As we all know Apple just recently launched the iPhone 17, with it comes the iOS 26 update which everyone has been waiting for. Apple has been releasing beta updates for the past few months and now we finally get the final project.
The liquid glass feature has been the most talked about feature even though it’s just for aesthetics and doesn’t add functionality to it. Oh well, Apple also added tinted icons, which were introduced on iOS 18 but now it’s with clear icons. Enough about the liquid glass functions

What Other Features Does the iOS 26 Update Have to Offer?

1. Apple Intelligence Upgrade
   This years Apple intelligence upgrade will prove useful to many individuals as it can now do live translations on calls and face time, not only that, it can now access what’s on your screen, read context from it and give relevant, instant actions. It’s designed to make everyday interactions smarter and more intuitive
   
2. Better Call Tools
   The iOS 26 update also help you avoid spam calls and also numbers not saved on your contact list. So if you don’t like unknown people calling you randomly and also hate spam calls, the update helps with that and also the new Hold Assist feature listens for automated responses when you’re stuck in a call queue, then alerts you the moment a real person joins, so you don’t have to waste time glued to the phone.
   
3. Adaptive Power Mode
   With iOS 26, Apple introduces Adaptive Power mode, a smarter way to extend battery life without making your iPhone feel sluggish. Instead of just dimming the screen or disabling features like older Low Power Mode, Adaptive Power mode constantly monitors how you’re using your phone and makes small, intelligent tweaks in real time. It can lower background activity, reduce refresh rates, or slightly scale back performance when full power isn’t necessary. The result is a longer-lasting battery that adapts to your habits and the situation—helping your phone stay alive when you need it most.

How Can You Install the Update

1. First you need to check if your model is supported
   To install the iOS 26 Update you first have to make sure your iPhone is compatible with it. The iPhones that are compatible for this new update ranges from the second generation of the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 series down to the iphone 17 series.
   
2. Back up your data (Navbharat Times)
   Before installing any major iOS update, it’s essential to back up your iPhone so you don’t risk losing photos, contacts, or files if something goes wrong.
   iCloud Backup: Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Make sure you’re on Wi-Fi and plugged in.
   Computer Backup: On a Mac (Finder) or Windows PC (iTunes), connect your iPhone via cable, then select Back Up Now. This creates a local copy of your data.
   💡 Tip: iCloud is easier and wireless, but computer backups are faster and don’t depend on storage limits.
   
3. . Connect to Wi-Fi (Apple Support)
   The iOS 26 update is large (several gigabytes), so a stable Wi-Fi network is recommended.
   Avoid mobile data to save cost and prevent download interruptions.
   Keep your iPhone connected to a charger since the process can drain the battery.
   If Wi-Fi drops, the update may pause or fail, forcing you to restart the process.
   
   check out: Apple’s official iOS 26 update page.
   
4. Go to Settings → General → Software Update (Apple Support)
   This is where you’ll actually install iOS 26.
   Navigate: Settings → General → Software Update.
   If iOS 26 is available in your region, it will appear with a description of features and the size of the update.
   Tap Download and Install, enter your passcode, and let your iPhone handle the rest.
   During installation, your iPhone will restart. Don’t interrupt it or try to use it while it updates.
   
5. Enable automatic updates (optional but helpful)
   This ensures you don’t need to manually check for future iOS updates.
   Go to Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates.
   Options include:
   Download iOS Updates → downloads the file in the background.
   Install iOS Updates → automatically installs overnight while your iPhone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
   This saves you from missing important security patches and feature updates.

You can also check out: The iPhone 17 VS The Galaxy S25 Ultra

Conclusion

The iOS 26 update is more than just the eye-catching Liquid Glass design—it delivers practical upgrades that make your iPhone smarter, safer, and longer-lasting. From Apple Intelligence improvements that help you translate live calls to better call tools that cut down on spam, and the new Adaptive Power mode that stretches battery life, Apple has focused on features people will actually use day to day. If you own a compatible iPhone, updating is worth it not only for the fresh look but also for the efficiency, convenience, and protection it brings