iOS 26 contains multitudes. That’s not just a reflection of the many new features and enhancements introduced by software updates like this nor does it reference the complete overhaul Apple has given to the interface of its phone software. Rather, it’s the best way I can think of to describe using this new software. There’s a lot of delight to be found in the many ways Apple has improved the iPhone experience, just as there are some significant frustrations with iOS 26’s new look.
I’ve spent the summer trying out iOS 26, starting with the developer beta that arrived just after Apple previewed this year’s software update at WWDC 2025 and moving on to the public beta that came out in July. I’ve run the update on a wide spectrum of iPhones, from older models to newer versions capable of supporting the updated Apple Intelligence features contained in iOS 26.
