On September 15, 2025, Apple officially released the new operating systems: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This creates a common thread throughout the entire product range – especially the new "Liquid Glass" design. But there's more than just visual changes; there are also many new functional features. Here's an overview – and why a cautious approach to updates remains sensible.
iOS 26 – the iPhone becomes transparent
- Liquid Glass Look: Transparent surfaces in menus, buttons, and widgets.
- Phone App: New layouts, call screening, and improved contact management.
- Messages: Polls, individual backgrounds, more personalization.
- Live Translation: Translate directly in messages, FaceTime, and calls.
- Battery Optimizations: Adaptive power modes extend battery life.
iPadOS 26 – more like a computer
- Window System: Apps can be freely moved, scaled, and minimized.
- Files App: More functions, previews, markup for PDFs.
- Liquid Glass also as a new design theme. → Conclusion: iPadOS thus moves even closer to macOS.
macOS Tahoe 26 – the last major step for Intel Macs
- New design with Liquid Glass, transparent menu bars.
- Spotlight: Faster search, more intelligent with context recognition.
- Clipboard History: Clipboard history.
- Repair Assistant: Helps with self-repairs (e.g., display replacement on Apple chips).
- Intel Macs: Tahoe is the last major version to be supported.
watchOS 26 – health in focus
- New health sensors (depending on the model) with improved sleep tracking.
- Fitness App: More workout types, more detailed analyses.
- User Interface: Adjustments in the Liquid Glass design, clearer widgets.
- Performance: Faster loading times, better battery efficiency.
tvOS 26 – Apple TV as an entertainment hub
- New User Interface: Also more transparent and dynamic.
- Multi-User Profile: Improved personalization for families.
- Apple Fitness+ Integration: Seamless control via Apple Watch.
- Games App (instead of Game Center): Central platform for Apple Arcade & Games.
visionOS 26 – Mixed Reality at a new level
- Liquid Glass also characterizes the menus and windows here.
- New Gesture Control: More precise recognition of hand movements.
- Productivity: Multiple virtual monitors, improved Mac integration.
- Entertainment: Improved 3D video quality, more immersive spaces.
What users should look out for
- Don't update immediately: Wait a few days – teething problems are normal.
- Backup: Local + Cloud.
- Check software: Especially with macOS Tahoe – many professional programs still need updates.
- Disable automatic updates: Prevents unwanted reboots in everyday life.
Conclusion
Apple OS 26 brings not only a fresh look but also noticeable improvements – from iPhone and iPad to Watch, TV, and Vision Pro. However, patience is required, especially for productive use. Those who wait until the first patches are available will save themselves frustration – and still benefit from the new features.
