Apple’s iOS 26 update introduces significant changes with smarter integrations, better customization, and visual updates that make your iPhone feel new. However, several impactful features are not automatically enabled and require manual activation for the best experience.
Understanding these settings will help you maximize security, battery efficiency, and how personal your device feels. Here are eight iOS 26 settings you should try immediately after updating.
1. Turn On Adaptive Battery Mode
Adaptive Battery Mode uses artificial intelligence to learn your device habits and adjusts energy use for longer battery life. Unlike the usual Low Power Mode, Performance remains optimal while your iPhone limits background app activity and tweaks screen brightness. This smart feature is available for iPhone 15 series or newer only.
To activate: open Settings > Battery > Power Mode > select Adaptive Battery Mode. Apple notes that this can lengthen battery lifespan without sacrificing daily performance.
2. Enable Call Screening for Better Protection
Spam and robocalls are a daily annoyance for many iPhone users. With iOS 26, Call Screening gives you three choices for unknown calls: let them ring, send straight to voicemail, or prompt the caller to give a spoken reason. You’ll see a real-time transcript of what they say, helping inform your decision to pick up or decline.
Activate by heading to Settings > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers. This mechanism reduces interruptions and increases peace of mind, according to data from several tech reviewers.
3. Choose New Ringtones for Personalization
A small but noticeable change is the revamped library of ringtones. Apple added updates to classics like Reflection and introduced melodies such as Little Bird. The new sounds are designed to let your iPhone stand out and reflect your personality instantly.
To apply: go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. You can preview and set your preferred tone within seconds.
4. Tweak the Liquid Glass Effect for Clarity
iOS 26 comes with the “Liquid Glass” interface—a translucent, frosted-glass look for menus and buttons. While visually appealing, some may find the blurry background distracting. You have the option to minimize this effect and sharpen text and interface elements for readability.
To do so: Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency. Experts suggest using this adjustment for better visibility, especially in bright environments.
5. Try Custom iMessage Backgrounds
Apple gives users creative freedom in iMessage chat. You can now change chat backgrounds with themes like Water or Sky, plain colors, your own photos, and for iPhone 15 Pro or later, AI-generated wallpapers. The change is visible to everyone in the group, adding flair to every conversation.
To set up: open Messages, choose any chat, tap on the conversation title, then select Backgrounds. This upgrade boosts expression and visual interest in your daily messaging.
6. Use Notification Summary for a Cleaner Lock Screen
Receiving multiple news or entertainment updates can leave your screen cluttered and overwhelming. iOS 26 introduces Notification Summary, a feature that bundles updates from chosen media apps (like BBC or Netflix) into one easy-to-manage alert.
To enable: Settings > Notifications > Scheduled Summary > select apps to include. Apple support documents show this improves focus and reduces distractions.
7. Make Apps Invisible with Transparent Home Screen Icons
Minimalists will appreciate this update. iOS 26 offers the option to make app icons transparent or apply an “iced glass” blur effect. This helps your wallpaper shine through and keeps the home screen sleek.
Set it up by long pressing on the home screen, selecting Edit, then Customize, and choosing either Clear or Tinted Light Mode. Tech analysts report that users find this helps their device feel less crowded.
8. Design with Spatial Scenes on the Lock Screen
Spatial Scenes bring a new layer of depth to your lock screen wallpapers. iOS separates subjects from the background, allowing the clock and widgets to float without hiding the main photo content. This makes your lock screen both functional and visually stunning.
To adjust: long press the lock screen, tap Customize, and then personalize the clock, widgets, and wallpaper. Reviews note this is especially effective for photos with strong foreground focus, making your phone look more dynamic.
Compatibility Notes for Older iPhones
It’s important to know that not every iPhone gets every feature. Adaptive Battery Mode, Call Screening, and AI-powered iMessage backgrounds are exclusive to iPhone 15 series and newer models. Even though all devices eligible for iOS 26 receive fundamental upgrades, some standout customizations and AI elements may be missing on older hardware. Apple’s documentation recommends checking your model’s official feature list.
Quick Reference—How to Access Each Setting
| Feature | Path to Enable | Device Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Battery Mode | Settings > Battery > Power Mode | iPhone 15+ |
| Call Screening | Settings > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers | iPhone 15+ |
| Ringtones | Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone | All |
| Liquid Glass Effect | Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size | All |
| iMessage Custom Background | Messages > Chat > Tap Title > Backgrounds | AI Wall: iPhone 15 Pro+ |
| Notification Summary | Settings > Notifications > Scheduled Summary | All |
| Transparent App Icons | Home Screen > Edit > Customize > Clear/Tinted | All |
| Spatial Scenes | Lock Screen > Customize | All |
These changes reflect Apple’s strategy to focus on smarter AI features and more meaningful daily usability, as confirmed by several tech media reviews. Customization, privacy, and accessibility remain top priorities throughout this major operating system update.
As the iOS 26 upgrade rolls out, exploring these eight settings can unlock your phone’s potential. Whether you want longer battery life, better call filtering, tidier notifications, or a look that feels uniquely yours, these tools help you shape your iPhone experience right away.
