iOS 26: Everything to know about Apple's upcoming iPhone and iPad updates

Here is a 193-word summary of the key points from the article: Apple is set to release iOS 26, the next major update for iPhone and iPad, later this year. The update will bring a new "Liquid Glass" design language with a more translucent look across the user interface. Other key features include improvements to the Phone and Messages apps, like the ability to filter spam texts and hold your place in call queues. The Photos app is also getting an overhaul, with the return of separate Library and Collections tabs. New iPad-specific features include improved multitasking and windowing. AirPods users can look forward to enhanced audio recording and remote camera controls. iOS 26 will be compatible with iPhones released in 2019 or later. The public beta is available now, though users are advised to install it on a secondary device due to potential stability issues. The final version of iOS 26 is expected to launch alongside the new iPhone 17 lineup in September. Overall, the update focuses on quality-of-life improvements and design refinements, with no major AI or virtual assistant breakthroughs expected this year.