iOS 26 vs iOS 18 – Which is Better? Apple’s iOS 26 has arrived as the built-in system on the new iPhone 17, leaving many iOS 18 users wondering whether it’s worth upgrading.
You’re in the right place. We’ll break down the key differences between iOS 26 and iOS 18 to help you decide if the upgrade is right for you.
iOS 26 vs 18: Design
One of the biggest differences between iOS 26 and iOS 18 is the overall system and app design. iOS 26 introduces a new interface style called Liquid Glass, featuring smooth, translucent, and reflective elements with a fluid aesthetic. It also supports both light and dark modes, along with a wider range of color tints for app icons.
For example, Liquid Glass can make your app icons appear curved and slightly translucent, reflecting the colors of the background. On the lock screen, the elements shift with a subtle 3D effect as you tilt your iPhone or iPad, and the clock automatically adjusts its position to stay visible over notifications and background elements.
In contrast, iOS 18 features a flatter, more angular design with a heavier overall feel, sticking closely to Apple’s traditional system appearance.
Related: iOS 26 Features (2025): What’s New in Apple’s Latest Update
iOS 26 vs iOS 18: Camera App
In terms of photography, iOS 26 has reorganized the arrangement and layout of camera functions. While iOS 18 placed shooting modes above the shutter button, iOS 26 positions them below it. You can still scroll left and right to choose a mode.
Additionally, features like flash, Live Photo, and Night Mode are now integrated into hidden menus in the upper-left and upper-right corners, respectively.
Such a layout looks more intuitive and clearer, preventing mistouching.
Another update is that iOS 26 allows you to use AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 to remotely take a picture, which is super convenient for those who love taking photos. Meanwhile, iOS 18 users need to purchase a dedicated Bluetooth camera remote to remotely control the camera.
Related: A Full Guide for Eye Tracking iOS 18
iOS 26 vs 18: Photos App
In iOS 18, Apple removed the tab bar and merged the Library and Albums sections, a change that drew criticism from many users. With iOS 26, Apple has reversed course, bringing back the tab bar to let users easily switch between a separate Library and a new Collections view.
The search button has also moved from the top to the bottom of the screen for easier access. Filters are now more intuitive, with quick options to jump between year and month views while scrolling through your Library. In the Collections tab, photos are neatly grouped into categories like “Featured Photos” and “Recent Days” for a more organized browsing experience.
iOS 26 vs 18: Phone App
The Phone app in iOS 26 combines your Favorites, Recents, and Voicemails into a single, streamlined interface, offering a cleaner and more modern look than iOS 18.
More importantly, iOS 26 introduces AI-powered call screening. When you receive a call from an unknown number, an AI agent will ask the caller for their purpose, verify if they know your name, and provide a brief summary of the call. You can then decide whether to answer, helping you save time and avoid unwanted interruptions.
Additionally, the “Hold Assist” feature helps you wait for customer service to answer your call and notifies you when the call is connected.
This represents an advancement in iOS 18’s artificial intelligence capabilities, signaling Apple’s progressive exploration and application of AI technology to deliver value to users.
iOS 18 vs iOS 26: Message App
Messages on iOS 26 introduces several upgrades that make communication smarter and more personal compared to iOS 18. A new screening tool lets you approve or block unknown numbers, helping you avoid spam and control who appears in your chats, recent calls, and FaceTime history.
Group conversations also get more interactive with built-in polls, allowing everyone to contribute options and vote in real time. Plus, you can now customize any chat with a background, either choose from Apple’s curated designs or use your own photos, to give each conversation a unique personality.
iOS 18 vs 26: Game App
iOS 26 introduces a brand-new Games app, which replaces the simpler game tracking features in iOS 18. This new hub keeps you updated on all your games, shows what your friends are playing, and offers personalized recommendations to help you discover new titles.
The Games app also brings Challenges, letting you compete with friends in score-based showdowns, adding a social and competitive edge to your gaming experience.
Meanwhile, iOS 26 has not removed the Game Mode from iOS 18. You can still enable this mode to enhance your gaming experience.
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iOS 26 vs iOS 18: Live Translation
In iOS 18, translation features are limited to tools like Live Text for scanning and translating text through the camera, or using the Translate app for voice and text translation.
iOS 26 takes a major step forward with Apple Intelligence–powered Live Translation. Integrated directly into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, it can translate both text and audio in real time, all on-device, so your private conversations remain private.
Related: iPhone 17 vs 16: A Comprehensive Comparison of Key Differences
Should You Update iOS 18 to 26: Final Verdict
If you’re still on iOS 18, updating to iOS 26 is a clear step forward. The refreshed interface with Liquid Glass brings a more modern and dynamic look, while apps like Photos, Phone, and Messages offer smarter features that save time and improve communication. The new Games app also makes it easier to stay connected with your friends and discover fresh titles.
Beyond design changes, iOS 26 focuses heavily on personalization and AI-driven tools, from spam call and message screening to better content organization. If you value a cleaner design, more control over your communication, and deeper integration of AI features, the upgrade is well worth it.
To upgrade iOS 18 to iOS 26, you can follow our guide: How to Update iPhone? Complete Guide
