasks (IE lowering brightness or throttling some tasks when not plugged into a charger). In addition to liquid glass and the adaptive battery setting the update also added:

1. Privacy / Security

• New permissions around wired accessories: you can control whether accessories connected via cable (when phone is locked) are allowed automatically or require permission.
• A “Blocked Contacts” section that aggregates blocked numbers/contacts from various apps.

2. Maps & Navigation

• Preferred Routes: Maps learns your regular routes (commute, etc.) and gives alerts for delays.
• “Visited Places” tracking, with ability to view or remove these places; again privacy-focused.

3. Messages, Phone, and Communication

• Messages gets more features in group chats: custom chat backgrounds, polls, typing indicators.
• Phone app gains: call screening (for unknown/spam callers), “Hold Assist” (notify caller when you’re ready to resume), unified view combining favorites, recent calls, voicemails.
• Live Translation features: translate voice/text in Messages, FaceTime, and during phone calls.

4. AirPods Enhancements

• New firmware for AirPods Pro 2 & AirPods 4 adds features like better audio quality for calls/videos; studio-quality audio recording for interviews/videos.
• Ability to pause audio if you fall asleep while listening, use AirPods as a camera remote, low battery charge reminders, and more.

Not sure if you want to update to iOS 26 yet on your iPhone? Apple listened to concerns from users and also released a security only update, iOS 18.7, parallel with the release of iOS 26 (and similarly MacOS 18 for Mac users). Though Apple warns users won’t have a ton of time to get on board with the new changes, iOS 18.7 is only scheduled to be available for 2 months before iOS 26 becomes the de facto option. Starting with iOS 18.7 might make sense for users on the fence especially because downgrading from iOS 26 may be no small feat.

These updates will apply to all iPhones made from 2018 and beyond, iPhones still in use manufactured before that date will be out of luck.

At Valley Techlogic we work with our customers based on their device preferences – whether your office uses Mac or Windows or is a hybrid mix of the two we have solutions that will support the technology you rely on. Learn more today with a consultation.

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