iOS 26: Meaningful Communication and Smarter Discovery

Apple’s latest updates bring a refreshing focus on meaningful communication and smarter exploration. Here’s a quick look at what’s new.

Communication: Fewer Interruptions, More Expression

Call Screening Simplified

Say goodbye to unknown interruptions. Call Screening now answers unknown callers for you. If the caller shares their name and reason, your phone rings—letting you decide whether to answer.

Smarter Message Filtering

New screening tools detect spam and give you the power to approve or block unknown numbers across Messages, Phone, and FaceTime.

Hold Assist Saves Your Time

Tired of waiting on hold? Let your iPhone do it for you. Hold Assist keeps your place in line and alerts you when a live agent is ready.

Polls in Messages

Group decisions made easy. Create polls in group chats and watch votes come in live—everyone can contribute options and vote.

Add a Personal Touch

Customize conversations in Messages with beautiful built-in backgrounds or your own photos, adding flair to every chat.

Discovery: Explore Comfortably and Confidently

Smarter Commutes with Maps

Maps now learns your regular routes and notifies you about delays—even before you leave. If your routine changes, your iPhone adapts.

Visited Places

Never forget a great stop. The new Visited Places feature helps you remember and share your favorite locations with a tap.

Apple Music Upgrades

With AutoMix, enjoy seamless DJ-style transitions between songs. Plus, Lyrics Translation helps you understand your favorite foreign-language tracks.

Wallet Gets Even More Useful

Create a digital ID using your U.S. passport for TSA, apps, or in-person verification. Boarding passes now include airport maps, luggage tracking, and shareable Live Activities.

All-New Games App

Track all your games in one place. Discover what friends are playing, get custom recommendations, and challenge others in score-based competitions.

With these updates, your iPhone becomes even more personal, helpful, and fun. Ready to explore? Dive into the new features today.