Janet Ingber
On September 15, 2025, Apple released iOS 26. This article explores several of the apps that have received significant upgrades.
Phone
The new Phone app introduces a completely redesigned layout called Unified. If you prefer the older look, you can return to the Classic view. To switch between layouts, go to the top-right corner of the screen and select the “Filter” button. Two options will appear: “Classic” and “Unified.” Choose “Classic” to restore the previous layout.
The Unified version contains four tabs: Recents, Contacts, Keypad, and Search. The Recents tab now combines your favorites and recent calls into a single column. To access buttons for Missed Calls, Voicemail, and Spam, select the “Filter” button and flick right to open a context menu with these options.
The final control in that menu is “Manage Filtering,” a feature that automatically moves calls from unsaved numbers into a separate list. You can set it up directly in the Phone app or by going to Settings > Apps > Phone. Additional filtering options are available there.
The new “Hold Assist Detection” feature lets you step away while on hold; your iPhone will notify you when someone begins speaking again.
“Live Voicemail” provides a real-time transcript as a caller leaves a message, allowing you to read and even pick up the call before the voicemail finishes.
The “Reason for Calling” feature prompts callers with unsaved numbers to provide brief details about why they’re calling before your phone rings.
Safari
Safari now offers three layout styles. To explore them, go to Settings > Apps > Safari, then open the Tabs section.
The first option, Compact, places a “More” button at the bottom right of the screen. When activated, this button reveals your tabs, bookmarks, Add to Favorites, and New Tab options. If “More” is not active, you’ll find the “Refresh” button to its left, followed by the address bar and the Page Menu.
The second layout, Bottom, restores the familiar appearance used in iOS 18 and several earlier versions.
The third option, Top, shifts the browser’s controls to the upper portion of the screen.
Live Translation
Live Translation is now integrated into Messages, Phone, and FaceTime. It can translate both audio and text, with all processing handled on the device itself. There’s also a dedicated Translate app, and notably, the feature works with Android phones as well.
Messages
The “Compose” button has been moved to the lower-right corner of the screen, while a “Filter” button sits in the top-right corner. The available filters are Messages, Spam, and Recently Deleted.
At the bottom of the list is “Manage Filtering,” which opens the Messages section in Settings. Most controls are familiar from previous versions, but there are two new settings: Unknown Senders and Spam.
When “Screen Unknown Senders” is turned on, messages from numbers not in your contacts are automatically screened. You’ll receive a notification, and the message will move to the Unknown Senders list.
Enabling “Filter Spam” automatically sends suspected spam messages to the Spam folder without a notification.
For both Unknown Senders and Spam, you can choose to mark a number as known, request more information, or delete the message. If you reject a message, future messages from that sender are silenced and won’t appear in Notifications.
While texting, you’ll now receive an alert when another participant in a conversation is typing. Apple Cash can also be used directly within Messages.
Photos
The Photos app now has three tabs at the bottom of the main screen: Library, Collections, and Search.
Wallet
Wallet can now create a digital ID using a U.S. passport. While it doesn’t replace your physical passport, it can serve as identification at TSA checkpoints, within supported apps, and as a personal ID.
Your boarding pass can now display airport maps, track your luggage, and share flight information with others.
Eligible purchases can also be tracked through Wallet. More details are available at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/105065
Apple Music
Apple Music features a redesigned layout. At the top of the screen, you’ll find “Search,” followed by categories such as Hip Hop, Country, Set Lists, and Rock. Selecting a category opens lists of artists, playlists, radio stations, and more. You can navigate through each section using Headings navigation. The “Search” option is also available in the lower-right corner.
To return to the previous layout, choose “Library” in the lower-left corner.
Once you select a song, a “More” button appears in the upper-right corner with options such as Add to Playlist and Favorite.
When music is playing, new tabs appear at the bottom: Home, New, Radio, Library, and Search. The mini player sits just above these tabs. Flick left in the mini player until you hear “Album Artwork,” then double-tap to open additional controls, including Lyrics and Auto Play.
Apple Music can now translate lyrics for some (though not all) songs. To try it, activate the “Lyrics” button, then select “Translation and Pronunciation,” found to the left of the track position control.
The Auto Play feature links songs together so that the next track starts as the current one ends. This feature is enabled by default; you can turn it off by flicking right within the mini player until you hear “Auto Play,” then double-tap.
You can also pin your favorite artist, album, or playlist at the top of your music library for quicker access.
Apple Fitness and Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness is a free app included with your iPhone, while Apple Fitness+ is a subscription service offering guided workouts and meditations.
The redesigned Fitness app now includes four tabs at the bottom: Summary, Fitness+, Workout, and Search. The Summary tab displays your Move, Exercise, and Stand rings, along with other key stats. The lower-left corner contains “Edit” and “See All Categories” buttons.
The Fitness+ tab introduces a new “Plans” section, where you can choose from pre-made plans or design your own.
In the Workout tab, you’ll find new features such as “Workout Buddy” and the ability to select your own music. The “Share” tab allows you to choose which friends can view your progress.
Workout Buddy provides spoken encouragement, shares workout data, and announces milestones. You don’t need an Apple Fitness+ subscription to use it.
This feature is available starting with iOS 26 and requires an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, an Apple Watch Series 6 or later, and Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. Siri must be set to English.
Workout Buddy works with the following exercise types:
? Outdoor and Indoor Run ? Outdoor and Indoor Walk ? Outdoor and Indoor Cycle ? Hiking ? Elliptical ? Stair Stepper ? High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) ? Functional and Traditional Strength Training
Controls for Workout Buddy are found in the Workout tab. Here, you can choose your workout type, enable Workout Buddy, select a voice, set a goal, and start your session.
