iOS 26: Visual Refresh and Key Features

Apple’s September iPhone event usually comes and goes with only minor tweaks to the lineup. This year feels a little different. Alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, Apple unveiled its first-ever iPhone Air—a super-thin model that promises Pro-level features without the massive price tag.

In this bonus episode, Christine talks with senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar, who’s been testing the new phones all week. They dig into what’s exciting, what’s lacking, and why upgrading may not be the best move for everyone. Plus, we cover the iOS 26 update, which brings fresh design touches, handy new tools, and real improvements to everyday use.

This episode covers:

• Why the iPhone Air feels different from past models: It’s Apple’s thinnest phone yet, but that slim design means trade-offs in durability and battery life.
• What the camera upgrades really offer: The Pro models now have a zoom that lets you look 5 times closer without the blur, but most people won’t notice big differences in everyday shots.
• What to expect from battery life: Brenda tested the lineup for a week and found the Air drains faster than Apple’s flagship phones.
  Why the Pro Max isn’t the best buy for most people: It’s powerful, but bulkier and more expensive than what most users actually need.
• How iOS 26 changes the feel of your phone: The new “liquid glass” design, upgraded Messages, and live translations make old phones feel refreshed.
• Why updating your software is worth it: Security patches and performance improvements mean you don’t need to buy new hardware to get a faster phone.

Additional reading: 

• iOS 26 Is Here. These Are the Best New Features 
• Which iPhone Should I Get?
• Stop Charging Your Phone to 100% — And More Tips to Make Your Phone Last Longer
• Apple’s iPhone 17 Event Recap: New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast