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YouTube Premium adds high-quality audio and 4x playback for iOS, Android and desktop

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Google is expanding access to YouTube Premium features like faster playback speeds and high-quality audio to more types of devices. Most people subscribe to YouTube Premium to remove ads from YouTube and access to YouTube Music, but Google also includes a variety of “power-user” features that give subscribers more granular control over their viewing or listening experience. Now those features will be available in more places.

YouTube Premium’s faster playback speeds (in 0.5x increments from 1x to 4x speed) are now available on Android, iOS and the web, after initially only being available in the mobile YouTube app. The ability to have YouTube automatically download Shorts to view offline or watch Shorts in a picture-in-picture window is now also available on both iOS and Android, after originally launching on Android. Google says Premium’s Jump Ahead feature for skipping to “key moments” of a video is now also available on smart TVs and game consoles.

In terms of the music side of the house, the big change has to do with audio quality. When you’re watching a music video, Google says you’ll now be able to select “High” from the audio settings and listen at a 256kbps bitrate. This change applies to “Art Tracks” as well, which are videos of songs available on the wider YouTube platform that don’t have an official music video. The “High” quality option was originally only available in the YouTube Music app, but now Google says you can access it across the Android and iOS version of both YouTube Music and YouTube.

None of these updates change what the main benefit of a $13.99-per-month YouTube Premium subscription is, of course, but for the price, it’s good Google is trying to unify the experience across devices.



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Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Still The Best for iOS
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Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: Still The Best for iOS

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The same mildly flat indent on the stem of each bud indicates the location of the touch/squeeze controls, and there are black spots where heart rate sensors, wear detection sensors, and microphone ports hide. As with previous models, silvery tips bless the end of each elephant trunk, where a beamforming mic aims at your lips for maximum fidelity. These are all familiar, refined design cues from previous AirPods, and they are better executed than ever, even with such slight changes.

Well-Supported

Review: Apple AirPods Pro 3

I’ve been very impressed with Apple’s software support when it comes to AirPods Pro; last year it added a bunch of free hearing health features as a software update. That trend continues here with the addition of real-time translation and heart rate monitoring on these buds.

The translation can be activated by squeezing both of the buds at once, at which time any Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone (any iPhone 16 Pro or later with the feature on) will pull up the Translate app on iOS. Siri will then listen to the speaker in front of you and translate what they are saying in real time, provided they are speaking English, Spanish, German, French, or Portuguese. I tested this with my multilingual wife, who found it to be very accurate with her Spanish phrases.

This is great for multilingual work or education environments in the United States in particular, as well as for travel, and should help folks who struggle with more advanced phrases or need to deliver a more nuanced message in their native language.

I’ve seen this feature enabled on headphones like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 (which do this, but using Google Translate). Side by side, Google’s Buds and associated app offer many more languages and bit better translation (my Thai mother-in-law was very excited at how well it worked with Thai, which isn’t available on AirPods Pro 3), but Apple’s version is still more than welcome.



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Ready to download iOS 26? Make sure your iPhone is eligible for the free update first

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Have you updated your iPhone to the new iOS 26 yet or are you holding off? It’s been available to download since September 15 — here’s how to install it if you haven’t yet. The new OS was released alongside iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates. Since then, the first beta of iOS 26.1 has already been released with some newer features.

If your phone is compatible with the latest OS, you’ll notice substantial changes when you install the new update. You may have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is sort of like Apple’s take on the old Windows Vista design language. That’s the most notable change, but we spent two weeks test-driving many of the other features included in the update — you can check out our hands-on iOS 26 preview for more impressions.

Not sure if you have an eligible smartphone or tablet but also don’t want to upgrade? No worries, we’ll help you find out if your devices will be able to run iOS 26.

While Apple didn’t nix any iPhones from its eligibility list last year, that’s not the case for 2025, as a few models got axed this time around. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to receive the boot in 2023, and this year, iPhones released in 2018 will be left behind.

You can find a full list of iPhones and iPads that support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 below. To see everything you get with the latest OS updates, you can check out our big rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Additionally, here’s everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 17 launch event, including the all-new iPhone Air. (Check out Engadget’s liveblog of the event for full details.)

These three iOS 18 iPhones aren’t compatible with iOS 26

Unlike last year, a trio of iPhones won’t be eligible to download the newest iOS. These three models that were first released in 2018 won’t be coming to the iOS 26 party:

iPhones compatible with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the devices listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. In short, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you’re in the clear:

  • iPhone SE (second generation or later)

iPads compatible with iPadOS 26

Meanwhile, the iPads listed below are eligible to download iPadOS 26:

  • iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)

  • iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)

  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3)

  • iPad (8th generation and later, including A16)

  • iPad mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro)

What if I don’t want to buy a new iPhone?

If you want to continue using your older iPhone that isn’t supported by iOS 26, that’s fine. However, you’ll eventually miss out on security updates which could potentially put your phone at risk for malware and other threats. Additionally, some apps may stop working if they require a certain version of iOS or later. And, of course, you won’t be able to access the latest features iOS 26 offers.

Should I upgrade to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?

When you first open Software Update in Settings, you’ll notice two different upgrade options: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple released the former to address security issues, so you can at least download that one if you’re unsure about all the big changes on iOS 26. It also gives you more time to wait for Apple to take care of any bugs on the new OS.

However, if you’re excited to finally have the Liquid Glass aesthetic on your phone and use all the new features iOS 26 has to offer, go ahead and install that one. After all, Apple had all summer to weed through the most problematic bugs during its beta phase and usually releases a new update shortly after the initial launch.

iOS 26 features to try out first

Liquid Glass design: Your home screen is getting revamped with new app icons, including dark mode and all-clear options. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s terms, was designed to make all of the company’s operating systems more visually cohesive.

Phone app redesign: You can finally scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that’ll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music.

Live Translate: iOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translate will translate your conversation in real time.

Polls feature: Coming to group messages in the Messages app, chat members can now create polls. This can help prevent the unwanted 30+ messages when it comes to deciding which restaurant you’re meeting at this weekend.

New lock screen options: More customizable iPhone lock screen options are available with iOS 26, including a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms (if you want). You now have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.

Fresh Camera app design: You’ll find the Camera app is simpler to navigate in iOS 26, with all the buttons and menus located in convenient spots. That means less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there’s a new feature that tells you if your lens is too dirty.

Screenshot revamps: When you take a screenshot, you now have the option to search for the image on Google (maybe you’re looking for a sweater you saw on a celeb) and you can ask ChatGPT questions about the photo — all from the edit screen. It’s like a reverse image search but without all the hard work.



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WhatsApp starts rolling out message translations on iOS and Android

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WhatsApp is now rolling out message translations on its iOS and Android apps. Starting today, Android users will be able to translate messages between six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic. On iPhone, there’s support for translation between the following languages (i.e. all of the ones supported by Apple’s Translate app):

To convert a message into a different language, long press on it, select Translate, then the language you’d like to translate the message to or from. Android users will get an extra-handy bonus feature with the ability to switch on automatic translation for an entire chat.

Translations are handled on your device to help protect your privacy — WhatsApp still won’t be able to see your encrypted chats. Your device will download relevant language packs for future translations. WhatsApp says translation works in one-on-one chats, groups and Channel updates. The platform will also add support for more languages down the line.

There’s no word as yet on if or when WhatsApp will support message translations on the web or in its Windows app. “Translating messages on WhatsApp is only available on certain devices and may not be available to you yet,” a note on a support page reads. “In the meantime, we recommend keeping WhatsApp updated on your device so you can get the feature as soon as it’s available.”



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Adaptive Power in iOS 26 Could Boost Your iPhone Battery Life, but It’s Not on All Models

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When Apple announced the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air earlier this month, it touted improved battery life across the board and “all-day” battery for the iPhone Air, which has a physically smaller battery to fit inside its thin design. Some of that is due to physically larger batteries, but a new feature called Adaptive Power in iOS 26 is also contributing. And it’s available on any iPhone capable of running Apple Intelligence. 

Currently, the iPhone uses as much power as it needs to perform its tasks. You can extend the battery life by doing a number of things, such as decreasing screen brightness and turning off the always-on display. Or, if your battery level is starting to get dire, you can activate Low Power Mode, which reduces background activity like fetching mail and downloading data in addition to those screen adjustments. Low Power Mode also kicks in automatically when the battery level reaches 20%.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

If Low Power Mode is the hammer that knocks down power consumption, Adaptive Power is the scalpel that intelligently trims energy savings here and there as needed. Based on Apple’s description that accompanies the control, the savings will be felt mostly in power-hungry situations such as recording videos, editing photos or perhaps even playing games:

“When your battery usage is higher than usual, iPhone can extend your battery life by making performance adjustments, such as lowering display brightness, allowing some activities to take longer, or turning on Low Power Mode at 20%.”

Apple says Adaptive Power takes about a week to analyze your usage behavior before it begins actively working. It works in the background without needing any management on your part. The iPhone user guide describes it as follows: “It uses on-device intelligence to predict when you’ll need extra battery power based on your recent usage patterns, then makes performance adjustments to help your battery last longer.”

Watch this: I’m Impressed With iOS 26. Apple Just Made iPhones Better

05:40

Which iPhone models can use Adaptive Power?

The feature uses AI to monitor and choose when its power-saving measures should be activated, so that means only phones compatible with Apple Intelligence get the feature. These are the models that have the option:

• iPhone 17
• iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Although some iPad and Mac models support Apple Intelligence, the feature is only available on iPhones.

How to turn Adaptive Power on

On the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air, Adaptive Power is on by default. For other models, you must opt in to use it. In iOS 26, you’ll find the Adaptive Power toggle in Settings > Battery > Power Mode. If you want to be alerted when the feature is active, turn on the Adaptive Power Notifications option.


Enlarge Image

In iOS 26, turn on the Adaptive Power option to help extend battery life.

Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNET

Adaptive Power sounds like an outgrowth of Gaming Mode, introduced in iOS 18, which routes all available processing and graphics power to the frontmost app and pauses other processes in order to deliver the best experience possible — at the notable expense of battery life.

When the iPhone is using Adaptive Power, a notification appears.

Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET

What does this mean for your charging habits?

Although we all want as much battery life as possible all the time, judging by the description, it sounds as if Adaptive Power’s optimizations will not always be active, even if you leave the feature on. “When your battery usage is higher than usual” could include a limited number of situations. Still, considering that according to a CNET survey, 61% of people upgrade their phones because of battery life, a feature such as Adaptive Power could extend the longevity of their phones just by updating to iOS 26.

I also wonder whether slightly adjusting display brightness could be disruptive, but in my experience so far, it hasn’t been noticeable. Because the feature also selectively de-prioritizes processing tasks, the outward effects will likely be minimal.

Read more: Adaptive Power in iOS 26 Could Save the iPhone 17 Air From This Major Pitfall

We’ll get a better idea about how well Adaptive Power works as more people adopt iOS 26 and start buying new iPhone models. Also, remember that shortly after installing a major software update, it’s common to experience worse battery life as the system optimizes data in the background; Apple went so far as to remind customers that it’s a temporary side effect.



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Ready to download iOS 26? See if your iPhone is eligible for the free update first

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Now that iOS 26 is available to download for many iPhone users — here’s how to install it — it’s time to check your phone to see if you’re eligible for the update. The new OS became available on Monday this week, along with iPadOS 26 and Apple’s other operating system updates.

If your phone is compatible with the latest OS, you’ll notice substantial changes when you install the new update. You may have already heard about “Liquid Glass,” which (intentional or not) is sort of like Apple’s take on the old Windows Vista design language. That’s the most notable change, but we spent two weeks test-driving many of the other features included in the update — you can check out our hands-on iOS 26 preview for more impressions.

Not sure if you have an eligible smartphone or tablet but also don’t want to upgrade? No worries, we’ll help you find out if your devices will be able to run iOS 26.

While Apple didn’t nix any iPhones from its eligibility list last year, that’s not the case for 2025, as a few models are getting the axe this time around. All iPhone 8 models and the iPhone X were the last to receive the boot in 2023, and this year, iPhones released in 2018 will be left behind.

You can find a full list of iPhones and iPads that support iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 below. To see everything you get with the latest OS updates, you can check out our big rundown of what to expect from iOS 26. Additionally, here’s everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 17 launch event, including the all-new iPhone Air. (Check out Engadget’s liveblog of the event for full details.)

These three iOS 18 iPhones aren’t compatible with iOS 26

Unlike last year, a trio of iPhones won’t be eligible to download the newest iOS. These three models that were first released in 2018 won’t be coming to the iOS 26 party:

iPhones compatible with iOS 26

Per Apple’s site, the devices listed below will be compatible with iOS 26. In short, if you have an iPhone that was announced in 2019 or later, you’re in the clear:

  • iPhone SE (second generation or later)

iPads compatible with iPadOS 26

Meanwhile, the iPads listed below are eligible to download iPadOS 26:

  • iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and later)

  • iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and later)

  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later, including M2 and M3)

  • iPad (8th generation and later, including A16)

  • iPad mini (5th generation and later, including A17 Pro)

What if I don’t want to buy a new iPhone?

If you want to continue using your older iPhone that isn’t supported by iOS 26, that’s fine. However, you’ll eventually miss out on security updates which could potentially put your phone at risk for malware and other threats. Additionally, some apps may stop working if they require a certain version of iOS or later. And, of course, you won’t be able to access the latest features iOS 26 offers.

Should I upgrade to iOS 18.7 or iOS 26?

When you first open Software Update in Settings, you’ll notice two different upgrade options: iOS 18.7 and iOS 26. Apple released the former to address security issues, so you can at least download that one if you’re unsure about all the big changes on iOS 26. It also gives you more time to wait for Apple to take care of any bugs on the new OS.

However, if you’re excited to finally have the Liquid Glass aesthetic on your phone and use all the new features iOS 26 has to offer, go ahead and install that one. After all, Apple had all summer to weed through the most problematic bugs during its beta phase and usually releases a new update shortly after the initial launch.

iOS 26 features to try out first

Liquid Glass design: Your home screen is getting revamped with new app icons, including dark mode and all-clear options. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design. Liquid Glass, in Apple’s terms, was designed to make all of the company’s operating systems more visually cohesive.

Phone app redesign: You can finally scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that’ll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music.

Live Translate: iOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translate will translate your conversation in real time.

Polls feature: Coming to group messages in the Messages app, chat members can now create polls. This can help prevent the unwanted 30+ messages when it comes to deciding which restaurant you’re meeting at this weekend.

New lock screen options: More customizable iPhone lock screen options are available with iOS 26, including a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

Snooze longer (or shorter): Say goodbye to the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms (if you want). You now have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.

Fresh Camera app design: You’ll find the Camera app is simpler to navigate in iOS 26, with all the buttons and menus located in convenient spots. That means less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there’s a new feature that tells you if your lens is too dirty.

Screenshot revamps: When you take a screenshot, you now have the option to search for the image on Google (maybe you’re looking for a sweater you saw on a celeb) and you can ask ChatGPT questions about the photo — all from the edit screen. It’s like a reverse image search but without all the hard work.



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iOS 26 Brings All These New Ringtones to Your iPhone

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Apple released iOS 26 on Monday, a few months after the company announced it at the June Worldwide Developers Conference. The update brings call screening, new ringtones and lots of hidden feature for your iPhone. It also brings seven new ringtones to your device.

Many of the new ringtones are remixed versions of the Reflection ringtone. One version includes what sounds like woodwind instruments, while another sounds like a synthwave song you’d hear in Cyberpunk 2077.

Here are all the latest ringtones that Apple could bring to your iPhone this year and what they sound like.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome.

All the latest ringtones

You can find all the new ringtones by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.

There are seven total new ringtones, but six of them are remixes of Reflections, the default ringtone of iOS 18. If you tap Reflection in the Ringtone menu, a dropdown menu unfurls to reveal these new ringtones.

  • Buoyant
  • Dreamer 
  • Pond
  • Pop
  • Reflected
  • Surge

Watch this: Apple’s New iOS 26 Ringtones Put a New Twist on ‘Reflection’

00:39

The standout ringtone for me is Dreamer. It’s about 45 seconds long and if I picked this as my ringtone I’d listen to it all the way through each time someone called. For a ringtone it’s a fun track and when I first heard it I was waiting for someone like Wiz Khalifa to start singing a few bars.

There’s also a new ringtone called Little Bird. It’s a new option you can find in the ringtone list.

Watch this: Listen to Apple’s new ‘Little Bird’ Ringtone in iOS 26

00:20

For more on iOS 26, here’s my review of the OS, how to reduce the Liquid Glass effects in the update and how to enable call screening on your device. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.



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iOS 26 Just Gave Your AirPods a Bunch of Free Upgrades
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iOS 26 Just Gave Your AirPods a Bunch of Free Upgrades

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Apple’s iOS 26 is finally out, and with its release, there’s a lot to officially unpack (sorry, beta features don’t count). Naturally, most of the new stuff pertains to your iPhone; you’ve got Visual Intelligence, which allows AI to both see and interact with your screen; Live Translation in the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps; and a new, streamlined Camera app that should make it easier to switch between video and still photo modes.

But it’s not all about the iPhone. Buried in all those feature tweaks and upgrades are some substantive improvements to AirPods, and the best part is you don’t need to rush out to buy the AirPods Pro 3 to take advantage. With a firmware update rolled out on Sept. 15, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 (when coupled with iOS 26) get all of the features listed below with just a download.

If you’ve got compatible AirPods and an iPhone, here’s everything coming your way—for free!

Camera Control

© Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo

Sure, you could take pictures the old-fashioned way by tapping the shutter button in your Camera app, but this is 2025, and it’s time to step into the future. In iOS 26, you can use AirPods to snap photos with the new Camera Control feature. Once enabled (go to settings, your name, and then Camera Control), you can select a gesture to use the feature when you have the Camera app open. Your options are either “Press once” or “Press and hold” on your AirPods stems, and both will initiate a countdown until a picture is taken.

This might not be a feature you’re using all the time, but if you’re in a situation where you don’t want to fumble around with your iPhone, it could come in handy.

Battery notifications

If you have battery anxiety about your AirPods, Apple is throwing you a bone in iOS 26 with notifications that tell you when your wireless earbuds are fully charged. Perhaps more helpfully, it will also tell you when your case needs to be juiced up so you don’t leave the house with dead AirPods.

“Studio quality” recording

© Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo

This one is for all the podcasters and YouTubers. According to Apple, iOS 26 brings better recording quality to AirPods, thanks in part to the H2 chip first introduced on the AirPods Pro 2. Using the beamforming microphones, Apple says its recording quality upgrade will also work better in noisy environments.

That same upgrade will also equate to what Apple is calling “more natural vocal texture and clarity” with calls and FaceTime. Even better, the upgrade isn’t just for iPhone, but also iPad and Mac, and works across features like Voice Memos, dictation in Messages, and video conferencing apps like Webex. I’ll have to test this feature out myself to see how “studio quality” it is, but on the surface, it sounds great, no pun intended.

Sleep detection

I hate sleeping with wireless earbuds in, but that doesn’t mean I’ve never tried. I’ve personally never fallen asleep with AirPods or any other pair stuck in my ears, but if you have, then Apple now has a feature for that. For AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, iOS 26 can detect when you’ve fallen asleep and pause the content you’re listening to. I wouldn’t want this feature activated if you’re trying to block out someone’s snoring, but if you’re listening to a podcast, this could help make sure you don’t miss all the gory details of that true crime fodder you like to nod off to.

Live Translation

AirPods Pro 3 aren’t the only buds capable of using Apple’s new Live Translation feature—a pair of AirPods with an H2 chip and ANC (AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning and USB-C, and AirPods 4 with ANC) can also get in on the action, and all you need is an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26. ICYMI, Live Translation is exactly what it sounds like: a feature that is able to translate speech in real-time. That all runs on-device, too. If you want to know more about how Live Translation works, you can read more from our AirPods Pro 3 review.



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The Powerbeats Pro 2 are getting heart rate monitoring updates with iOS 26
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The Powerbeats Pro 2 are getting heart rate monitoring updates with iOS 26

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You’ll now be able to monitor your heart rate in real time through the Apple Fitness app during 50 different workout types while wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2 – a feature only supported through partner apps like Nike Run Club at launch. The earbuds will also work with Apple Fitness Plus, showing metrics like heart rate and calories burned on screen.

Other upgrades coming to the Powerbeats Pro 2 with iOS 26 include a new algorithm for faster readings, step counting, notifications that include suggestions on how to improve the earbuds’ fit for improved accuracy, and heart rate monitoring while wearing just a single earbud, according to 9to5Mac.



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Does Liquid Glass Make That Much of a Difference? iOS 18 vs. iOS 26 Compared

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Now that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air have been announced, iOS 26 is set to hit older iPhone devices soon. The latest version of the OS brings several new features to iPhones, as well as Apple’s updated design language, Liquid Glass. 

Liquid Glass adds a combination of translucency and shiny, glass-like accents throughout the user interface, giving the operating system a new look in more than one way. And despite all of the differences between it and what’s found on current iPhones right now, iOS 18, Liquid Glass isn’t nearly as dramatic as it looks upon first glance. That’s a good thing, since there’s no real learning curve, so anyone familiar with iOS will feel right at home. 

Watch this: The New iPhone Air Changes the Game for Preorders

05:34

If you want a glimpse of just how Liquid Glass changes the look of your iPhone compared to iOS 18, I’ve highlighted some of the changes below. And if you’re looking to get one of the new iPhones, don’t miss the best iPhone 17 and iPhone Air pre-order deals. 

Home screen

Apple kept the new Liquid Glass minimal on the home screen (left), with only minor changes to the default home screen appearance versus iOS 18’s.

Screenshots by Jeff Carlson, Nelson Aguilar/CNET

Looking at the home screens, the primary difference you’ll find is that in iOS 26, the dock background and the search option that sits between the dock and the home screen icons are more transparent and have a sheen to the edges, whereas in iOS 18, these are slightly darker. 

Other smaller changes are that the icons on iOS 26 look slightly larger, and some app icons seem to have been more influenced by the redesign than others, most notably (from the screenshots) Settings, Camera and Mail. 

For Liquid Glass to really shine on the home screen, you’ll want to opt for the “All Clear” mode, which will create the most dramatic change to your icons and widgets. Going this route could potentially introduce some viewability issues, but the “reduce transparency” setting remedies this quite well.

Control Center

Things here are largely unchanged. Outside of the new glassy look in iOS 26 (left), the 1×2 and 2×1 controls are more rounded than those of iOS 18. 

Screenshots by Jeff Carlson, Nelson Aguilar/CNET

Things here are largely unchanged. Outside of the new glassy look in iOS 26, the 1×2 and 2×1 controls are more rounded than those of iOS 18. 

Lock screen

Screenshots by Jeff Carlson, Nelson Aguilar/CNET

It’s easy to see the differences that Liquid Glass brings to the iPhone lock screen. The digital clock in iOS 26 dynamically resizes depending on the wallpaper and the number of notifications you have at any given moment, which is pretty cool. The clock itself on iOS 18 can be changed, but it won’t change in size in response to content displayed on the lock screen. 

The background on notifications is clearly different between the two OS versions, with iOS 18 providing more opacity and black text versus iOS 26’s near-transparent background on white text. The controls at the bottom in iOS 26 also appear more like physical buttons with depth and more of a see-through background. 

The new unlock effect in iOS 26 is that the motion of unlocking your iPhone will appear as though you’re lifting a sheet of glass, highlighted by a shiny edge to give it form when you begin to slide your finger up. 

Menus and dynamic tab bars

iOS 26’s new Dynamic Tab (top) gives you a cleaner look and more space to view your content.

Screenshots by Jeff Carlson, Nelson Aguilar/CNET

A new addition in iOS 26 is the introduction of dynamic tab bars in apps that will change depending on whether you’re scrolling or trying to perform a specific action. Apple says this will create a more intuitive experience while freeing up space for your content. If you were to replace the glass effect with heavily saturated colors, no one would blame you for mistaking this new tab bar with what Google’s doing in Android 16 in some of its apps — they look a lot alike. But compared to iOS 18, this new dynamic tab bar should not only reduce sifting through multiple menus, but it looks pretty good in the process. 

iOS 26 will dynamically adapt to light and dark backgrounds

In iOS 26, the color of menu icons and icon text will adapt depending on the background.

Apple/GIF by CNET

While it’s harder to compare Liquid Glass to iOS 18 here, an upcoming feature is that buttons and menus will adapt depending on the content’s background color. For instance, when you’re scrolling through an app with a light background, the floating menu options will appear with black text for easier viewing and will automatically change to white upon scrolling to a dark background.

In iOS 18 (top), some aspects of the user interface would appear darker depending on the color of the background. Take a look at the top and middle examples to see how it compares to Liquid Glass at the bottom.

Screenshots by Jeff Carlson, Nelson Aguilar/CNET

iOS has had this type of feature show up in a less dramatic fashion before, as you can tell from the photos app screenshots above. Comparing these to what’s on the horizon, it’s hard not to get excited about the small tweaks Liquid Glass has in store, too. 

Those are just a few of our initial findings, and we’ll likely add more once we surface them. If you want more about iOS 26, check out three upcoming features that are a bigger deal than Liquid Glass.

Watch this: iPhone Air Is a Wild Card – and Starts a Big Change for Apple

06:39



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