Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, featuring a new Fusion telephoto camera, a brighter display, the A19 Pro chip, and more. As Apple's premium flagship offerings, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the most fully-featured iPhones available.
The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. For the Pro model, this is a $100 price increase over last year's model, but there is also no longer a 128GB storage configuration available for this device, meaning that it is effectively only a price hike if you normally buy this model. In fact, if you normally buy the 256GB model, it represents a $100 price cut.
Both phones have the same OLED Super Retina XDR always-on display with ProMotion and the Dynamic Island, the A19 Pro chip, 5G connectivity, a "Pro" rear camera setup, and are available in the same color options. Although the two phones share the vast majority of features, there are eight differences between the devices.
Our guide highlights the crucial differences between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two iPhone models is best for you. Both models share the same thickness of 0.34 inches (8.75 mm), but otherwise have very different sizes and weights.
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Height
5.91 inches (150.0 mm)
6.43 inches (163.4 mm)
Width
2.83 inches (71.9 mm)
3.07 inches (78.0 mm)
Weight
7.27 ounces (206 grams)
8.22 ounces (233 grams)
Other differences essentially come down to display size and battery life. Unlike some previous years, there are no camera differences between the two devices at all for this generation.
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
6.3-inch display
6.9-inch display
4,252 mAh battery
5,088 mAh battery
Up to 33-hour battery life
Up to 39-hour battery life
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
Pricing is also a key area of difference, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max reaching almost $2,000 when configured with 2TB of storage.
256GB
512GB
1TB
2TB
iPhone 17 Pro
$1,099
$1,299
$1,499
iPhone 17 Pro Max
$1,199
$1,399
$1,599
$1,999
The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents the most you can get out of an iPhone with the best possible battery life, but that does not necessarily translate into a worthwhile purchase for all users. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are some of the thickest iPhones ever. With a 6.9-inch display, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a large and hefty device.
Some may find the iPhone 17 Pro Max's size excessive or uncomfortably large to hold, while others will love the larger display for consuming media. Screen size is ultimately a matter of personal preference, and since the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max share most of their other features, it comes down to individual taste.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max also offers the longest possible battery life, and offers a 2TB storage option. The added $100 in price for the iPhone 17 Pro Max seems fair for its additional display area and battery life, but it is important to weigh up these factors in your personal use case. With added storage, the Pro Max quickly becomes an expensive device.
The most important decision point when choosing between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max is undoubtedly screen size, but comfort, pocketability, weight, and battery life are also important considerations that will depend based on your personal needs and preferences. If you are hesitant about the size and weight of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, it may be better to stick with the iPhone 17 Pro, but it is otherwise unlikely to disappoint, especially if price is not an issue.
As we already noted in our buyer's guide last week, the Series 11 is a fairly minor upgrade over the Series 10. Apple says the Series 11 offers up to 24 hours of battery life, a six-hour increase over the Series 10. However, while the Series 11 does have a slightly larger battery over the Series 10, Apple also changed its testing parameters to include six hours of sleep tracking per day. So, are the battery gains that noticeable?
Apple rates the Series 11 for up to 24 hours of "normal use," and after wearing it through at least three full battery cycles, I can confirm that's accurate. With notifications turned on (heavy Slack-ing and texting), at least one 30- to 45-minute outdoor workout a day, a full night of sleep tracking and some mild flashlight use, I've consistently managed to squeeze between 27 and 32 hours per charge.
The bigger story is battery life: battery capacity is up 9% on the 42mm model and 11% on the 46mm. Apple rates both models for 24 hours of typical use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. In practice, I pulled my 46mm review device off the charger at 54% one night, slept with tracking enabled, and didn't hit 1% until after 5pm the next day – so I got about 17 hours from half a charge. With light use, a full day and a half is very realistic.
Given the 18-hour battery life figure that Apple advertised for the Series 10 and older was widely believed to be an understatement, though, more scientific and thorough testing is needed to determine any exact year-over-year increase.
What else is new? The cover glass on the Apple Watch Series 11 display is said to offer 2× more scratch resistance compared to the previous generation, but this only applies to aluminum models, as titanium Series 10 and Series 11 models already have a more durable sapphire cover. And if you have a cellular configuration, 5G is now supported.
The new Hypertension Notifications (compatible with Series 9 and newer) and Sleep Score health features (Series 6 and newer) do not require a Series 11.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 also gets longer 42-hour battery life, Emergency SOS via satellite directly on the wrist, a slightly larger display, and 5G on cellular models. This makes for a slightly bigger upgrade over the Ultra 2, albeit not significantly.
In most instances, the connection demo experience works flawlessly. It can't work indoors, and in some cases, you may be able to see the sky, but nearby trees will prevent establishing a connection. This requirement will limit how useful satellite connectivity can be, but it's still impressive that an Apple Watch can even do this now without an iPhone.
The real winner, though, is the Apple Watch SE 3. The budget-conscious model received its first update in three years, and it packs quite a few new features.
Apple Watch SE 3 features an S10 chip, an always-on display, Double Tap gesture support, wrist temperature sensing for retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea detection, fast charging support, 5G support on cellular configurations, on-device Siri, and many other improvements. It is also compatible with the new Sleep Score feature. And in the U.S., the device continues to start at just $249.
The line between the SE 3 and Series 11? For many people, it's now nonexistent.
The skeptic in me believes that the SE 3's glow-up is partly an effort to draw more people into the Apple Watch ecosystem. It's an incredible value, and Apple happens to be coming off five consecutive quarters of declining Apple Watch shipments due to a decrease in consumer demand, fewer models, and ho-hum feature upgrades. You don’t need to be a financial whiz to see the SE 3 will likely do gangbusters in terms of sales.
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 can be pre-ordered now.
Apple Sports was updated today with a Home Screen widget, availability in more countries, and the ability to schedule Live Activities for upcoming events.
The widget lets you view scores and schedules for your favorite leagues and teams at a glance. While the app remains available on the iPhone only, the widget can also be accessed on an iPad and Mac logged in to the same Apple Account.
In addition, the app has been released in eight more countries in Europe, including Austria, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. It was previously only available in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
When you schedule Live Activities for upcoming events, they automatically appear on your Lock Screen when the event begins, so you do not miss any action.
Last, the app now supports Ligue 2, Segunda División, Serie B, Primeira Liga, and 2. Bundesliga.
Launched in February 2024, the Apple Sports app shows scores, stats, standings, upcoming games, and more for a variety of leagues.
Apple has now made iOS 26 available to download on compatible iPhone models, and if you just installed the new software, Apple has made some changes and feature additions to the iPhone Lock Screen that you may want to check out.
To download iOS 26 on your iPhone, go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update, then let your device check Apple's servers for the latest software. Wait for the update screen to appear, then hit Update Now. With that done, here are five new things you can do to customize your the Lock Screen in iOS 26.
Change iPhone Clock to Liquid Glass
In iOS 26, Liquid Glass is Apple's new translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, while dynamically transforming to help bring greater focus to content across system controls, navigation elements, app icons, and widgets. The design represents the most significant visual overhaul since iOS 7, and it also brings a new clock appearance option to your iPhone Lock Screen.
Wake your iPhone so the Lock Screen is showing.
Long press anywhere on the Lock Screen, then tap Customize.
Tap the time within the square frame.
Tap the new Glass option to switch from Solid.
Make any other desired changes to the clock's color and style, then tap Done to finish.
Move Lock Screen Widgets to Bottom
In iOS 18, the row of widgets on your Lock Screen is literally locked in place right below the clock. In iOS 26, however, Customize mode lets you drag them down to the bottom of the screen, so that they hover just above the two quick actions (assuming you have any). The new optional positioning makes tapping a widget during one-handed use a lot easier.
Long press anywhere on the Lock Screen, then tap Customize.
Below the clock, drag the widgets frame to the bottom of the screen.
Make any other desired changes to the Lock Screen, then tap Done to finish.
Resize Lock Screen Clock
In iOS 26, Apple has made it so that the clock on the Lock Screen can be expanded to fill more of the display, making it easier to read. This can be done in Customize mode thanks to a new drag handle on the bottom-right corner of the selection frame around the time.
You can make the digits take up half of the screen, though if you have any widgets, they will slide down to the bottom of the display. In addition, if you have a depth effect applied to a photo and pinch to crop, the time will automatically adjust to accommodate the subject. Bear in mind that the ability to expand the time depends on the selected photo – if there's no space above the photo's subject, the drag handle won't appear.
Long press anywhere on the Lock Screen, then tap Customize.
Rest your finger on the drag handle located at the bottom-right of the clock frame.
Drag down to resize the clock, then up to adjust if it's too big.
Make any other desired changes to the Lock Screen, then tap Done to finish.
Turn Lock Screen Wallpaper Into a Spatial Scene
In iOS 26, your iPhone can convert 2D images into a 3D Spatial Scene that can be viewed on your Lock Screen.
When you're browsing Lock Screen wallpaper options, iOS automatically suggests photos from your library that are compatible with the feature. And if you manually select a Lock Screen photo that supports Spatial Scenes, you'll see a toggle on the customization screen that lets you enable or disable the effect.
The feature works using generative AI that analyzes your photos to identify different elements and create depth maps. Importantly, it doesn't require Apple Intelligence to function, meaning Spatial Scenes works on iPhone 12 and newer models.
It's hard to appreciate without trying it yourself, but the results are impressive as the image animates when you move your device. Spatial Scenes use machine learning rather than Apple Intelligence, which means the feature is available on iPhone 12 and newer devices.
Make Music Albums Animate
iOS 26 introduces full-screen animated album art on the iPhone Lock Screen for select Apple Music tracks. By tapping the album art in the Lock Screen music player, the artwork expands and animates, creating a more immersive listening experience. While animated album art has been available within the Apple Music app for some time, this marks its first appearance on the Lock Screen. Not all songs support it yet, but the number is steadily increasing. Apple is also opening the Animated Album Art feature to third‑party developers, so expect it to work with apps like Spotify and YouTube Music soon.
The latest version of popular task manager app Things 3 is now available with comprehensive support for iOS 26 and Apple's other major software updates, introducing a redesigned interface and a range of enhancements.
Things 3.22 features a complete visual refresh tailored for Liquid Glass, with an updated app icon and refined UI elements throughout. The new icon is available in four variants: Default, Dark, Tinted, and Clear.
The interface now incorporates redesigned curves for windows, to-dos, dialogs, and control elements, offering wider spacing and visual transparency in areas such as the sidebar. The release also introduces dynamic interface elements, such as glassy buttons that scale and glow in response to touch. The app's signature Magic Plus button now displays fluid-like deformation when moved.
Things gains full support for the new Windowed Apps mode in iPadOS 26. It supports the creation of new windows via both contextual menu actions—such as right-clicking a list and selecting "Open in New Window"—and through the File menu. Additionally, iPad users can now access a full system menu bar by swiping down from the top of the screen. Things has updated its menu structure accordingly to expose more powerful controls and keyboard shortcuts in this environment.
The widget system has also been updated. Widgets now support new appearance styles, including Dark, Tinted, and the new Clear option. With the latest release, widgets are also supported on the Vision Pro, where they can be placed freely in the user's immersive workspace.
Things 3.22 introduces quick controls on both the Mac and Apple Watch. On macOS, the app adds two Control Center toggles: New To-Do and List (with user-defined destination). These can be added to the Control Center panel or pinned directly to the menu bar for fast access. On the Apple Watch, the New To-Do control allows task creation via swipe, typing, or voice input.
Things also now supports Apple's Writing Tools framework on the Vision Pro. This allows users to edit the text in their task with options to rewrite, summarize, proofread, or reformat content.
The update also expands integration with Spotlight and Apple Shortcuts. On macOS, users can create a new to-do directly from Spotlight by typing "Create To-Do," pressing Return, and entering a title. The task will be added to the Inbox even if Things is not running. Things 3.22 is available now.
Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 boast a range of new features and improvements that make them a tempting upgrade over previous models, but there's one enhancement that only lives up to its promise if you pair the earbuds with a new iPhone 17.
The third-generation AirPods Pro Charging Case is equipped with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that enables Precision Finding. This feature helps you locate the case using the Find My app at longer distances, in the unfortunate event that you lose or misplace your AirPods Pro 3 somewhere around you. The AirPods Pro 3 Charging Case comes with a built-in speaker, so you can also make it play a sound using Find My to more easily locate it.
Apple's second-generation Ultra Wideband chip actually debuted in the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but the chip's implementation in AirPods Pro 3 is more advanced. According to Apple, it enables a location-tracking range of up to 200 feet/60 meters, which is up to 3× longer range compared to Apple's first-generation U1 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 charging case, AirTag, and other devices.
However, Apple's claim of a 1.5× increase in the distance of Precision Finding only applies when the AirPods Pro 3 are paired with an iPhone 17 – a detail buried in its marketing footnotes. Apple doesn't explain why the improvement doesn't apply when the earbuds are paired with older devices that also have the second-generation chip.
Note that Ultra Wideband isn't universally supported worldwide, therefore Precision Finding won't work in some countries. AirPods Pro 3 are available to pre-order now, with general availability starting on Friday, September 19, when the iPhone 17 lineup also launches.
(Thanks, Mostafa!)
Update: An earlier version of this article queried whether iPhone Air also got the 1.5x improvement when paired with AirPods Pro 3, since Apple's website didn't specify. Apple has since updated its website to explicitly names iPhone Air as supporting the improvement.
Update September 26: Apple has updated its marketing footnote once again to note that the improved Precision Finding is available when used with an iPhone Air or any iPhone 15 or later, with the exception of the iPhone 16e.
More than three years after Apple Ginza moved to a temporary location, the store is set to return to its original home in Tokyo's famous shopping district.
Apple's original Ginza store
Apple today announced its temporary store in Ginza 8-chōme will be permanently closing on Monday, September 22. At the same time, the company confirmed it will "soon" be opening a new store at its original location in Ginza 3-chōme, in the Sayegusa Building, which was demolished and rebuilt over the past few years.
Apple did not provide a date for the grand reopening, but the temporary store will remain open for iPhone 17 and iPhone Air launch day on Friday. A few years ago, Apple's retail chief Deirdre O'Brien said the new store was slated to open in the second half of 2025, and it seems likely that the company will meet that target.
To celebrate the occasion, Apple has shared a special wallpaper featuring luxurious metallic ribbons woven into the shape of the Apple logo.
Apple's special Ginza wallpaper
To download the wallpaper on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, visit the new store's page on your device of choice. It will be available for a limited time.
Opened in 2003, Apple's original store in Ginza was the company's first retail location outside of the United States. Initially, the five-floor store featured a 27-foot-long Genius Bar, an 84-seat theater, and even an internet cafe where visitors could send emails, or make video calls with Apple's iChat software and iSight camera.
More recently, Apple's temporary store in Ginza has occupied four floors of a newer, eco-friendly building outfitted with wood fins on its glass facade.
Apple's temporary Ginza store
Temporary is temporary, though, and Apple's next chapter will unfold at its old corner in Ginza.
For the last several months, MacRumors has been working on a series of in-depth feature guides and how tos that walk you through the design changes and updates in Apple's new software.
Our ultimate guide includes all of our iOS 26 coverage, and it is a useful resource for iPhone and iPad users who haven't had a chance to test out iOS 26, or those who might want a recap on what's new. We've organized it by app or feature to make it easy to find what you're looking for.
Liquid Glass
Apple's Liquid Glass design brings a big visual change to iOS 26. Icons, apps, menu bars, navigation bars, and all other interface elements feature a Liquid Glass aesthetic. It's not just translucency that you have to deal with. There are pop out menus, collapsing navigation bars, and a much more rounded aesthetic.
Apple is still recovering from the Apple IntelligenceSiri delay and the company didn't make a major deal about Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26, but there are quite a few additions.
Live Translation auto translates messages and calls, Visual Intelligence now works with what's on your screen, the Wallet app can track all of your purchases, and there are other small additions to be aware of.
All of the Apple Intelligence features require a device that supports Apple Intelligence, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, and all iPhone 17 models.
Messages
There are a bunch of new features in the Messages app, including the option to set custom backgrounds for each chat. Be warned, other people see the background that you set. Group chats support typing indicators and other features, and you can add polls to chats.
Some of the biggest changes in iOS 26 are to the Phone app. There's a whole Call Screening feature that can screen calls from unknown numbers, and a tool that'll wait for you when you're on hold.
With an accompanying firmware update, the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 support Live Translation for in-person conversations, plus there are options like pausing audio when you fall asleep and using the AirPods as a remote for the iPhone's Camera app.
The Maps app can learn your preferred route for your commute and alert you if there's anything that's going to make you late. It's also able to save your location history so you can remember your favorite locations when you travel.
The Reminders app has some hidden Apple Intelligence features included, while the Notes app supports 3D graphics with three-variable equations and more.
The Camera app received some of the most notable UI changes, with updates to the menu for switching between modes and for accessing different settings.
In FaceTime, there's an updated interface with a card-style layout, call screening, an option to block nudity, and support for Live Translation captions.
If you hated the unified Photos app in iOS 18, there's good news! Collections and the Photos Library are once again split into two separate tabs. Apple also added support for Spatial Scenes, a feature that gives a 3D look to 2D photos.
We have a complete overview of all of the new features in iOS 26 in one place in our iOS 26 roundup, which is also well worth checking out for all of the smaller details that didn't make it into our guides and how tos.
Apple this month expanded its music transfer tool to almost all countries where Apple Music is supported, simplifying the transition from services like Spotify to Apple Music.
The transfer tool lets users import their playlists and libraries from competing streaming services into Apple Music.
Apple initially began testing the transfer tool in Australia and New Zealand in May, and then expanded it to the U.S. and six other countries in late August. It's now available worldwide, with the exception of China Mainland, Myanmar, and Russia, according to a new Apple Support document.
To use the Transfer to Apple Music feature, iPhone and iPad users can go to Settings > Apps > Music and tap on the Transfer Music from Other Music Services option. From there, choose a music service, sign into the service, and decide what to transfer.
Apple says that what can be transferred will vary by music service and what is available in the Apple Music catalog, but it is designed to transfer songs, albums, and playlists. In addition to Spotify, the transfer option works with streaming music services from Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, and YouTube. Apple partnered with SongShift for the transfer functionality.
In cases where an exact match for a song isn't able to be located, Apple will flag the music as Needs Review, displaying alternate versions that can be selected. Apple warns that some content might not be available or have an exact match in Apple Music, and the company also says that only user created playlists can be transferred, not playlists created by another music service.
When going through the transfer process, source playlists and libraries in the other music service are not impacted and remain available.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite is now available in Australia, allowing Australian iPhone users to get help if their car breaks down in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
According to Apple, Roadside Assistance via Satellite can be used in Australia to get help from NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT.
Using the feature requires an iPhone 14 or later with satellite capabilities, and iOS 18.4 or later. There continues to be no charge for Apple's satellite services, though customers who use Roadside Assistance will need to pay the fee of the company that responds.
Both Australians and international travelers who visit Australia are able to use the Roadside Assistance feature.
Prior to now, Roadside Assistance via Satellite was limited to the United States and United Kingdom. Apple says that it is working to bring the functionality to additional regions.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 replaces the second-generation model that was introduced two years ago in Apple's smartwatch lineup, but how different are the two successive smartwatch generations?
The two Apple Watch Ultra models share the overwhelming majority of their features, so should you consider buying or sticking with the second generation to save money? This breakdown serves as a way to see all the differences that the Ultra 3 brings to the table.
The Apple Watch Series 11 represents one of the smallest upgrades to the mainstream model ever, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 provides a bit bigger but still modest change compared to its predecessor.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3
OLED display
Wide-angle OLED display
LTPO2 display
LTPO3 display
410 by 502 pixel display
422 by 514 pixel display
1185 sq mm display area
1245 sq mm display area (5% larger)
S9 chip
S10 chip
LTE and UMTS connectivity
LTE and 5G connectivity
Satellite connectivity
Emergency SOS via satellite
2.178 watt-hour battery
2.313 watt-hour battery (6% larger)
Fast-charge 0–80% in about 1 hour
Fast-charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes
Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a fairly minor upgrade over the second-generation model, with the most substantial changes focusing on the display. The new Apple Watch Ultra's display is a little larger, and it now features wide-angle OLED and LTPO3 for better viewing angles and a higher refresh rate when lowered, meaning there is a persistent ticking seconds hand on some watch faces.
It features 5G connectivity for the first time alongside Emergency SOS via satellite, bringing two iPhone features to the Apple Watch. Battery life is slightly better and the device charges to 80% 15 minutes faster, but there are few upgrades of substance.
It will likely not be worth upgrading from an Apple Watch Ultra 2 to an Ultra 3, even though they come two years apart. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 gains all of the same health features as the Ultra 3, and even its S9 chip has the same CPU as the S10; the S10 is simply a more compact version of the S9, so don't expect a performance boost. Owners of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra from three years ago may have more reason to get the latest device, but it is far from an essential upgrade.
Adaptive Power is meant to adjust the iPhone's power draw on days when you are using more battery power than normal. It can adjust power draw, lower screen brightness by three percent, and limit background activity. It's also designed to activate Low Power mode when the iPhone's battery drops to 20 percent.
While Adaptive Power is available for the iPhone 17 models, iPhone 16 models, and the iPhone 15 Pro models, it is only turned on automatically on the iPhone 17 models. It is off by default on iPhone 16 models, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model and want to opt in to Adaptive Power, you can do so by opening up the Settings app, tapping on Battery, tapping on Power Mode, and then toggling Adaptive Power on.
iPhone 17 users who want to turn Adaptive Power off can do so using the same steps.
Adaptive Power uses on-device intelligence, which is why it is only available on iPhones that support Apple Intelligence. Apple says that it predicts when you need extra battery life based on recent usage patterns, and it adjusts accordingly. Adaptive Power does not interfere with tasks that require maximum performance, like using the camera or playing games in Game Mode.
All of the iPhone 17 models have extended battery life, but the iPhone Air has the lowest battery life of the bunch. It can last for 27 hours when watching videos, but that can be extended to 40 hours with Apple's $99 MagSafe Battery.
iOS 26 is now available for everyone to download, and it's a big update. There are significant design changes, and many new features to learn about. Some of the additions need some setup so you can get started, so we've created an iOS 26 tutorial that covers what you should do first after installing iOS 26.
Set Up Your Lock Screen
You'll see the new Liquid Glass design from the first moment you install iOS 26, because it starts at the Lock Screen. Unlock your iPhone and long press to get into the Lock Screen customization features, where you can select new options.
You can turn on a Liquid Glass effect for the time, so select your preferred font and color, then choose the "Glass" option.
If you drag the right hand corner of the clock, you can change its size. The size will adjust dynamically if you have a photos wallpaper selected, but for other wallpapers, you can choose a size.
When selecting a wallpaper, you can use a 2D image to generate a 3D Spatial Scene that uses depth information to separate the subject from the background. Spatial Scene wallpapers show a little bit of motion when you move your iPhone, improving the 3D effect.
Make sure you also set up your widgets and your Control Center buttons. In iOS 26, you can put your widgets on the bottom of the display, and you're not limited to having them right under the clock.
After everything is customized, save it and then give your iPhone a tilt. You'll see the subtle movement of the Spatial Scene if you selected one, and subtle glints of light reflecting off of the Liquid Glass elements.
Set Up Your Home Screen
There are even more customization options on the Home Screen. Long press, tap on Edit, and then choose Customize to get to the different options.
If you tap on the "Clear" setting, all of your icons will shift to a clear, glass-like look that shows your wallpaper behind them. There are Light and Dark mode options to choose from.
Default uses standard, multi-color icons that have a new stacked glass look. You can also choose Tinted for a unified color that's not quite as transparent as the Clear option. Tinted icons still have a translucent look, but it's subtler.
Apple added buttons so you can choose a tint that matches your iPhone color or your case color if you have an Apple case, so tap on the icons below the color slider if you're interested in those options.
Give Visual Intelligence a Try
The Visual Intelligence feature that's activated with Camera Control now works with screenshots. You can capture a screenshot and then use Visual Intelligence to identify what you're looking at, find products, and get more information.
To use on-screen Visual Intelligence, just take a screenshot (press the volume up and side buttons at the same time), then tap on ask, search, or Highlight to Search if you want to select a specific part of an image to ask about.
You can search for products with Google Image Search, Etsy, and more, or ask ChatGPT what you're looking at.
You need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence to use Visual Intelligence.
Set Up Call Screening
With Call Screening, you can get more information from people calling from an unknown number before you choose to accept a call.
When Call Screening is on, your iPhone asks a caller for their name and reason for calling. The information is relayed to you, and you can decide if you want to accept the call or ignore it.
You can turn on Call Screening in the Phone section of the Settings app. There are also new settings for identifying and filtering out spam calls and spam voicemails.
Choose Messages Backgrounds
The Messages app supports custom backgrounds in iOS 26, both for individual conversations and group conversations. You can set a different background for every person or group that you chat with.
To set up a background, tap on the name at the top and then choose the "Backgrounds" option. There are pre-selected settings like sky, water, and aurora, or you can select a color. You can also choose a photo or generate a background using Image Playground.
Backgrounds that you set are changed for every participant in the conversation, so make sure not to choose something that you think is for your eyes only.
If you don't want to see custom backgrounds, you can turn it off in the Messages section of the Settings app.
Turn on Live Translation
Live Translation is a Messages app feature that automatically translates incoming messages from someone that speaks another language. If you regularly chat with someone who doesn't speak your language, you can give it a try.
To turn on Live Translation for a conversation or a group chat, tap on the name at the top and then toggle on "Automatically Translate." From there, anything someone types in another language is translated to your language, and your responses will be translated into their language.
Live Translation for Messages is available in English (US), English (UK), Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).
You can also use Live Translation for FaceTime, where it shows captions with language translations, and the Phone app, where there are spoken translations. AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 also support in-person Live Translation for real-time conversation translations.
Live Translation requires an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
Make a Genmoji
In iOS 26, you can mix two or more emoji together to create a new emoji. If you've had trouble coming up with ideas for Genmoji, the option to combine two characters may be useful.
In the Messages app, tap on the Emoji button and then choose Genmoji to get to the Genmoji interface. You can type in a description, or tap on the smiley face icon to select two or more emoji characters to combine together.
Combining an emotion-related emoji with an object emoji is a good way to get a custom character that has a face or expresses a feeling.
Apple updated Image Playground to take advantage of feeling emoji. You can use an emoji like a happy face or a sad face to change the expression and emotion of an Image Playground creation that features a person.
While in Image Playground, you can also try the new ChatGPT integration. You can use ChatGPT's image generation tools to create an image in any style.
Making a Genmoji and using Image Playground requires an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
Try the Games App
Apple added a Games app in iOS 26, and it comes pre-installed on the iPhone. It has all of the games from the App Store, along with Apple Arcade titles, but it also has new features for playing games with friends and challenging them to beat your high scores.
Customize Your Alarm and Ringtones
iOS 26 includes new variations of the popular "Reflections" ringtone that you can use for everything from calls to messages alerts. To try out the new ringtones, open up the Settings app, tap on Sound and Haptics, and tap on Ringtone.
You'll see the new options if you tap on "Reflection." There's also a new ringtone called "Little Bird" that's worth checking out. It's also easier to set a custom ringtone using the Files app and the Share Sheet.
After you set a ringtone, you can customize your alarm's snooze time. For years, Apple has used a nine minute default snooze time for alarms, but now you can choose anywhere from one minute to 15 minutes as the duration between when your alarm will go off.
To customize an alarm, open up the Clock app, choose the Alarms tab, tap on an alarm or create a new one, and then tap on Snooze Duration to select a duration. You can change the snooze length for all of your separate alarms.
Choose Your Safari Preference
Apple added a new "Compact" view for the Safari Tab bar that tucks several settings out of sight. If you want to change back to your preferred view at the top or the bottom, you can change it in the Safari section of the Settings app.
Read More About iOS 26
If you want to find out about even more features in iOS 26, we have a comprehensive iOS 26 roundup that walks through everything new.
Apple devices that are running iOS 10 or macOS Sierra no longer meet the minimum system requirements for iCloud, according to Apple's updated iCloud support document.
All iCloud features now require iOS 11 or macOS High Sierra at minimum. iCloud services like Keychain, iCloud Photos, iCloud backups, Find My, and iCloud Drive will no longer work on devices that are running iOS 10 or macOS Sierra.
iOS 10 and macOS Sierra launched in September 2016, which means the updates are now nine years old. iOS 10 was the final version of iOS available for the iPhone 5 (2012) and the iPhone 5c (2013), along with the fourth-generation iPad (2012). These devices will no longer be able to access iCloud services.
macOS High Sierra was compatible with all Macs running macOS Sierra, so there are no Macs that are losing iCloud support with the compatibility change unless those Macs have not been updated to the last version of macOS they support.
Keep in mind that 200 changes does not mean 200 new features. The list contains even the smallest of changes across the operating system and Apple's built-in apps.
The vast majority of the changes in the list have already received lots of attention. Here are a few small changes that went somewhat under the radar:
eSIM Quick Transfer now requires Face ID or Touch ID, with no passcode fallback, when Stolen Device Protection is active.
In the Messages app, there is now a Drafts folder/filter.
In the Podcasts app, there are more listening speeds, ranging from 0.5x to 3x. You can save your preferred speed per podcast.
Throughout the week, we will be highlighting many of the new features in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and Apple's other software updates, so stay tuned.
Affirm and Klarna today announced that their pay later options are now available for in-store Apple Pay purchases.
With the new feature, approved Apple Pay users can use Affirm to opt to split eligible in-person purchases into biweekly or monthly payments from 0% APR to 36% APR.
Those that choose Klarna in the U.S. can use Pay in 4 to split the cost into four interest-free installments, Pay Later to pay the full amount up to 30 days later with no interest, or Financing with monthly installments for larger purchases. In the UK, Klarna supports Pay in 3 and Pay Later.
Affirm and Klarna's pay-over-time options were already available for online purchases made using Apple Pay, but now purchases made in retail locations can also use the split payment functionality. For a short period of time, Apple offered its own Apple Pay Later service, but it was discontinued in favor of partnerships with other companies.
To make an in-store purchase using Affirm or Klarna, iOS 26 is required. Customers can tap on the "+" button in the Wallet app, select Pay Later Options, and choose one of the available services. When ready to pay, double click on the side button of an iPhone as normal and then choose Affirm or Klarna as the payment option. From there, tap on Pay Later, obtain approval, and then authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to make the purchase.
In the iOS 26 release notes, Apple is warning iPhone users that installing the new software might have a temporary impact on battery life, which is normal.
A new support document explains that major iOS updates require background setup like indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.
Further, Apple says that new features could require more resources, leading to a "small impact" on performance and battery life.
Apple's hardware and software are designed together to deliver great performance and great battery life. As new features and improvements are added, they can change the way we use our devices, as you explore and utilize these new capabilities. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Immediately after completing an update, particularly a major release, you might notice a temporary impact on battery life and thermal performance. This is normal, as your device needs time to complete the setup process in the background, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets, and updating apps.
New features are exciting and help you get even more out of your Apple product, though some may require additional resources from the device. Depending on individual usage, some users may notice a small impact on performance and/or battery life. Apple continually works to optimize these features in software updates to ensure great battery life and a smooth user experience.
There are often complaints about battery life after a new software update, which is likely why Apple linked the new support document in the iOS 26 release notes. While the impact of software updates on battery life has been mentioned in past support documents, Apple has not explained possible battery drain after updates so explicitly.
The new support document wasn't written specifically for iOS 26, and it is a generalized support document applicable to all iOS and iPadOS software updates.
Apple's support document also explains why it is important to install new versions of iOS, and how software updates work.
Apple today released updated firmware for the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4, introducing support for the new AirPods features that are included in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe.
The firmware has a build number of 8A356, and it replaces the current 7E93 firmware.
With Apple's new software updates, the AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 support better audio quality for phone calls and video calls, and studio-quality audio recording for interviews, podcasts, videos, and more.
There is an option to use the AirPods as a camera remote with the Camera app to take photos or start a video recording, and you can now get the AirPods to pause audio if you fall asleep while listening. A Keep Audio in Headphones feature ensures that your music won't switch to your car when you get in, and you can now get charging reminders when your AirPods battery is low. On the AirPods 4 with ANC and the AirPods Pro 2, Live Translation is supported.
All of these features will also be available with the new AirPods Pro 3 that are releasing on Friday, September 19.
To install the new firmware, make sure your AirPods are in range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. From there, put your AirPods in the Charging Case and connect the Charging Case to power. Keep the case closed and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware update to install.
Apple's original Ginza store
Apple's special Ginza wallpaper
Apple's temporary Ginza store
