APPLE’S new iPhone update has brought a flurry of free features to your mobile – including a major new battery update.
It even has a nifty trick that has completely refreshed my morning routine.
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While iOS 26 won’t be officially released until September – you can skip the queue.
As with every update, Apple will test the software through a “Public Beta”.
You can download it now and try all the new features early – but be warned, there may be some glitches Apple still needs to iron out.
Apple’s iOS 26 makes a huge number of changes to your iPhone, including a major redesign called Liquid Glass.
But the iOS update also adds some clever new features, including real-time language translation for texting, phone calls, and FaceTime.
Among everything, here are my favourites:
Battery
Apple has introduced a handy new battery feature that lets you know how long it will take for your iPhone to fully charge.
This charging time estimate is displayed on both the lock screen and in the battery section of settings.
It prevents you from unknowingly connecting your iPhone to a slow charger, and being disappointed when your battery has only recharged by a measly few percent.
If a slow charger is connected, the feature will notify you so you can correct your mistake sooner rather than later.
Another nifty tool is the new Adaptive Power Mode, which can save battery when you’re using more juice than usual.
For example, if you’re using Maps on a long drive, taking a lot of photos, or watching Netflix – the iPhone will alert you that your battery usage is up.
The handset will then help you trim down features you don’t need, in an effort to prolong your battery life.
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Messages
The Messages app also seems to be getting a WhatsApp-style makeover, introducing polls, custom backgrounds and typing indicators for group chats.
Polls allow you to quiz friends, family and colleagues about whatever you like.
From TV shows to holiday destinations, you can get your friends and family to weigh in on decisions from afar.
IOS 26 SUPPORTED DEVICES – THE FULL LIST
Official list of iOS 26 supported devices:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd gen)
- iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Photo credit: Apple
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Robo calls
There’s also a new Hold Assist feature that will use a robot to wait on calls for you, and then alert you when the customer support person has picked up.
Alongside that, there’s a Call Screening feature that will use a bot to vet unknown callers before they get through to you.
The robot voice will answer the phone, then ask the caller who they are and what they want.
As the caller answers the question, their words will be transcribed on your screen in real-time.
That way, you can decide whether to pick up or ignore it.
It’s an easy way to dodge spam (and potentially scam) calls.
Morning routine
When you set an alarm and hit snooze (as I so often do), you only get nine minutes of extra slumber.
But sometimes that’s too little – or too much.
Fortunately, Apple has introduced the ability to customise alarm snooze duration.
iPhone users can now choose between one and 15 minutes worth of snooze time, instead of the default nine minutes.
This feature is found within the alarm settings, where users can select their preferred snooze length.
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