Apple’s first-party apps are also getting a rework. The Phone app offers a unified layout that combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails in one place. In Messages, users can now screen messages from unknown senders. iOS 26 also adds a poll feature and the ability to generate unique backgrounds that fit the conversation with Image Playground.

Apple introduced a new, compact design for Safari in iOS 26 that serves as the default layout, but there are two other design options available

“Apple’s new glassy UI (user interface) design literally hurts my eyes to look at,” vented a third. “The notifications are a literal eyesore. It’s the definition of form over function. This OS update is going to be the worst thing Apple has done since iOS 7. No joke.”

Apple isn't holding back with CarPlay in iOS 26. Here are the 5 features that will greatly improve your driving experience later this fall.