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.

As Apple rolls out iOS 26, users can expect additional tweaks and bug fixes in follow-up updates over the coming weeks. The company has not yet confirmed when Apple Intelligence will be available in all regions. The Live Translation feature is limited in the European Union for now.

Apple’s latest iOS overhaul sports a glassier design and includes useful features like live language translation.

If the adjusted text is smaller than you’d like, you can experiment with turning Smart Display Zoom off or choose a larger size or bolder font within the settings. CarPlay in iOS 26 also brings new wallpaper designs— which, whatever —but I dig the new red one because it goes well with my car’s exterior.

Liquid Glass, launched Sept. 15, is available across various software platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS with updates to "system experiences" such as the Lock Screen, Home Screen, desktop and Dock.

Based on previous iPhone software releases, iOS 26 will likely be available around 1 p.m. ET. Since millions of iPhone users may be trying to download it at the same time, you may want to wait till tomorrow morning at least, or even a few days.

Apple users rejoice as the new iOS 26 update will start rolling out today for iPhone across the world. First teased at WWDC 2025 in June, the update will let Apple users enjoy a refreshed look, smoother performance,