The latest software update from Apple, iOS 26, is almost here.
On September 9, Apple announced the long -awaited iPhone 17. The tech giant also announced the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air, three new Apple Watch models and the AirPods Pro 3.
And in addition to the new devices, Apple has also announced the release date of iOS 26. The software update is available for compatible iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches from Monday 15 September. The update has a new user interface design and various new AI-driven functions.
Interested in learning more? Here is a deeper dive in what we know about iOS 26.
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When will iOS 26 come out?
iOS 26 launches on Monday 15 September, according to a news item from Apple.
A new look: liquid glass
One of the most striking functions of iOS 26 is Liquid Glass, a new user interface design on Apple devices. The design has clear, more flowing elements. With, for example, activated liquid glass, users can keep their home screen apps normally or change them to look transparent, which shows the background image.
Liquid Glass also has more dynamic controls. In various apps, including Apple Music, users can sweep their finger to turn between screens or functions, instead of tapping individually.
Liquid glass is available on eligible iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches.
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New functions that are worth knowing
iOS 26 contains various other new functions, including some powered by Apple Intelligence. Here is a breakdown of some important:
Live translation
Live translation uses artificial intelligence to translate SMS messages, phone calls and facetime calls on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches, according to the Apple website.
In messages, live translation is available in Chinese (simplified), English (VK and the US), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Spain), according to the Apple website. For telephone conversations and Facetime, the English function (UK and the US), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Spain) can translate.
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Live translation is also available with the latest AirPods model from Apple: AirPods Pro 3. A user who wears the earplugs can make live translation possible in the natural world around them. For example, if a user travels and in people who speak a different language, the new AirPods will listen to the dialogue around them and translate it into almost real -time.
Live translation also works the other way around. A user who wears AirPods Pro 3 can speak in his mother tongue and then the earplugs will translate into the chosen language via speech or text on the attached iPhone.
New call and text functions
The software -update has various new telephone conversation and SMS functions, including call screening. When a user receives a phone call from an unknown number, the iPhone automatically answers the phone and the caller asks for a name and reason to call, which is then translated to the user, who can decide to pick up the call or not. In the same spirit, the messages -app filters SMS messages of unknown songs in a different folder.
iOS 26 functions also Hold Assist. When activated, Hold Assist keeps the place of a caller in accordance with a live agent and a user reports when the call is ready, according to the Apple website.
Finally, with iOS 26, users have a new-look poll function in the Message app and change the backgrounds of SMS messages in a photo or pre-set design of an Apple library.
Most of these functions are available on the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Intuitive cards
Do you use Apple cards to travel to work, school or a common destination? With iOS 26, the app uses artificial intelligence to learn the preferred routes of a user, so that updates are provided before a user goes on the road, according to the Apple website.
Apple Maps also has a new place category visited, which emphasizes restaurants, shops and other destinations that a user has previously visited.
Passport storage in Apple Wallet
Apple Wallet, with which users can store digital debit and credit cards, concert tickets, aircraft cards and more and more, users now enables users to save their passports with iOS 26.
Organize the iPad screen such as a desktop with multiple Windows
While most iOS 26 functions find their way to the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, some devices see unique updates, including a Windows system for the iPad. With this update, iPad users can open different Windows on the screen, similar to a computer desktop.
Which Apple devices are eligible for iOS 26?
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Greta Cross is a national trending reporter in USA Today. Story idea? E -mail her on gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA Today: when is iOS 26 coming out? Release date, compatible iPhones, functions
