Unveiled my device's upgrade to iOS 26 on day one, here's my top 5 favorite new features that truly left an impact
In the latest update, iOS 26, Apple Inc. has introduced a host of new functions aimed at improving the user experience and battery life.
One of the most notable additions is the introduction of interactive polls in iMessage group chats. This feature aims to streamline decision-making by providing a structured format for voting. To use polls, users can open an existing group chat or create a new one, tap the + icon, and select Polls.
Another significant development is the Adaptive Power Mode. Unlike the manual low power mode, Adaptive Power Mode makes targeted adjustments based on current activity. It dims screen brightness, pauses background processes, or reduces performance when it detects higher than normal power consumption. Adaptive Power Mode uses Apple Intelligence to monitor usage patterns and adjust system behavior to extend battery life. Users can enable this feature under Settings, Battery, and Power Mode.
The development and implementation of the five new functions, including the Liquid Glass design, personalized lock screen, improved call and message features, music lyrics translation, and new apps, are the responsibility of Apple Inc.
In addition, iOS 26 allows each alarm to have its own custom snooze duration. The Snooze Duration option is found at the bottom of the settings when editing an alarm in the Clock app. This customization extends to the Wake Up alarm used in Apple's sleep monitoring features.
Moreover, the Spatial Scene feature in iOS 26 allows users to convert any photo into a 3D scene with a single tap. Spatialized photos can be used as lock screen wallpapers, providing a subtle 3D effect that responds to device movement. The Spatial Scene button can be found in the top-right corner of the Photos app and the lock screen editor.
For improved call handling, iOS 26 introduces call screening. To enable this feature, users must navigate to the Settings app, select Apps, Phone, and then toggle on Screen Incoming Calls. Call screening in iOS 26 can handle unknown callers, allowing users to decide whether to answer based on the caller's self-identification. Enabled call screening prevents immediate ringing for unknown numbers, instead providing a screening message to the caller. A subtle indicator in the Dynamic Island notifies users of a screened call, but no ringing occurs until the caller provides information.
These new features in iOS 26 are designed to make the user experience more interactive, personalized, and efficient, while also improving battery life.
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