Visually, iOS 26 sets new accents, which, however, not only encounter enthusiasm, and offers more options for individualization.Image: T-online
Apple launched its completely revised iPhone operating system iOS 26 this week. Some new and helpful functions are well hidden. Here are the most important.
18.09.2025, 21:3618.09.2025, 21:36
Steve Haak / T-Online
An article by
A few days ago, Apple published its mobile operating system iOS 26 (and of course Ipados 26). The most striking change: With its so-called “Liquid Glass” design, the US group has given the software a completely new look.
But even under the hood, there are plenty of new functions and opportunities to adapt the operating system to your own needs. You should know these five settings.
Reduce transparency
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As beautiful as the effects of “Liquid Glass” are, the new transparent look does not affect everyone’s taste. Especially since in some menus the overview suffers. In addition, the effect means that some elements look washed out and overexposed.
The new button to reduce the transparency effect is hidden deep in the iOS settings.Image: Apple
To reduce the effect, Apple has added the “Reduce transparency” option to its operating system. Unfortunately, the switch is a bit hidden for this. The users find it in the iOS settings under “Operating aids” and “Display & text size”. After activating the function, the windows and menus in iOS look significantly less transparent.
Screenshots in full screen mode
Apple’s function to create screenshots when pressing two side switches is practical. The group has added new functions to this function, which is called “Screen Foto” from Apple in German.
The most useful is the possibility of being able to present the screenshots larger than before. The option can be found in the settings under “General” and “Screen Foto”. Anyone who activates the “Preserving in full screen” controller here will in future see the screenshots instead of a screen -filling image instead of a thumbnail.
Spatial photos
One of the most impressive new functions is the possibility of giving its pictures a chic 3D effect. This can also be done with old pictures from your own photo media library.
This is how it works: After an image has been opened, a new hexagonal symbol appears on the upper right edge. When activating, the text “Spatial Scene” appears on it and iOS provides the picture with a 3D effect.
The effect can also be applied to images for the lock screen. To do this, the user only has to select one image, set it with the “share” button as a background for the lock screen and then add the 3D effect with the hexagonal button.
Adjust the duration of the slumber mode
Anyone who previously pressed the slumber button in the morning when the iPhone rings the iphone could continue to sleep exactly nine minutes – without exception. There was no way to adapt the time. Apple has finally changed that with iOS 26.
The slumber mode in iOS 26 is now individually adjustable.Image: Apple
From now on, the iPhone owner can decide for himself how much time should pass for the alarm clock rings again. Simply open the clock app, tap on the “alarm clock” on the bottom of the screen and open the respective alarm plan. The time between one minute and 15 minutes can be set under “Duration of slumber mode”.
Show the remaining loading time of the battery
On iOS 26 it is possible for the first time to display the remaining loading time of the battery. Before that, a user did not know how long his iPhone took to be fully charged again.
The display is only an estimate, but can give an indication of how quickly or slowly the charging process with the respective devices is for chargers with different watt services. Apple installed the display in the settings under the “Battery” menu item.
Apple has published 26 new phone functions with iOS.Image: Apple
In addition to these five functions, there are many other innovations. Apple has tidied up in the camera app, for example, and removed the switches at the bottom. In addition, calls from unknown numbers can be muted and a new app now shows all games in one place instead of a little hidden in Apple Arcade or in the App Store.
How do you install iOS 26?
There are two ways to get to the system update that has been ready since Monday. You can manually load and install it using the settings app as soon as it is available. This can be done under “General”> “Softwareupdate”. It can also be set that the iPhone updates should be installed automatically as soon as they are available. This can also be done via the settings app. Here you choose “General”> “Softwareupdate”> “Automatic updates”. An internet connection is of course a prerequisite.
Sources
This video shows the most innovations (in German):
(dsc)
