[2025 Edition] iOS 26 New Features Summary & All Changes | Release Date, Compatible Models, Bugs, Essential Settings, Usage, Initial Setup, Troubleshooting | What is Liquid Glass? Including why it looks so good [Everything you need to read]
Hello, this is Moto-Kokuo!
iOS 26 has finally been released (Japan time: September 16, 2025 (Tue)). This time, I have rewritten it into a complete version for note that balances "searchability and readability." In conclusion, the new Liquid Glass UI + practical enhancements to calls/translation + **Adaptive Power battery optimization** will definitely reduce your daily "hassle."
What you will learn in this article (Super Summary)
Compatible Models: Generally iPhone 11 or later / SE (2nd generation) or later (some features vary by model)
Recommended Evolutions: Liquid Glass, Call Screening/Hold Assist, Live Translation, Adaptive Power
Safety Procedures: Backup -> Secure storage -> Install -> Review permissions -> Apply "essential" battery settings
1) When is iOS 26 released? Size & Required Free Space
Release start: Japan time September 16, 2025 (Tue)
Size estimate: Varies by model/status (Assuming a full installation, 10-15GB of free space is recommended)
Preparation: "Back up now" via iCloud -> Organize unnecessary apps/videos -> Connect to power & stabilize Wi-Fi
2) Compatible Models (List/Notes)
General guide: iPhone 11 or later / iPhone SE (2nd/3rd generation)
*Some intelligent features and call assistance may be limited to high-end models.
Note: This is not an "all-inclusive" feature set. Call transcription, AI assistance, and some translation features are not supported on all models.
3) Top 10 New Features (Key points followed by how-to)
01. Liquid Glass (New UI)
Key point: Background light and colors "refract," making the main content stand out clearly. Visibility of widgets and controls is also improved.
How to use: Adjust wallpaper brightness, accent colors, and widget placement → Easy to create a look that is "visually stunning yet easy to read."
02. Call Screening (Instantly transcribe the purpose of unknown numbers)
Key point: Caller identity and purpose are displayed as text in real-time → Decide whether to answer or not in an instant.
How to use: Phone settings → Unknown number protection → Enable Call Screening
03. Hold Assist (Hold monitor)
Key point: Switch to other tasks while on hold. Automatic notification when the other party returns → Increased efficiency.
How to use: Put a call on hold → Simply follow the on-screen guidance.
04. Live Translation (Messages, calls, FaceTime, and even some AirPods)
Key Point: Simultaneous interpretation for conversations like Japanese⇄English. Proves its true value in overseas business and travel.
How to use: "Settings > Language & Region > Live Translation" or from the settings of the target app.
05. Apple Intelligence (Contextual Suggestions & Screen Understanding)
Key Point: Understands screen content -> Next move (reply suggestions, extraction, action proposals).
How to use: "Try it" from the share menu/suggestions -> Have it learn your patterns.
06. Messages Update (Polls, Background Customization, Simultaneous Typing Indicator)
Key Point: Group consensus building is faster / conveys the "intensity" of the conversation.
How to use: + button > Add "Poll" / Match thread background to theme.
07. Genmoji & Image Playground (Expressive and Fast)
Key Point: Text to emoji/image generation is now precise. "Diagrams" for announcements and meeting notes are also created in seconds.
How to use: Input field generation icon → Select usage (icon/illustration/rough sketch)
08. Adaptive Power (Automatically optimizes battery life)
Key point: Levels out consumption based on behavior patterns. Expected to be ON by default on new models
How to use: Settings > Battery > Adaptive Power
09. Apple Music (AutoMix / Lyrics Translation)
Key point: Smoother transitions between songs / Deeper understanding of lyrics
How to use: Enable from playback queue options
10. Maps "Preferred Routes" and more
Key point: Reflects your favorite routes → Reduces travel errors
How to use: "Adopt" history or suggested routes to train it
4) Troubleshooting when updates won't start or finish (Saved version)
Connect to power / Switch Wi-Fi (2.4GHz ⇄ 5GHz)
Free up storage space (approx. 15GB: temporarily offload photos/remove unused apps)
Restart → Reset settings (network, etc.)
No improvement → Apple Support to
5) Measures for battery drain and overheating (5 essential settings)
Settings > Battery > Adaptive Power: ON
Notification Summary to reduce "instant pushes" (Settings > Notifications)
Background App Refresh: OFF for non-essential apps
Location Services: Only when needed (set to "While Using" per app)
Photos/Sync: Background processing runs initially → Wait 1-2 days for stability
6) iOS 18→26 Changes Summary (Table + Bullet points)
7) Convenient accessories to "buy while you're at it"
UGREEN 30W USB-C Charger (PD compatible, compact)
...The "all-in-one" for travel/business trips
UGREEN USB Type C Cable 2m
...Longer cable for easy handling by the bed or behind the desk
UGREEN Qi2 MPP 15W MagSafe Compatible Power Bank
...For shooting and navigation while on the go
AirTag 4-pack + Protective Case
...Peace of mind set before traveling
[US Military Grade, Anti-fingerprint] CASEKOO Case for iPhone 17 (with strap hole)
* "It's okay to add to cart and buy later". Discounts may be applied automatically during sales.
8) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When is the release date?
A. It is September 16, 2025 (Tuesday).
Q. Which models are supported?
A. iPhone 11 or later / SE (2nd/3rd generation) is the benchmark. Features may vary.
Q. Battery is draining / device is hot
A. It increases temporarily due to background processing initially. Monitor it with Adaptive Power and notification management. If it's extreme, try restarting, resetting settings, or contacting support.
Q. Is call transcription a recording?
A. It is not a recording, but "speech-to-text"
Q. Can I turn off the new UI?
A. It cannot be turned off completely. You can adjust the feel with wallpaper brightness/accent colors/parallax.
9) Summary by Moto-Kokuo
Bold in appearance, logical in usability.
Calls and translation have been elevated to "work tool" levels, and Adaptive Power stabilizes daily battery life.
Start with backup → capacity → installation → permission review → essential settings. This will ensure a "regret-free update".
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