iOS 26 is here: 5 new features to set up on your iPhone right away

The highly anticipated iOS 26 has officially launched, and it's ready for download on most Apple devices. This major update introduces a range of innovative features that were initially showcased during the WWDC 2025 conference in June. Here’s a look at the five standout features you need to explore right away. One of the most notable additions in iOS 26 is the advanced spam filtering capability, designed to enhance your messaging and calling experience. This feature automatically sorts out junk or spam text messages into a designated spam folder. Additionally, an ‘Unknown Senders’ folder collects messages from contacts that are not saved in your address book. As for phone calls, if you receive a call from an unknown number, Siri will now automatically answer and prompt the caller to state their name and purpose. You can then easily choose to accept the call, send it to voicemail, or block the number. Another exciting enhancement is the AI-driven battery saver feature, known as Adaptive Power. While this feature is pre-activated on the iPhone 17 series, users of older models will need to enable it through their settings. Adaptive Power intelligently activates when it detects higher-than-normal battery usage, making subtle performance adjustments to prolong battery life during power-intensive tasks such as video recording, photo editing, or gaming. In addition, iOS 26 introduces Visual Intelligence, a feature that enhances the screenshot experience. After capturing a screenshot, the window will remain visible for a short time while the system analyzes it for useful information. Users can engage with their screenshots by conducting a reverse image search or conversing with the built-in AI about the content. Moreover, the system will suggest actions, such as adding relevant dates to your calendar based on the image’s details. Aesthetic changes are also a significant part of iOS 26, with the new Liquid Glass design language. This update brings a softer, more dynamic, and semi-transparent user interface. Buttons, menus, and notifications now feature a translucent, fluid appearance, allowing the underlying wallpaper to shine through. The animations for system controls and notifications have been improved, offering a more responsive feel to user interactions. Finally, iOS 26 simplifies the process of setting custom ringtones. Previously a cumbersome task, users can now select a less-than-30-second audio clip in MP3 or M4A formats directly from the Files app to create their ringtones without the need for iTunes. This change marks a significant shift in Apple's approach, making personalization much more accessible for iPhone users. With these updates, iOS 26 promises to elevate the iPhone experience significantly, bringing both functionality and visual appeal to users. Dive into these new features and make the most of your device today!