Apple launched iOS 26 to the public at its annual Worldwide Builders Convention occasion in early June, and since then, has been sprucing the software program with builders for the eventual beta launch. Now that it is lastly obtainable for everybody to take a look at, you could be questioning if it is value diving straight into or ready for the official software program launch — probably someday in September. That is what we’re right here to reply.

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To set the stage, Apple’s iOS 26 affords a refreshing new look, extra streamlined first-occasion app layouts, extra functionalities throughout standard companies, and a few smaller Easter egg features that tremendously improve your iPhone’s usability. My ZDNET colleague Kerry Wan and I’ve been testing the public beta (by way of Developer Beta 4) for the previous few weeks, and right here are our greatest takeaways thus far.

1. Visible Intelligence is sort of prepared for primetime

After I first tested Visible Intelligence on iOS 18, I primarily used the function to translate signage and menus when touring overseas. In contrast to competing multimodal instruments on different telephones, the function was noticeably barebones. Nonetheless, I discovered myself utilizing it extra typically on iOS 26, thanks to the capability to higher course of on-screen info and observe up with related duties. 

Particularly, having the ability to add a calendar occasion from my e mail has been a blessing. Apple now permits you to take a screenshot of an invite (whether or not from e mail, messages, or the rest) and run Visible Intelligence on it. This means the choices to Add to Calendar, Learn Aloud, and Summarize. Utilizing the first choice creates an occasion in the Calendar app with particulars corresponding to occasion title, time, and period.

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Whereas each Kerry and I discover Samsung’s AI Choose and Google’s Circle to Search simpler to acknowledge on-screen objects and carry out capabilities primarily based on AI ideas, some customers will favor that Apple’s AI service additionally allows you to save screenshots for future reference. 

You may, after all, delete the screenshot proper after an occasion is created, however the means of taking a screenshot after which ready for ideas to present the ‘Add to Calendar’ choice is one thing that at present requires greater than preferrred time.

It might be nice if I might allow on-screen Visible Intelligence with a press (or double press) of the Digicam Management as a substitute of taking a screenshot.

2. Apple fastened the Photographs app, fortunately

The Cupertino tech big redesigned the iPhone’s Photographs app in iOS 18 final 12 months and touted it as “the greatest-ever redesign.” Over the course of 2024, I, like many others, by no means obtained used to the new UI and virtually at all times felt pissed off when wanting by means of my trip pictures. Apple listened to person suggestions to give us an up to date format, and I adore it.

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The brand new Photographs app is now compartmentalized by Library and Collections, so if I scroll to the finish of my library, it does not robotically present any excellent folders. As a substitute, these have been moved to a separate Collections tab. General, the app interface appears cleaner and does not frustrate me anymore. Fewer pathways are required to entry sure albums, bringing iOS 26 nearer to the burdenless software program expertise we have come to count on from Apple.

Whereas we’re on this be aware, the ZDNET crew has agreed that the capability to rapidly remodel just about any nonetheless picture into one with spatial depth is the “gimmicky” function we love the most. It is enjoyable, simple to use, and works reliably nicely — now greater than ever, on the public beta. It is the identical expertise that offers lock display wallpapers that gyroscopic portrait impact.

3. A simplified Digicam format

The largest app redesign in iOS 26 is a simplified Digicam app format. Apple now provides you two choices for Video and Picture at the backside, the place you possibly can swipe up to reveal extra settings like Flash, Stay Picture, Timer, and extra. These will also be discovered by tapping the settings button at the prime-proper nook. 

You may press, maintain, and drag to change to different modes like Cinematic Video, Portrait, and so on. At first, I discovered the new look too minimal for my style; even if you happen to’re conversant in all the instruments and settings in the digicam app, there isn’t any clear indication — like a menu button or increase image — of how to entry them. I might think about that extra informal customers will battle, not less than in the starting, to discover sure settings.

Additionally: 5 ‘new’ iOS 26 features that really feel acquainted (I have been utilizing them on Android for years)

Having a extra minimalist design does offer you the advantage of a quick and responsive UI, which is a main benefit for photographers and customers wanting to seize fast photographs. 

Hiding extra of the interface additionally makes framing and capturing topics simpler. My colleague Kerry not too long ago went on a journey to Barcelona and Lisbon, two cities stuffed with structure and tilework with Mediterranean affect. He discovered the revamped digicam app very intuitive when rapidly switching between photograph and video modes and framing scenic views. When each little element on buildings, streets, and statues issues a lot, the capability to simply see how issues match inside the viewfinder was appreciated.

4. Safari will get the greatest Liquid Glass remedy

Safari’s new Liquid Glass-enhanced look makes a big distinction for studying and shopping net pages. Apple’s browser on iOS 26 not solely appears higher however is extra usable than earlier than. For instance, the emphasis on minimizing distracting UI means what was beforehand a two-row menu at the backside (which took up a good portion of the net web page) is now merely a floating three-button navigation bar — which incorporates the again button, URL bar, and three-dot button. 

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The nav bar minimizes if you scroll by means of a net web page, and switching from one tab to one other with a swipe feels quicker than ever. I additionally love that Apple bundled the extra net web page choices in a three-dot menu, which homes shortcuts like Share, Add to favorites, Add Bookmark too, and so on.

One in all our favourite new Safari features is the introduction of haptic queues. For instance, you will really feel a mild buzz when a picture or file has efficiently downloaded from the net browser, whereas earlier, it could seem as a hidden notification. These refined software program tweaks go a good distance, a lot in order that my colleague Kerry has switched again from primarily utilizing Chrome on his iPhone.

5. Our favourite lock display function is…

I’ve waited for this function for years, and it is lastly right here. No, it is not the expandable clock widget that adapts to the wallpaper. Neither is it the capability to now place ticker widgets on the backside half of the display.

As a substitute, it is the incontrovertible fact that if you cost your iPhone now, iOS 26 shows the estimated battery charging time. It is a small contact, however one which proves surprisingly helpful, giving me glanceable data on precisely when my iPhone might be absolutely charged once I’m brief on time. I am additionally a fan of the refreshed album art work, which now fills the complete lock display when streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, and different companies.

Bonus: Utilizing my AirPods as a Digicam distant

As a solo traveler, there are instances once I miss having my Apple Watch — which I typically depart at residence to scale back charging wants — when I’ve to report or seize a picture of myself. However now, I can set off video recording wirelessly with my AirPods Professional 2. 

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Apple’s iOS 26 permits you to begin recording video in Digicam by urgent and holding on AirPods or AirPods Professional with the H2 chip. It ought to come particularly helpful for content material creators and other people like me preferring sporting an analog watch to an Apple Watch.

Remember the fact that all the features talked about right here might change earlier than the steady launch later this 12 months, together with how they’re accessed, how they appear, and the way they work. Even so, iOS 26 is shaping up to be considered one of the most important updates to Apple’s working system in years, and we won’t wait to see what extra shoppers suppose in the close to future.