Apple Releases iOS 26: Full Features, Updates, Reviews & User Reactions

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26, the latest version of its mobile operating system, and it is already making headlines worldwide. From the futuristic Liquid Glass design to AI-powered enhancements, this update is being called the biggest redesign since iOS 7. However, not everything is smooth sailing—users are already reporting issues like battery drain, while Apple maintains that it’s “normal post-update behavior.”

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about iOS 26, including new features, performance reviews, customization options, controversies, and expert opinions.

📱 What’s New in iOS 26?

Apple has focused on personalization, intelligence, and design evolution. Here are the standout features:

1. Liquid Glass Design

• The most talked-about feature, giving iPhones a transparent, fluid, glass-like effect on wallpapers, widgets, and UI elements.

• Users can dial up or down the transparency levels, offering a blend of elegance and readability.

• Apple calls it “beautiful, expressive, and instantly familiar.”

2. AI-Powered Battery Optimization

• A new smart battery mode that learns your daily usage and optimizes charging cycles.

• Predicts exact charging time and alerts you when your iPhone will be fully charged.

• Mint reports that this AI feature could significantly extend battery health in the long run.

3. Smarter Siri

• With iOS 26, Siri can now do five new things, including deeper integration with apps, better natural language understanding, and real-time translation improvements.

• Users on X say it feels like “Siri finally caught up to modern AI assistants.”

4. Customization Boost

• Apple adds dark-tinted themes, bigger clock widgets, and new ringtones.

• Users can now control transparency effects on the Home Screen (helpful if they dislike Liquid Glass).

5. Enhanced CarPlay

• iOS 26 brings a revamped CarPlay with smarter navigation, real-time EV charging info, and multi-screen support.

• The Economic Times calls it “a road trip game-changer.”

⚡ User Reactions: Praise & Problems

Despite the buzz, iOS 26 has drawn mixed reactions from iPhone owners:

• Battery Drain Complaints

  • Times of India reports that many users say their phones are draining faster.

  • Apple responded, stating: “It’s normal for iPhones to use more power temporarily after major updates due to system re-indexing.”

• Mixed Feelings About Liquid Glass

  • Some love the futuristic design.

  • Others (News18, WIRED) argue it’s too flashy and distracting.

• Performance Reviews

  • CNET praised the new design, saying it’s “a look I’ll be happy with for the next 12 years.”

  • TechRadar noted regrets among early adopters, while MacStories called it “a bold but natural step forward.”

📰 Expert & Media Reviews

• Mashable highlighted the 3 coolest features: Liquid Glass, AI battery tools, and Siri’s upgrades.

• The Guardian described iOS 26 as “everything you need to know about Apple’s boldest design change.”

• The New York Times listed the best new features, emphasizing customization freedom.

• MacRumors revealed upcoming versions (26.1 – 26.4) will add even more features.

🌍 Global Rollout & Supported Devices

• iOS 26 released worldwide on September 15, 2025.

• It supports all iPhones from the iPhone 12 series onward, including older models like iPhone SE (3rd Gen).

• India Today, NDTV, and Deccan Chronicle confirm availability in India, ahead of the iPhone 17 store launch.

🔧 Tips Before & After Installing iOS 26

According to CNET and ZDNET experts:

✅ Backup your iPhone before upgrading.
✅ Expect 24-48 hours of battery fluctuations as indexing completes.
✅ Explore new Settings → Display & Brightness → Liquid Glass controls.
✅ Use AI Battery Optimization (Settings → Battery → Smart Mode).
✅ Try new ringtones & wallpapers for a fresh feel.

📊 Verdict: Should You Upgrade to iOS 26?

• Upgrade if you want: design refresh, AI-powered battery tools, smarter Siri, and more customization.

• Wait if you’re concerned about battery issues or stability bugs in early releases.

• With iOS 26.1 already in the works, some users may prefer to wait for bug fixes.

✅ Final Thoughts

iOS 26 marks a milestone in Apple’s software journey, blending futuristic design with AI-driven intelligence. While Liquid Glass is dividing opinions, and early adopters report battery drains, most agree this is a transformative update that sets the tone for the next decade of iPhone experiences.

As Apple continues to refine the update with patches and point releases, iOS 26 is shaping up to be both ambitious and controversial—a true Apple hallmark.