Apple officially introduced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 on Monday, marking the most significant visual overhaul of its iPhone operating system in over a decade.

The new interface reflects Apple's move to a year-based naming system for all platforms, replacing the previous sequential numbering—this release would have been iOS 19 under the old format. This version also builds on the foundation laid by iOS 18's Apple Intelligence integration.

Beyond visuals, iOS 26 includes key functional upgrades. The Camera app features streamlined controls, Messages adds chat backgrounds and polling, and the Phone app now includes Call Screening and Hold Assist. Safari, FaceTime and CarPlay also get design refreshes, while the Notes app supports Markdown export. A new game launcher app and upgraded multitasking for iPadOS further extend Apple's push toward productivity.