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The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases for 2025

by admin August 27, 2025

The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases do more than just guard against drops — they can add MagSafe compatibility, extra grip, built-in stands or even a touch of luxury. Whether you’re after slim and stylish, rugged and shockproof or something that adds a bit of personality, there’s a case to match every need. With so many options to choose from, finding the best iPhone case overall depends on how you use your phone day to day. Maybe you need something minimal for pockets, or maybe you’re after serious protection for travel and outdoor use. Either way, we’ve rounded up the best picks for both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, so you don’t have to waste time scrolling through endless listings.

Best iPhone 16 cases for 2025

Spigen

Features: MagSafe | Material: Polycarbonate, TPU | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases out now

If you want a basic, protective case for your Apple iPhone that comes at an affordable price, Spigen has you covered with some of the best iPhone 16 cases. The company’s Ultra Hybrid MagFit clear cases and MagSafe cases show off the color of your iPhone and we like their raised bezels that protect the rear camera. The cases also have tactical buttons on the side that make it easy to feel around and adjust your phone’s volume without even looking at it. The overall slim profile of the polycarbonate case allows it to snap to your iPhone without adding too much bulk, and it’s MagSafe compatible as well so wireless charging is easy. Spigen offers a range of Apple cases, including iPad cases, plus screen protectors for all-around protection. Also, the Ultra Hybrid case was one of the most secure we tried – to the point where it was almost difficult to extricate the iPhone when we needed to test out a new phone cover.

$15 at Amazon

ESR

Features: MagSafe | Material: Acrylic, TPU | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases out now

ESR’s Classic Pro MagSafe iPhone cases are another option similar to Spigen’s if you want a decent amount of protection in a slim, attractive and affordable package. They have reinforced corners plus raised edges to protect the screen and the iPhone’s camera bumps, and the magnetic hold is one of the strongest I’ve tried. There are a number of different colors and finishes to choose from, and you get interchangeable “easy-press” buttons that can be swapped out with the default ones on the case to give you more tactile feedback when you press the volume, power and action buttons. It’s also convenient that this pack-up includes a tempered-glass screen protector, so you don’t have to purchase that separately.

$13 at Amazon

Casetify

Features: MagSafe | Material: Synthetic leather | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases out now

It doesn’t get much better than Casetify for those that care about getting their phone to match their personality as closely as possible. The brand has an impressive number of prints, patterns, graphics and designs available on its iPhone cases, including multiple influencer collaborations, so you’re likely to find something that fits even the most niche requirements. The Impact series in particular fits the bill as some of the best iPhone 16 cases — it’s a good option for everyday protection since these cases won’t add too much bulk to your iPhone, but will still protect it from drops up to 8.2 feet. With drop tests and a 4x MIL-STD-810G standard, these cases can also withstand harsh environments, so your iPhone will be protected, whatever the weather. You’ll find Impact cases for iPhone models going back to the iPhone 13, and many of them are MagSafe compatible, too.

$88 at Casetify

Smartish

Features: MagSafe, Waterproof | Material: Polycarbonate, TPU | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases out now

We’ve recommended Smartish cases in the past for their artistic designs, but we particularly like the Gripmunk series as a best iPhone 16 case. These thin cases are a bit rougher around the edges than Spigen’s cases, literally – Gripmunk covers have textured edges that make them easier to grip and less likely to slip out of your hands, while the backs of the cases show off cute patterns and designs like floral arrays, cosmic scenes and more. There are a few solid-color options too, if you want to go the True Basic route (no shame), and these are all MagSafe cases as well, so they’ll be compatible with your favorite MagSafe chargers. If you’re a minimalist and don’t like to carry a lot on your person, you could ditch your billfold and spring for Smartish’s Wallet Slayer, a cardholder case that has similarly textured edges along with a sleeve on the back. This wallet case can hold up to three credit cards and a few notes of cash.

$20 at Amazon

Engadget

Features: N/A | Material: Flax shive, biopolymer | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases out now

Without a doubt, our favorite eco-friendly phone cases are those made by Pela. We absolutely love their colors and designs, plus the fact that the entire line is 100 percent plant-based and compostable. The case material is called “Flaxstic,” which the company says is made from flax straw and compostable bioplastic elastomer. Importantly, it’s also free of BPA, phthalates, cadmium and lead. If you ever decide to get rid of it, you can indeed just chuck in a compost bin and it’ll be completely biodegradable.

What’s more, Pela cases are available for a wide array of handsets. They can accommodate Apple iPhones (from iPhone 5 onwards), including Pro Max cases, Samsung Galaxies (Galaxy S10 and newer), Google Pixels (from the Pixel 4a on) and even some OnePlus and Huawei models.

For iPhone users, we should note that Pela cases are not MagSafe-compatible by default, but you can purchase a $12 MagSafe module separately. Applying it to my phone was pretty straightforward, so that’s not a big concern, but it’s something to keep in mind. — Nicole Lee, Former Commerce Writer

$50+ at Pela

CYRILL

Features: MagSafe | Material: Faux leather, polycarbonate, TPU | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases out now

Cyrill makes a number of sleek and elegant cases and the Kajuk Mag is no exception. It’s one of the thinnest and lightest cases we tried, but it does have four layers of protection: a soft-touch microfiber lining, a sturdy PC back, TPU bumpers and a vegan leather exterior. Since the company doesn’t boast a certain level of drop protection, this slim case is a good option for those that care more about aesthetics and case design, but also want a simple, protective layer standing between their iPhone and hard concrete. As the name suggests, you can use the Kajuk Mag with MagSafe accessories, and it even has an accessory hole built in, for those that want to attach charms, straps and other things.

$14 at Amazon

Peak Design

Features: MagSafe | Material: Recycled nylon canvas | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases out now

Peak Design’s Everyday Case not only looks attractive, but it turns your phone into a bunch of different things when you pair it with any of the accessories in the company’s mobile ecosystem. We like its protective rubberized bumper and nylon shell, and its SlimLink connector sits in the middle of the case’s back, waiting for whichever gadgets you need that day. The company’s mobile tripod is one of our favorites for taking better photos with your phone, but also propping it up any which way you need. Commuters can opt for the dashboard mount to keep their phone within reach while driving, or the bike mount when you need to read directions on its screen. If you use your phone for everything and want a case that can support all of that functionality, this one is a good option.

$50 at Peak Design

Case-Mate

Features: MagSafe | Material: Polymer | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases available now

If you’re looking for a bold, eye-catching case that has tons of personality, Case-Mate has a ton of great options to consider. Its iPhone 15 series has glittery cases, prismatic covers and everything in between, but the one that stuck out most to me is the Blox line. These cases have squared-off corners that give your iPhone a modern, blocky look. Combine that with their bright neon colors and you’ll likely never have to ask your friends where your phone is again – you won’t miss it. I also appreciate that the Blox cases are fingerprint-resistant, provide protection against 10-foot drops and have built-in magnetics for MagSafe accessory compatibility.

$30 at Amazon

Tizag

Features: N/A | Material: Plastic | Availability: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases available now

If you’re intrigued by the display tech in ereaders and wonder what else it can do (or if you just want a cool pic on the back of your phone), Tizag’s iPhone case is worth checking out. The case back houses a credit card-sized, electrophoretic display (EPD), similar to what most ereaders use. The advantage is that no power is required to maintain an image — it only draws power when you change up the image. You can display whatever is in your photos library, including things like QR codes to get into venues or maybe a shopping list you want to keep on hand. Swapping the picture is easy through the Tizag app and watching the image “develop” on the display is fun. Black and white images look true to life, but color photos are muted and almost sepia-toned — as is the way with color e-paper — but the effect is attractive.

The case itself kept my phone safe through a month’s worth of drops and bumps, and the raised edges protected the screen and camera lenses from scratches. The only downside is that you won’t be able to use MagSafe charging or accessories, as the case blocks those connections. But for some, an updatable personalized case could be worth the trade-off. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter

$60 at Amazon

Best iPhone 16 case FAQs

What is the most protective brand of phone cases?

There is no one “most protective” brand of phone cases, but rather there are many that tout extra security for your handset. Some of the most protective phone cases we’ve tried come from Otterbox; most of the brand’s cases have a bit more protection than your standard phone case, even the ones that are designed to be on the slim side. Otterbox also makes a wide variety of phone cases, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one that suits your style and provides the level of protection you’re looking for. Otterbox’s Defender series is one of the best you can get if you care first and foremost about making sure your phone survives all kinds of accidents (save for a dunk in a pool).

Silicone vs hard case: Which one is better?

Neither silicone nor hard cases are better than the other. Silicone cases tend to be thinner and feel soft to the touch, and they’re often easier to put on and take off of phones. Hard cases can be on the thicker side, but they provide a bit more drop protection than silicone cases. Which type of case is best for you depends on the type of experience you want from your phone. It’s also worth nothing that both silicone cases and hard cases come in a variety of colors, designs and styles, so you have plenty of choose from to match your personality on both sides.

Does an iPhone 16 need a screen protector?

The iPhone 16 features Apple’s tough Ceramic Shield front, which is definitely more durable than standard glass — but it’s not invincible. If you want to avoid scratches from keys, drops onto pavement or just the wear and tear of daily use, a screen protector is still a smart move. It adds an extra layer of defense without getting in the way of touch sensitivity or Face ID. So, while it’s not absolutely essential, using one is a good idea if you want to keep your screen looking flawless for the long haul.

Is the iPhone 16 drop-proof?

The iPhone 16 is built to be tough, with Ceramic Shield on the front and a sturdy aluminum or titanium frame (depending on the model), but it’s not completely drop-proof. It can handle the occasional bump or short fall, especially if it lands on a flat surface — but drops on concrete or at awkward angles can still cause cracks or damage. If you’re prone to butterfingers, pairing your iPhone 16 with a durable case and maybe even a screen protector is the best way to play it safe.

Georgie Peru contributed to this report.

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August 27, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Here’s When You Can Skip Work for the iPhone 17 Launch Event

by admin August 26, 2025

The iPhone 17 is coming. The iPhone 17 is coming! Well, technically, four iPhone 17 devices are reportedly coming on Tuesday, Sept. 9. That’s when Apple will announce a family of new devices, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17—phones that have been leaking out for the better part of the last year.

Apple sent the following invite to Gizmodo:

iPhone 17 event confirmed for Sept. 9. See ya there! pic.twitter.com/VTJOjYfZYE

— Ray Wong (@raywongy) August 26, 2025

The invite reads “Awe dropping.” Is Apple teasing the orange iPhone 17 Pro? And a maybe a new blue color?

Expected Product Announcements

Apple’s annual fall event, which will once again be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA, will also be where the company is expected to announce new Apple Watches (Series 11 and Ultra 3), new AirPods (Pro 3?), and a slew of new features for all of the new devices. If it’s like past years, Tim Cook and pals should also give us release dates for when we can officially install the non-beta releases for Liquid Glass. That includes iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26.

There’s gonna be a truckload of Apple announcements on Sept. 9. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to get even thicker with the biggest camera bump (housing a new 48-megapixel telephoto camera) that Apple has ever put into an iPhone. We may also see a new orange color for the iPhone 17 Pros. The iPhone 16 Plus will almost certainly die this year, and its replacement will likely be the “iPhone 17 Air,” a new, super-thin glass slab with a single camera and possibly reduced battery life due to its skinny frame.

On the accessories and wearables front, we’re anticipating modest updates to the Apple Watch Series 10, maybe a bigger screen (but not a bigger case) for the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and we could see live translations rolled out to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with or without a new AirPods Pro 3 announcement.

Gizmodo Live Blog

The leaks have been steady, and many of them have come from reputable sources with solid track records. But you know what they say, nothing is official until it comes straight from the horse’s mouth. So clear your calendar and maybe sell a kidney now (please don’t do that!) cause Apple’s fall gadget bonanza is only a few weeks away.

The only thing for certain that you can count on happening on Sept. 9 is a live blog. Just like we did with last week’s “Made by Google” event for Pixel 10, Samsung’s Unpacked for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, and Apple’s WWDC and Google’s I/O developer conferences this past summer, we’ll be live-blogging the Apple Event.

Apple will be streaming its event on its website at Apple.com and YouTube here, but I promise Gizmodo’s live blog will be more entertaining. It’s also the only place where I’ll reveal the breakfast spread that Apple’s gonna serve to the media. That’s important stuff!

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August 26, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Details About the First iPhone Foldable Are Coming Into Focus

by admin August 26, 2025

We keep collecting more details about what Apple’s first foldable iPhone will look like when it launches in 2026. The latest information is pretty intriguing.

As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the foldable is code-named “V68.” It will have four cameras and be available only in black-and-white variations. The device will also rely on Touch ID (not Face ID) and will not have a SIM card slot. The four cameras will consist of one on the front, two on the back, and one on the inside.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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

The report collects the latest news about the Fold, Flip or whatever Apple calls its first foldable. We’ve already reported that the phone will cost nearly $2,000 and will be released as part of the iPhone 18 bonanza in September 2026. We have words of warning for Apple as it prepares to become the final major mobile player to jump into the foldable phone pool, with rivals Samsung and Huawei already having taken a big lead in the race.

Watch this: Apple’s Foldable iPhone Said to Use Samsung Parts

05:05

Moving beyond the iPhone ‘rectangle’

Jon Rettinger, a tech influencer with over 1.65 million YouTube subscribers, is enthused about Apple finally adding a new-look item to its product line.

“The beauty of Android has always been a variance of form factors,” Rettinger tells CNET. “You have flips, folds, even rolls now. On the Apple side of the fence, it’s just been, ‘What size rectangle do you want?’ I, for one, am beyond excited about the prospect of Apple diving into the foldable space.”

Rettinger admires the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, calling it “about as close to the perfect foldable as possible.” But he thinks that Apple can help disrupt the segment with its own version.

“Apple is entering a mature market with its first product. The tolerance for first-time issues, especially at an anticipated high price, will be extremely low,” he says. “However, if they ship a competitive product, I think they’ll have an absolute home run on their hands.”

Let’s bite into the details of the latest Apple iPhone foldable rumors. Bloomberg says Apple has changed course on the screen tech. The company is no longer going with on-cell touch sensors, which “can create air gaps between the screen and its cover” and thereby increase the visibility of a crease — one of the biggest pitfalls of foldable phones so far with all brands.

Instead, Apple will use an in-cell touchscreen, similar to what current iPhones use. The company believes this will enhance touch accuracy and reduce the visibility of the crease.

The report also says the iPhone foldable will utilize a C2 modem, Apple’s first cellular chip with “capabilities approaching the latest from Qualcomm.”

Like Rettinger, fellow influencer Austin Evans, who has 5.68 million YouTube subscribers, is also “really excited” about the iPhone foldable and is “curious about how Apple will differentiate,” Evans tells CNET.

“The biggest thing I’d like to see is for it to turn into an iPad mode when open,” Evans said. “Especially if they include Pencil support.”

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August 26, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Elon Musk Sues Apple, OpenAI Over iPhone AI ‘Monopoly’

by admin August 26, 2025

In brief

Musk’s X Corp. and xAI claim Apple’s exclusive ChatGPT integration gives OpenAI “billions of user prompts” while completely blocking competitors.
The lawsuit accuses Apple of manipulating App Store rankings to favor ChatGPT despite Grok ranking second in “Productivity.”
Xai and X Corp. are seeking billions in damages and court orders to end the exclusive arrangement.

Elon Musk’s X Corp. and xAI filed a federal antitrust lawsuit Monday against Apple and OpenAI, claiming the tech giants entered an exclusive arrangement that blocks competitors from iPhone AI integration while cementing lopsided dominance in the chatbot market.

The complaint, filed in the Northern District of Texas, seeks “billions” in damages and court orders to end what the plaintiffs call an anticompetitive conspiracy between “two monopolists joining forces to ensure their continued dominance.”

The lawsuit targets Apple’s June 2024 decision to make ChatGPT the exclusive AI chatbot integrated into iOS.

ChatGPT controls “at least 80 percent” of the generative AI chatbot market while Grok holds only “a few percent” despite claimed superior capabilities, the filing says.

The arrangement gives ChatGPT “exclusive access to billions of user prompts originating from hundreds of millions of iPhones” while shutting out competitors like xAI’s Grok, the firms allege.

“Apple’s exclusive ChatGPT deal has left rivals like Grok unable to match the data scale, and they continue to fall behind,” Midhun Krishna M, MLOps engineer at Juno AI, told Decrypt.

The integration gives OpenAI control of the “largest real-time feedback loop,” he added, ensuring “accuracy and dominance.”

The exclusive integration means iPhone users can receive Siri responses powered by ChatGPT, use AI for photo analysis, and access writing tools, all exclusively through OpenAI’s technology.

The lawsuit also accuses Apple of manipulating App Store rankings to favor ChatGPT while suppressing competitors.

Earlier in August, Musk challenged Apple over App Store rankings, questioning why his apps don’t appear in the “Must Have” section despite high rankings.

Despite Grok ranking second in Apple’s “Productivity” category and X ranking first in “News,” neither appears in the prominent “Must-Have Apps” section where ChatGPT is featured, according to the firms.

They also allege Apple delayed approval for Grok app updates and rejected featuring requests, even when new capabilities were added.

The complaint quotes former Apple App Store director Phillip Shoemaker acknowledging that rankings are often “arbitrary” and that “Apple has struggled with using the App Store as a weapon against competitors.”

Apple fears “super apps” could make iPhones obsolete, threatening its 65 percent U.S. smartphone market share, the filing reads.

OpenAI plans to raise ChatGPT’s premium fee to $44 by 2029, and share revenue with Apple, according to the complaint, which would then collect what it calls “monopoly rents.”

The complaint lists Sherman Act violations such as restraint of trade, monopolization, attempted monopolization, and conspiracy, together with civil conspiracy, unfair competition, and Texas antitrust violations.

X Corp. and xAI are demanding injunctive relief ending the exclusive arrangement and requiring equal integration opportunities for competitors.

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August 26, 2025 0 comments

The AirPods Max (USB-C) are available in a few new color options

Gaming Gear

Don’t Expect New AirPods Max 2 at Apple’s iPhone 17 Event, Report Says

by admin August 26, 2025

Some of us have been waiting for Apple to announce a new second-gen version of the AirPods Max, its high-end over-ear noise-canceling headphones that were released in December 2020. They were refreshed last year with USB-C connectivity, some new color options and USB-C audio in April of this year. But if a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who’s usually a reliable Apple whisperer, proves accurate, we won’t be seeing the AirPods Max 2 at Apple’s iPhone 17 Event, which is likely to take place in early September based on previous iPhone events.

Read more: Everything We Expect to Be Announced at Apple’s iPhone 17 September Event

Gurman says what I’ve suspected for while: The AirPods Max are “too popular for Apple to stop selling them, and not popular enough for the company to invest a ton of time and money into creating a new version.” MacRumors posted an article Monday that summarizes Gurman’s comments in his latest Power On newsletter, which is behind a paywall.

Citing industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a pretty good track record with Apple predictions, with a 72.5% accuracy rating over 142 rumors posts, a lighter version of the AirPods Max may only enter mass production in 2027 and that “Apple’s audio team is more focused on annual AirPods updates and supporting audio components across other products.”

While we probably won’t see a new version of the AirPods Max this year, many folks are predicting we will see the AirPods Pro 3 at Apple’s iPhone 17 Event this fall. As I talk about in my full roundup of everything we know about the AirPods Pro 3, there’s been a lot of chatter about the AirPods 3 getting Apple’s next-gen audio processor, the H3, which would help power new features and help improve not only sound quality but noise-canceling and voice-calling performance along with Apple’s Hearing Aid feature and a rumored new translation feature.

Read more: Everything We Know About the AirPods Pro 3 Coming Soon

The AIrPods Max are only equipped with Apple’s H1 chip, so it doesn’t support all the features found in the AirPods Pro 2, which use Apple’s H2 chip. These features include Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Apple’s Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection features. While the AirPods Max remain excellent noise-canceling headphones and have been a fixture on CNET’s best noise-canceling headphones list since their release, it’s a shame Apple’s most expensive headphones don’t have its latest AirPods tech. But we’ll hopefully know a lot more about the future of its AirPods line in just a few weeks, so stay tuned.

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August 26, 2025 0 comments

Here's everything you need to know about the iPhone operating system

Product Reviews

Everything to know about Apple’s big software changes coming to iPhone and iPad

by admin August 21, 2025

In just few weeks, Apple’s annual iPhone event will likely be upon us, which means we’ll finally get a look at the newest iPhone 17 lineup. In addition, the company will also give us an official date for downloading iOS 26. Until that happens, you can download and install the newly released public beta 4 (or iOS 26 developer beta 7 for developers). I’ve been playing around with it for the past couple of weeks, and have found that taking screenshots is way better in the new operating system — Google and ChatGPT search options are now in the screenshots editor, for instance. You can see a more complete view of the new features in our preview of the iOS 26 public beta release, which shows off the fresh home and lock screen redesign. Called Liquid Glass, the new translucent look will extend across all of Apple’s upcoming operating systems. The overhaul is one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple’s software suite, all of which were showcased during the company’s WWDC keynote on June 9.

After overpromising on AI plans last year, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements this year. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps on your iPhone, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or other unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you’ve been waiting for a representative to pick up. Plus, a treasured feature that we took for granted is coming back (hint: it’s in the Photos app).

Siri, meanwhile, is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant — first promised at WWDC 2024 — is delayed until some point “in the coming year,” so you shouldn’t expect any major changes in the current betas. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a ‘stripped-down’ AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT.

With each beta, it seems like additional new improvements are popping up, like this new AirPods gesture we’re all curious about, and this FaceTime feature that’ll freeze your video if it detects nudity. With the release of the iOS 26 developer beta 5, we saw more added features, like a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center, MacRumors reports. Some or all of those changes will likely soon migrate into the separate public beta (see below). Most newer iPhone models are eligible to download iOS 26 (both the betas and final version). Want to see the full list of new features coming this fall? Read on.

What is iOS 26?

The current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, and Apple is still actively updating it — version 18.6.1 was released to restore Apple Watch blood oxygen monitoring functionality for certain users in the US. More recently, Apple released 18.6.2 to address a vulnerability related to image processing. But don’t expect to see iOS 19 soon — or ever. Instead, Apple is skipping the numbering ahead to iOS 26 later this year. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they’re all designated “26” to reflect the year ahead.

It’s official, we’re moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let’s be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone’s home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year — the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens’ new facelift is refreshing.

So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a “new translucent material” since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They’re designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some — including Engadget’s own Devindra Hardawar — like the new direction, even if it’s somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago.

That said, as of the release of the iOS 26 beta 2, Apple has already incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won’t be able to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple’s OSes more cohesive. Here’s a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:

Phone app redesign: You’ll finally be able to 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 and continue on with other tasks.

Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.

Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you’re eating at or whose car you’re taking on a road trip.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven’t received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you’re lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that’s on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.

Photos tabs are back: For anyone who’s still frustrated with the Photos changes made last year, you’ll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don’t have to scroll to infinity to find what you’re looking for.

FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues.

New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen gets more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

Apple’s Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

New changes coming to iPadOS 26

Your iPad isn’t getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here’s what’s coming this fall.

Multitasking and real windowing: When you download the newest update, you’ll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it’ll appear on your screen as normal but you’ll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don’t like it.

Visual update: Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 is coming with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will appear on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus.

New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There’s also a search option if you’re looking for something specific.

Check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions.

Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this “studio-quality” audio recording, and with it, you’ll notice more clarity while in noisy environments.

Camera remote control: Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you’ll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

Live translation feature: While not officially announced or confirmed, it appears that the long-rumored live translation for AirPods could be coming with iOS 26. The evidence comes from a system asset spotted in the in iOS 26 beta showing a gesture that’s triggered by pressing both earbud stems at the same time. The photo also shows words in several different languages.

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — won’t be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be eligible for the iOS 26 update.

iPhone SE (second generation or later)

Not listed here are the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or maybe iPhone 26?) that are all but certain to be announced and released in September.

How to install iOS 26 beta

The iOS 26 public beta is now available to download via the Apple Beta Software Program. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address. It’s free.

Once you’re in, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta.

A word of caution: Don’t sign up with your main iPhone unless you’re OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn’t finalized.

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16 — exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced.

If you’re more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here’s everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple’s delayed Siri rework.

Update, August 20: Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download.

Update, August 18: Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update.

Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what’s available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor.

Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta.

Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.

Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.

Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center.

Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival.

Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.

Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.

Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.

Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.

Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.

Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.

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August 21, 2025 0 comments