Apple has officially introduced its next generation of operating systems for their devices—iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and watchOS 26. All of them are bringing a fresh glass look, new features, and new ways to personalize the user experience across Apple devices.
iOS 26: More Intelligent, More Personalized
The update brings “Liquid Glass,” a translucent material for a more personalized Home Screen and Lock Screen, with dynamic app icons and widgets.
Apple Intelligence is even more capable, powering new experiences like on-device Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, plus advanced visual intelligence for actions across apps. Users can also enjoy message screening, call screening, and Hold Assist to reduce unwanted interruptions.
The new update also delivers new update to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet, and Apple Games. This is a new app that serves as a single hub for all gaming titles.
iPadOS 26: New Design and Windowing System
iPadOS 26 is the biggest update yet for iPad, bringing a new liquid glass design, powerful multitasking, and smarter features.
A major highlight is the all-new windowing system, letting users easily resize, arrange, and switch between app windows. Enhanced with Expose and Stage Manager support, the system makes multitasking smoother and almost similar to the macOS now.
iPadOS 26 also expands Apple Intelligence, enabling features like Live Translation, Genmoji creation, and smarter Shortcuts. The upgraded Files app offers customizable folders and better organization, while the new Preview app brings advanced PDF editing and Apple Pencil support to iPad.
For creative pros, iPadOS 26 unlocks advanced audio tools, background tasks, and local capture for high-quality recordings. New apps like Journal and Apple Games, plus updated Messages with custom backgrounds and group chat improvements.
macOS Tahoe 26: A uniform glass design
macOS Tahoe 26 brings an elegant new design with refreshed app icons, a streamlined sidebar, and more consistent system elements. Mac users get a new Highlights feature in Notes for quick reference and easier organization. The Messages app on Mac now supports scheduling and enhanced Tapbacks, mirroring updates in iOS and iPadOS.
Safari introduces Reader View updates for distraction-free browsing, while new productivity tools make it easier to manage windows and multitask. Advanced accessibility features are also added, including customizable color filters and expanded Live Speech options.
watchOS 26: Personalized Health and Connectivity
watchOS 26, the latest update for Apple Watch, featuring a new Liquid Glass design and a refreshed look to Smart Stack, Control Center, Photos watch face, and app navigation.
A major highlight is Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence, which delivers personalized, spoken motivation based on workout stats and history. The Workout app also features a new layout and offers music suggestions tailored to each workout type.
watchOS 26 improves daily convenience with more proactive Smart Stack hints, a new one-handed wrist flick gesture for managing notifications, and support for Live Translation in Messages. The Notes app debuts on Apple Watch, while Hold Assist and Call Screening arrive in the Phone app when paired with an iPhone.
Availability
All four software updates including the iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and watchOS 26 will be available as free updates later this year.
