my favorite iOS 26 features 🧊

When I first updated my iPhone to iOS 26, the first thing that blew me away was the Liquid Glass design. It’s not just a wallpaper; it’s an entire system-wide aesthetic that truly makes your phone feel brand new. My Lock Screen, for example, now has this incredible fluid, glass-like appearance. I’ve been experimenting with the underwater Hello Kitty wallpaper, and it seriously looks like my phone is submerged in a crystal-clear aquarium, with Hello Kitty floating gracefully. The way the time and notifications shimmer through this 'glass' effect is just mesmerizing. It extends to the Home Screen and even the Control Center, giving everything a seamless, premium feel. It’s a definite upgrade from previous iOS versions, making the entire user interface much more dynamic and visually engaging. But the real game-changer for me has been the introduction of transparent widgets. Seriously, who knew something so simple could make such a huge difference? I used to hate how widgets would break up the flow of my aesthetic, but now they blend right into my wallpaper! I’ve set up a transparent 'NOTE To do list' widget right on my Home Screen, and it’s super practical without being an eyesore. It looks like my tasks are just floating on top of my chosen background. And for those who love to personalize, you can even use transparent photo widgets – I have one with my cat that just looks adorable, seamlessly integrated. It really cleans up the look of your display while still providing quick access to information. Beyond just transparency, the interactive widgets in iOS 26 add a whole new layer of fun and functionality. My absolute favorite so far is the interactive fortune cookie widget. Imagine tapping on it and having a little fortune pop up right there on your screen, without even opening an app! It’s such a small detail but adds so much personality. I’ve heard rumors about other interactive options, like quick controls for smart home devices directly from a widget, which would be incredibly convenient. These widgets aren't just static displays anymore; they truly invite you to engage with your phone in a more dynamic way. If you’re on the fence about updating, I’d say go for it just for these features alone! Experiment with different wallpapers to see how they interact with the liquid glass effect – I’ve found that darker, more vibrant backgrounds really make it pop. For transparent widgets, try arranging them strategically to complement your wallpaper rather than just placing them randomly. iOS 26 really gives you the tools to make your iPhone feel uniquely yours again, merging beauty with practicality. It feels like Apple really listened to users who wanted more customization and a refreshed visual experience. I’m constantly finding new ways to tweak my setup, and it’s made my daily phone usage so much more enjoyable. Definitely a must-try for any iPhone user looking to refresh their device!