The New iOS 26 – Features and Facts You Must Know About

All About about iOS 26 Apple

Everything about iOS 26: Apple Intelligence, new features, real-world user problems, and whether you should update now. Get the full breakdown.

Source: Apple

iOS 26 is here, and like every big update, it comes with a mix of excitement, confusion, and a few “why is my phone acting like this?” moments. Apple has packed in some genuinely impressive features, but real users are already pointing out the rough edges. Let’s break it down the smart way—what’s new, what’s cool, and what’s giving people headaches.

Read – Apple Event Key Highlights – 2025

What’s New in iOS 26?

Apple clearly wants to blur the line between your iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro headset. iOS 26 takes a big step in that direction with a bunch of upgrades:

  • Apple Intelligence (AI with a twist): Not just another AI, but Apple’s “on-device, private-first” assistant. Think writing suggestions, smart summaries, and image editing baked into your apps—without your data running off to the cloud. Apple Intelligence isn’t live here yet. Indian users who upgrade won’t see the new AI features until Apple rolls them out region by region.
  • Genmoji & Image Playground: Because regular emojis were too basic, now you can create personalised “Genmojis” or whip up custom visuals in Messages. Meme makers just got a new playground.
  • Siri 2.0 (finally smarter): Siri got a long-awaited upgrade. You can now type to Siri, ask for context-aware tasks, and expect fewer “Sorry, I didn’t get that” responses.
  • iPhone Mirroring: Your iPhone screen now shows up on your Mac. Perfect for pretending to “work” while checking Insta.
  • Notifications on Mac: No more juggling devices. Get iPhone alerts straight on your laptop.
  • Passwords App: A proper app (finally!) that stores all your logins, Wi-Fi passwords, and 2FA codes in one place. Goodbye, messy Notes app hacks.
  • Messages Upgrade:
    • Schedule messages.Add effects inline.Tapbacks with any emoji.
  • And yes, RCS support—green bubble drama slightly reduced.
  • Safari Highlights: Automatic webpage summaries, smarter Reader mode, and AI-powered highlights. Basically, your lazy way out of long reads.
  • Photos Overhaul: Cleaner design, new “Collections” that auto-sort by themes, and better search. Your 2016 memes won’t haunt you as much.
  • Other gems: Redesigned Control Centre, improved Mail app with digest summaries, smarter Health and Journal apps, and deeper integration with Vision Pro.

Source: Apple Support

iOS 26 vs Older Versions

Is it a big leap? Yes and no.

  • Compared to iOS 17/18, the AI-driven features are a huge shift. Apple finally caught up to the AI craze.
  • But if you strip away Apple Intelligence, the other updates (Photos redesign, Messages tweaks, Safari improvements) feel more like refinements than revolutions.

Pros of iOS 26

  • A real AI that respects privacy.
  • iPhone + Mac integration is smoother than ever.
  • Passwords app eliminates the need for third-party managers.
  • Messages finally catch up to modern texting standards.
  • The Photos app is actually usable for once.

Cons of iOS 26

  • Bugs, glitches, and more bugs. Early users report overheating, battery drain, random freezes, and Wi-Fi drops.
  • Apple Intelligence is not available on all iPhones—only the newer ones with A17 Pro and M-series chips get the full deal. Translation: your old iPhone won’t feel very “intelligent.”
  • Some users say Siri still stumbles despite the facelift.
  • RCS support is there, but don’t expect it to magically fix Apple-Android messaging wars.

Source: Apple

Who Should Update to iOS 26?

  • The Curious Ones: If you love being the first to try new features, go for it. Just be ready to tolerate some bugs.
  • iPhone + Mac Users: If you live in the Apple ecosystem, the mirroring and notification sync are game-changers.
  • Privacy Enthusiasts: Apple Intelligence is worth it if you’re tired of AI tools mining your data.
  • Casual Users on Older Devices: Maybe wait a few updates. No point trading stability for features you won’t even get.

Real Problems Users Are Facing

Scrolling through Reddit and Apple Community forums shows a common theme: iOS 26 feels half-baked right now.

  • Battery Drain: Phones are heating up, and the battery is dropping faster than ever.
  • Connectivity Issues: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are cutting out randomly.
  • App Crashes: Especially third-party apps not yet optimised for iOS 26.
  • Lag & Freezes: Even newer iPhones aren’t immune.

So yes, Apple gave us smarter AI, but also gave us flashbacks of iOS 13’s rocky start.

Read – iPhone Air – All You Need to Know

FAQs About iOS 26

Will my old iPhone support Apple Intelligence?

No. Only the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and newer models with A17 Pro or M-series chips can use all AI features.

Is iOS 26 safe to install now?

It’s stable enough for daily use, but early bugs are real. If you can’t risk downtime, wait for iOS 26.1.

Does iOS 26 finally support RCS?

Yes. But don’t expect miracles—green bubbles are still green.

Can I downgrade if I hate iOS 26?

 Yes, but only while Apple is still signing the older version. That window closes quickly.

iOS 26 is ambitious. Apple finally dipped its toes into AI in a way that feels useful and not creepy. But like every big update, it’s not flawless. The features are tempting, but the bugs are frustrating. If you’re the adventurous type, dive in. If not, let others test the waters and jump in later when it’s less glitchy.

iPhone Air – All You Need to Know

The new iPhone Air is the talk of the tech town! The fans across the world are yet to put their hands on this extremely stylish iPhone, but curiosity is at its peak. By now, we are all aware that it is the thinnest iPhone yet. But is that all? No. It is the power within that thin body that actually matters. And how will that power empower you? Well, you can decide that for yourself after knowing what’s inside.

Here, you will find the latest iPhone Air features and all the information you need to know about this new technology.

iPhone Air overview

As the name suggests, the iPhone Air is extremely thin and light. Yet, it is loaded with some really impactful features. Here are some key highlights about the gadget that will help you to understand it inside out.

Source: Apple

iPhone Air design & build

The iPhone Air is just 5.6 mm in thickness and weighs just 165 grams. But don’t think it’s fragile, as it is made of a grade 5 titanium frame, with ceramic shields on the front and the back. The frame is polished to a pristine mirror finish. At the backside, a single camera is placed on a plateau. On the sides, there are the Action Button, the Camera Control Button, the Volume Buttons, and the Power Button. There’s a USB-C port on the bottom. As of now, the iPhone Air is available in Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black colour options.

iPhone Air display

The iPhone Air comes with a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. The Promotion technology in the display offers a refresh rate of 120Hz, ensuring smoothness even during heavy graphics gameplay. The peak brightness of the display is up to 3000 nits, which will ensure the best screen visibility in sunny outdoors. The Always-On display can now adjust down to 1Hz when not in use. The display is protected by the Ceramic Shield with an anti-reflection coating for reduced glare.

iPhone Air performance

The iPhone Air is powered by the latest chip from Apple Silicon, the A19 Pro. The 6-Core CPU, which includes 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, is the fastest in any smartphone. The 5-Core GPU is also upgraded with Unified Image Compression and 2nd Generation Dynamic Caching, for next-level mobile gaming and running generative AI models. In fact, to handle GPU-intensive AI workloads, each GPU core is supported by a built-in Neural Accelerator.

The iPhone Air also features the N1, an Apple-designed networking chip that enables better connection to wireless technologies like Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. It also improves the reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and Dropbox.

Finally, let’s talk about the new cellular modem that has been used in the iPhone Air, the latest C1X. Not only is it 2x faster than its previous generation, it also uses 30 per cent less energy.

iPhone Air camera system

Excellent camera quality has always been a signature iPhone feature, and the iPhone Air is no exception. The single camera on the back of the iPhone Air is a 48 megapixel fusion camera system. It works like multiple advanced cameras in one. The 48 MP camera, which comes with a 26mm focal length, also doubles as a 12 MP 12x Telephoto camera with a 52mm focal length. There are options to customise lenses into 28mm and 35mm, giving the freedom to use the equivalent of four lenses. Plus, features like 24 MP photos by default, an updated Photonic Engine that uses machine learning to capture life-like details, and sensor shift optimised image stabilisation for low-light photography, will deliver professional-level photos. The iPhone Air can also capture video in 4K 60 FPS Dolby Vision, with Spatial Audio for immersive listening. It also enables recording in Action Mode to capture fast actions.

The 18 MP Centre Stage front camera expands the field of view and rotates from portrait to landscape with a single tap. This can help you take a selfie of a large group of friends without moving the iPhone.

But the best upgrade is the new Dual Capture Video feature, which enables recording video simultaneously from both the front and the back camera.

Source: Apple

iPhone Air battery & charging

Apple claims that the iPhone Air is built to provide a great battery life. The internal design was crafted to maximise battery space. Apple Silicon has also designed the chips used in the iPhone Air for great battery efficiency. It can be charged up to 50% within 30 minutes, and it offers up to 27 hours of video playback in one single battery cycle. The new iOS 26 also comes with an Adaptive Power Mode that reads a user’s battery consumption pattern and assumes when the power might run low. It intelligently conserves the power accordingly to help them get through the day.

iPhone Air Connectivity

The iPhone Air activates with e-SIM only. There’s no slot for a physical SIM card. This has been done to probably save space. While e-SIM is not a new concept in India, with all the major carriers providing it, it is not widely used as of now. But it will not impact the user experience of iPhone Air, as e-SIM comes with its own set of advantages. Also, a few features of iOS 26 will help users manage the e-SIM more efficiently.

Read More – Affordable iPhone 15 Pro Screen Repair in India You Can Trust

iPhone Air price and release date in India

The iPhone Air price in India starts from ₹1,19,900/- for the 256GB variant. It will be available online and in stores from 19th September. The 512GB version is priced at ₹1,39,900/-, and the 1TB version will be available for ₹1,59,900/-.

Source: Beebom

iPhone Air vs Other iPhones

The iPhone Air stands out in Apple’s lineup not just because of its slim profile, but also due to its strategic balancing of performance, portability, and price. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Air is lighter, easier to handle, and more travel-friendly. While the Pro models pack extra camera features and advanced sensors, the iPhone Air brings most of the performance upgrades like the A19 Pro chip and the new networking technology without making compromises on speed or reliability.

When compared to the standard iPhone 16, the Air offers a better display with ProMotion, a much more powerful GPU, and a titanium frame that’s both lightweight and durable. The camera system, although single, delivers impressive versatility that beats entry-level models.

Simply put, the iPhone Air bridges the gap between ultra-premium and mainstream users. It’s for those who want top-tier performance without carrying extra bulk—or paying for features they don’t need.

Pros and Cons of the iPhone Air

Pros

✔ Extremely lightweight and slim – easy to carry and use

✔ Grade 5 titanium frame makes it durable without adding weight

✔ A19 Pro chip offers best-in-class performance and gaming experience

✔ Impressive camera system with fusion tech and customizable lenses

✔ Fast charging and excellent battery management

✔ e-SIM support makes the device sleek and modern

✔ Affordable compared to Pro models without sacrificing performance

Cons

✘ Single rear camera may not satisfy photography enthusiasts

✘ No physical SIM slot—e-SIM adoption is still growing in some regions

✘ Lacks advanced LiDAR or extra sensors available in Pro versions

✘ Higher starting price compared to standard iPhone models

Who Should Buy the iPhone Air?

The iPhone Air is designed for users who want a premium experience without overpaying for extra hardware. If you’re someone who values portability, style, and performance, this is an ideal choice. It’s perfect for content creators who need smooth video playback and powerful processing on the go, gamers who want lag-free experiences, and professionals who prefer a lightweight smartphone without compromising on power.

It’s also great for travelers and students who want a device that’s easy to carry yet packed with future-ready features. However, if you need advanced photography tools or prefer having multiple cameras and sensors, you might want to explore the Pro models instead.

Read More – iPhone Motherboard Repair: Fixing Logic Board Issues & More

FAQs

Q1. Does the iPhone Air support wireless charging?

Yes! The iPhone Air supports MagSafe and Qi-certified wireless charging up to 15W for hassle-free power-ups without cables.

Q2. Can I use both e-SIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

No. The iPhone Air only supports e-SIM, and there’s no physical SIM slot. However, you can store multiple e-SIM profiles and switch between them easily using iOS 26.

Q3. Is the iPhone Air water-resistant?

Yes, it comes with an IP68 rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes without damage.

Q4. Will iPhone Air receive iOS updates for many years?

Absolutely. Apple typically supports its devices with iOS updates for 5–6 years, and the iPhone Air is expected to receive new updates throughout that period.

Affordable iPhone 15 Pro Screen Repair in India You Can Trust

Let’s be honest — replacing the screen of an iPhone 15 Pro can feel like a punch to the wallet. If your warranty has expired and you walk into an Apple Store or an authorised service centre, you’ll be shocked by the cost. It’s no surprise that many users seek local repair shops, hoping for more affordable iPhone 15 Pro Screen Repair in India. But that comes with its own set of risks — unreliable service, poor-quality parts, and technicians without the required expertise.

So, why is it so expensive to replace the iPhone 15 Pro screen? It’s not just about swapping out the glass and the display. The screen is built with cutting-edge technology, and replacing it demands both precision and the right tools. Not to mention, using genuine OEM parts — the exact components that Apple designs and tests — adds to the cost. This isn’t a simple job you can hand over to any technician. It’s a task that requires specialist skills, and that’s what makes it worth every penny when done right.

Why Does Replacing an iPhone 15 Pro Screen Require the Best Skill?

The iPhone 15 Pro’s screen is one of the most advanced display panels Apple has ever produced. With ProMotion technology, HDR support, and super bright OLED layers, it delivers stunning visuals and silky-smooth responsiveness. But it’s not just about pretty pictures — the screen also holds delicate components like the TrueDepth camera sensors and the powerful touch-sensitive layer that helps your phone react instantly to every tap and swipe.

Source: Rapid Repair

Inside the screen assembly, you’ll find connectors and circuits designed to handle everything from brightness adjustments to face recognition. A tiny mistake during the replacement process can easily damage these components or affect the screen’s performance.

Replacing the iPhone 15 Pro’s screen is a delicate and precise task that begins with carefully removing the phone’s back and front panels using controlled heat and specialised tools — a step made challenging by the titanium frame and strong adhesives that can easily crack or bend if not handled right. Once opened, the technicians disconnect ultra-fine cables and connectors that control touch, brightness, and colour accuracy, using magnification tools and precision screwdrivers to avoid any damage. The screen, sealed with industrial-strength adhesive for durability and water resistance, is then gently loosened without disturbing the internal parts, keeping the phone’s structure intact. After removing the old screen, a genuine OEM replacement is installed to ensure everything — from touch response to colour calibration and brightness — functions exactly as it should.

The process is completed with thorough testing and calibration, where brightness levels, colour accuracy, touch sensitivity, and face recognition sensors are checked to confirm the screen works flawlessly, just like new.

  • A mishandled screen replacement can cause permanent damage
  • Aligning the display and connectors requires high precision
  • Correct calibration is crucial for optimal performance
  • Water resistance and durability must be restored perfectly

That’s why only trained professionals at certified repair centres should handle an iPhone 15 Pro screen replacement.

Read More – iPhone 17 Pro – What’s Coming Our Way and When?

Rapid Repair – Your Trusted, Affordable iPhone 15 Pro Screen Repair Solution

If you’re worried about both cost and quality, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Rapid Repair offers a reliable, affordable solution for iPhone 15 Pro screen repairs without compromising on expertise or parts. Here’s why so many users trust Rapid Repair:

  • Fastest turnaround time – Get your phone fixed quickly without the long wait.
  • Free Doorstep Pickup & Delivery Across India – We collect and deliver your device at your convenience.
  • Free Diagnostics – Know exactly what’s wrong before you decide on repairs.
  • Expert Technicians – Certified and trained to handle every detail of the repair.
  • Lifetime Warranty on Service – Confidence that your repair stands the test of time.

The cost to repair iPhone 15 Pro screen from Rapid Repair is Rs INR 30500 tax paid, which is much less than authorised service centres. Whether it’s a cracked screen from a drop or a display issue from wear and tear, Rapid Repair ensures that your iPhone gets the best possible care — without burning a hole in your pocket.

Source: GSMArena

How to Book an Appointment

Booking your repair is easy! Choose from any of the following options:

  1. Call or WhatsApp us to schedule a pickup at your convenience
  2. Visit our website at rapidrepair.in to fill out a simple form
  3. Drop by our store in Gurgaon and speak to our experts in person

Get your iPhone 15 Pro screen repaired by trusted professionals who care — because your device deserves the best.

Read More – Why is the iPhone 16 Pro Max freezing after an iOS 18.3 update?

Apple Event Key Highlights – 2025

Know the Apple Event Highlights 2025

The recently concluded Apple September Event launched a whole new array of Apple gadgets. From the new iPhone 17 series to the latest versions of the Apple Watch, some interesting features will definitely add to the awe of Apple fans. But is it worth an upgrade? There are significant changes in the design of the new releases as well. For instance, the new iPhone 17 Air, which claims to be the thinnest iPhone ever. But how real is the hype?

Here’s our initial take on the key new features that are introduced, so that before the festive season, you can decide whether to upgrade to the latest iPhone 17 or the new Apple Watch. Also, you will get to know the price and date of availability.

iPhone 17 Series: Sleek, Powerful, and Futuristic

The series, which includes iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, is powered by the A19 and A19 Pro chips, built on a 3nm process for faster performance, smarter Apple Intelligence, and improved efficiency for longer battery life.

Gamers enjoy high-frame-rate play with five-core GPUs on Pro models, while AI-driven apps, real-time video editing, and predictive features run smoothly.

The Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion now offer adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive gaming. The Pro model’s 3,200-nit brightness ensures visibility even in harsh sunlight, while slimmer bezels and Ceramic Shield 2 front glass enhance durability.

Source: Hindustan Times

Photography is enhanced with 48MP main sensors, ultrawide lenses, in-sensor telephoto zoom, and sharper front cameras with Centre Stage. Apple Intelligence improves low-light shots, reduces motion blur, and ensures consistent exposure.

Battery life is optimised, with fast charging offering 8 hours of video playback from a 10-minute charge. With 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, plus titanium frames and sleek designs, iOS 26 ties it all together for a smarter, faster, and more capable phone.

Read – iPhone 17 Pro – What’s Coming Our Way and When?

AirPods Pro 3: The Next Evolution in Personal Audio

The new AirPods Pro 3 are smaller and lighter than their previous version, with just 5 grams per earbud. Apple has reworked the design with foam tips to prioritise a comfortable fit for long hours. Sound quality is noticeably enhanced with the new H2 chip, which powers smarter noise cancellation and adaptive EQ, adjusting audio based on fit and surroundings.

Source: The Independent

Controls are intuitive—tap or swipe without needing your phone. A heart rate sensor tracks workouts, syncing with the Fitness app, while Live Audio Translation helps during conversations in other languages.

Battery life supports your day with up to 6.5 hours of playback (10 hours in Transparency mode), and the case provides around 30 hours total. A quick 5-minute charge offers an extra hour, letting you stay powered up without hassle.

The new AirPods Pro 3 price in India starts at ₹25,900/-.

Apple Watch: Smarter, Faster, and Actually Useful

Apple released the new Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3. All three versions are powered by an S10 chip and support 5G and GPS connectivity.

Source: Apple

Apple Watch SE 3

At ₹25,900/-, the new Apple Watch SE 3 has become the perfect entry-level model for the segment. Sharing most of the features with the other two new releases, it comes with the new Ion-X glass Always On Retina OLED display, with up to 1000 nits brightness.

A new wrist temperature sensor added with advanced Heart and Motion sensors can provide vital health and fitness information, more accurately than ever. It comes in an aluminium body and the Starlight and Midnight finishes, with up to 18 hours of normal use battery life.

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is thinner than ever, with a Wide-angle OLED display. There’s a significant improvement in the battery life, with up to 24 hours of normal use.

Two advanced heart sensors and a wrist temperature sensor are behind the new blood pressure monitoring feature of Apple Watch, which was a key highlight this year. It’s available in 7 case finishes, and the price starts at ₹46,900/-.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

With all the new upgrades in the segment, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is going to be adored by those who love an active lifestyle. The new health and fitness monitoring features of this watch are good enough to help even professional athletes.

Keeping in mind extreme usage scenarios, special importance is given to the durability of the watch with its titanium case and sapphire crystal display, including improved water and dust resistance.

The Ultra 3 supports precision dual-frequency GPS connection and has a battery life of up to 42 hours of normal use. Available in black and white Titanium cases, with multiple options for straps, the price of Apple Watch Ultra 3 in India starts at ₹89,900/-.

Availability in India

So, that’s what Apple actually released this year. All the gadgets are open for pre-booking now and will be available from 19th September.

Conclusion

Beyond the sleek frames, sharper screens, and faster chips, what’s really been delivered is a vision of how technology can quietly, persistently shape the way we live. AirPods that feel like extensions of your senses, watches that understand your body better than you do, and the new iPhone 17 series that don’t just perform—they anticipate.

Read – Apple WWDC 2025 – What Do We Get

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