Today, Apple unveils updates to its software platforms
Apple has released a series of software updates for its devices, bringing new features and improvements to users worldwide. The updates, which include iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, are available as free software updates today.
For CarPlay users, the new software updates bring a compact view for incoming calls, Tapbacks in Messages, widgets, and Live Activities. Messages now allows users to screen messages from unknown senders, create polls, and add backgrounds to conversations.
The new software design, featuring Liquid Glass, aims to provide a more harmonious and expressive user experience across all devices. The Supercharged Files app offers new ways to organize files and customize folders, while the Spotlight feature introduces all-new browsing views for files and apps, enhanced search, and powerful action capabilities.
iPadOS 26 introduces a new, powerful, and intuitive windowing system for improved multitasking. This update also offers creative pros new capabilities with Background Tasks, more control over audio input, and high-quality recording capabilities with local capture.
Mac users will appreciate the new macOS Tahoe, which features a new design with an updated Control Center, new color options for folders, app icons, and widgets, and a transparent menu bar making the display feel larger. The Preview app comes to iPad, providing a dedicated app for viewing and editing PDFs with Apple Pencil Markup and AutoFill.
Apple's visionOS 26 adds several accessibility features, such as Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier app for Mac, Accessibility Reader, Braille Access, and Live Listen controls on Apple Watch with a new set of features, including real-time Live Captions.
The Apple Watch Series 11, released in September 2025, introduces hypertension notifications using an optical heart sensor and an algorithm analyzing 30-day patterns to alert users of chronic high blood pressure signs. This feature is being rolled out in 150 countries, including the U.S. and Europe, pending regulatory approval.
watchOS 26 makes everyday interactions more convenient with Smart Stack hints, Live Translation in Messages, wrist flick, and the Notes app on Apple Watch. It also offers a sleep score feature to help users understand the quality of their sleep. watchOS 26 also features a redesigned watch face gallery with two new watch faces: Flow and Exactograph.
The Apple Games app has been introduced as a personalized gaming destination. tvOS 26 makes Apple TV more immersive and enjoyable with a beautiful design and engaging new features like Sing in Apple Music and Contact Posters on FaceTime.
Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For more information on availability, visit Apple's website.
The updates also bring new features to Apple Music, such as Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation, and Apple Maps, with Visited Places added.
Lastly, the new software updates bring customization options to the Lock Screen, enhancements to Camera, Photos, Safari, Phone app, and more. watchOS 26 introduces Workout Buddy, a first-of-its-kind fitness experience powered by Apple Intelligence, providing personalized, motivational audio insights during workouts. Journal comes to iPad, making it easy for users to capture and write about everyday moments or special events using Apple Pencil or touch.
These updates mark a significant step forward in Apple's commitment to delivering innovative and user-friendly experiences across its devices.
