iOS 26 Features: My 5 Favorites from the Public Beta

Every year, Apple introduces something fresh to make our phones feel brand new. But iOS 26 features are more than just fresh, they feel different. Cleaner. Smarter. More fluid.

I’ve been exploring the iOS 26 public beta for a few hours now, and while not everything is perfect (hello, minor bugs), some features really stood out. These aren’t just gimmicks, they’re practical, thoughtful upgrades that make everyday phone use feel smoother and smarter.

In this post, I’ll share my favorite iOS 26 features from the public beta.

1. iOS 26 Feature: Liquid Glass Design That Feels Alive

Apple’s new Liquid Glass design gives iOS 26 a completely different vibe. App icons, control center elements, and even the lock screen now have a subtle, translucent feel that reflects and adapts to your wallpaper.

It’s hard to describe how nice it looks until you actually see it move with your phone, the shadows, the blur, the dynamic lighting. It’s sleek, modern, and somehow makes even checking the weather feel fancy.

Bonus: The lock screen now slightly reacts when you tilt your phone, adding that 3D feel without being gimmicky. Minimal but impactful.

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2. Camera App: Focused on What Matters

Let’s be real: most of us just use Photo and Video. Apple finally got the memo. The redesigned Camera app in iOS 26 prioritizes these two modes front and center, everything else like Slo-mo or Portrait is still there, but tucked into a toolbar.

This small change makes the app faster, cleaner, and less cluttered. And for quick captures (especially those random “wait, let me take a photo real quick” moments), it just feels more intuitive.

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3. Phone App: Smarter Call Screening + Hold Assist

iOS 26 upgrades the Phone app in a way that actually feels useful, especially if you’re tired of spam calls. Now, when someone from an unknown number calls, your iPhone can ask them to identify themselves first before your phone even rings.

And if you’ve ever been stuck on hold with customer service (who hasn’t?), the new Hold Assist is a game-changer. It will notify you when a live agent is finally available, so you’re not listening to bad elevator music for 45 minutes.

Add in live translation during calls, and you’ve got a more powerful, multilingual call experience in your pocket.

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4. iOS 26 Feature in Messages: Polls, Backgrounds & More

The Messages app got a subtle but powerful upgrade. You can now:

• Create polls in group chats (great for deciding dinner spots or weekend plans)
• See typing indicators even in group threads
• Customize your chat backgrounds with photos, colors, or gradients
• Use live translation in real time during messages
• Automatically screen unknown senders, which helps separate spam from legit texts

It’s like Messages grew up and finally learned social etiquette.

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5. Animated Album Art in Apple Music

A small feature, but one I love: animated album artwork.
When you play certain tracks on Apple Music, the album cover now moves or reacts to the song in subtle, elegant ways. It makes listening feel more immersive, especially if you’re a visual person like me.

Think of it like vinyl for the digital age. Adds a vibe to your playlists that static art just… doesn’t.

Bottom Line: Is iOS 26 Worth Updating To?

iOS 26 isn’t a massive overhaul, but it strikes a good balance between aesthetic polish and practical updates. Features like Liquid Glass, smarter call handling, and streamlined apps make it feel fresh without being overwhelming.

If you’re curious, the public beta is worth exploring, but expect bugs. For most users, waiting for the stable release might be the smarter move. Either way, these updates show that Apple still knows how to keep things exciting without breaking what already works.

What about you? Tried iOS 26 yet? Got a favorite feature I didn’t mention? Let’s talk in the comments.

How to Join the iOS 26 Public Beta

Want to try these features for yourself? Here’s how to get started:

1. Back up your iPhone.
   Make sure all your data is safe, you’ll be testing unfinished software, after all.
2. Go to beta.apple.com using Safari on your iPhone.
   Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Enroll your device.
   Tap “Enroll your iOS device” and follow the steps. If you’re already enrolled from a previous beta, just check your settings.
4. Install the beta profile.
   Once enrolled, go to Settings > General > Software Update. You should see the iOS 26 Public Beta appear.
5. Download and install.
   Tap Download and Install, then wait for the magic to happen. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and have enough battery or are plugged in.

P.S. Like this kind of tech content? Check out more under my Technology category or explore my Lifestyle stories for a mix of slow life, reflections, and digital balance.