At this year’s WWDC conference, Apple introduced several new features across its many operating systems. Some of the iOS 26 announcements have flown under the radar. Here they are.
New tvOS screensavers
Many use Apple TV digital media player to take care of all streaming needs. (Apple TV+ is the streaming service.) The device runs tvOS. One of the best features it offers is aerial wallpapers. tvOS 26 will allow you to personalise the screen saver experience by choosing specific Cityscape, Earth, Landscape, or Underwater Aerials to display (or hide). You can also enjoy landscapes with new Aerial screen savers captured across India, including in Goa and Kerala.
Snooze button
The Clock app on iPhones is probably among the most used. One of the features is snooze, that is, Garfield wakes up and tells the alarm to try its tricks again in a few minutes. With the new updates, you can set a snooze duration of between one and 15 minutes. It lets Garfield laze in bed for a few minutes extra, depending on the weather.
Battery management
It is one of those features that affects every Apple device user. A new adaptive low-power mode has been spotted in the iOS 26 developer beta. It doesn’t replace the regular low-power mode. The new feature uses machine learning to make adjustments that could help save more juice from your battery before it drains out. Also, at the top of the battery interface, there’s a readout of your current battery and the time that you last charged. Further, if your phone is on charge, the interface will let you know how much time is remaining until a full charge.
Message filtering
Usually, plenty of spam texts hit our message box. With iOS 26, there is message filtering. Messages from unknown senders are filtered out of your inbox and stored in a separate area. These texts will make it to your inbox once you approve the senders. But you can allow time-sensitive messages through, for example, tracking alerts for parcels or food delivery updates. There are different categories for filtered messages and each group can be toggled individually.
Background sounds
Background sounds have been around on iPhones for some time now, and they can be accessed from under accessibility. There are now options: Rain on rooftops, aeroplanes, crackling fire, quiet nights, and more. These can become a soothing ambient environment to help you work, sleep or concentrate.
Dirty lens reminder
Usually, you keep the phone here and there, and dust gathers on the lens. Then there are the occasional smudges. iOS 26 can alert you when it thinks your lenses are dirty and you need to rub them clean.
Flight features
For frequent flyers, there are some updates on iOS 26’s boarding pass. You can already store boarding passes in Apple’s Wallet app. Now you can see Apple Maps directions to get you to the right terminal, track your luggage with the Find My app, and more. A new Live Activity shows relevant flight-tracking info, like arrival terminal, baggage claim number and flight progress.
Call Screening
Live Voicemail gets a big update with Call Screening. It can take calls from unrecognised numbers, so you don’t have to deal with spammers. If Call Screening thinks the call is legit, it will let you hear the phone ring. In case you are tired of being put on hold, the new Hold Assist will keep you on the line so you don’t get bored. iOS 26 detects when it hears hold music playing on the line.
Apple Maps update
Apple Maps has caught up with Google Maps over the years. Now the app takes note of routes you take frequently and can alert you of any delays before you get on the road. It can also take note of how many times you have been to a place, like a restaurant or a cinema hall. Maps can organise them in categories or other criteria, such as by city, to make them easier to find the next time.
AirPods and video
In case you use AirPods or AirPods Pro with the H2 chip, you can use AirPods Camera Remote to start recording video on your iPhone by pressing and holding one of the AirPods.
