iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26 include several major changes, new options and capabilities, including the Liquid Glass design. View our overview of iOS 26 tips for all the possibilities for iPhone and iPad, and with our tips for macOS Tahoe you can get the most out of your Mac.
In addition, the software updates mainly contain a lot of small changes that benefit daily use. This includes: Adaptive Power Mode for iPhone battery, clipboard history for Mac and the updated control panel for Apple Watch. Below you will find the new part of even more minor changes in iOS 26 and other software version 26.
Wallpapers in Messages
To personalize conversations, you can now choose a different background. To do this, open a conversation, tap or click on the name at the top of the app and choose a desired background under ‘Wallpapers’. These can be standard backgrounds, but you can also use photos and images of your own choosing or use Image Playground to generate a unique background that fits the conversation perfectly. The wallpapers are synced across all your devices, including Apple Watch.
Sleep detection for AirPods
With iOS 26, Apple is introducing a new AirPods sleep detection feature designed specifically for people who like to fall asleep to music or podcasts. Thanks to this update, your AirPods can automatically recognize when you fall asleep and the music or podcast is immediately paused. This prevents you from draining your battery or flushing multiple episodes while you sleep.
The AirPods sleep detection in iOS 26 makes listening during bedtime a lot smarter and more comfortable. The feature automatically works with your iPhone and Apple Watch and switches seamlessly as you drift off. This allows you to enjoy your favorite playlist or podcast without any worries and you can be sure that the sound will stop as soon as you fall asleep. You can read how to activate the function in the highlighted article below.
Dial gallery renewed
Discovering new watch faces is now even easier thanks to the new gallery on Apple Watch and the Watch app on iPhone, with watch faces grouped into collections. This way you can find a suitable watch face faster, without having to scroll endlessly.
Adjust camera indicators
Since iOS 26, you have the choice to make some indicators permanently visible, hide them, or have them appear automatically when they are relevant. Open Settings â–¸ Camera â–¸ Composition â–¸ Indicators.
Then you can enable or disable the flash, Live Photo, action mode, and double shot indicators. This way you can ensure that crucial options related to a photo or video shoot are in view, so you know what type of photo or video you are taking.