iOS 26 is finally here: Everything to know about the free iPhone software update

It's finally here: You can now download iOS 26 on your iPhone — Apple's other new operating systems are also available. The first noticeable thing after installing the new OS? A new clear design language that Apple dubs Liquid Glass. The translucent look can be found within apps as well as your lock and home screens. (If you don't like it, there's a way to reduce the transparency.) The overhaul is one of several big changes that come with iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and the rest of Apple's software suite.

You'll also see multiple useful additions in the Phone and Messages apps. For instance, the ability to weed out spam texts or unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. And for fun, you can now create polls in ...