Apple’s forthcoming iOS 26 update is set to introduce a range of enhancements, going beyond mere aesthetic upgrades with its elegant Liquid Glass design. This update is particularly significant as it incorporates features that Android users have enjoyed for several years.
### Call Screening
One of the highly anticipated features in iOS 26 is Call Screening. This functionality aims to alleviate the annoyance of unsolicited calls, particularly from unknown numbers. Instead of answering with uncertainty, users will experience a live transcription of the caller’s speech. This allows users to determine whether to engage or redirect the call to voicemail.
Android devices have utilized a similar Call Screen feature since 2018, powered by Google Assistant. Additionally, Samsung Galaxy phones offer Bixby Text Call, converting phone conversations into text chats. Alongside Call Screening, iOS 26 will introduce Hold Assist, useful for those dreaded moments of being put on hold. This feature will mute the line until an actual person engages in the conversation. Google’s Pixel devices provide a comparable service through “Hold for Me,” which actively waits on hold and notifies users when a representative joins the call.
### Spam Message Detection
Another enhancement aimed at reducing unwanted interruptions is the automatic filtering of spam messages from unknown senders. In iOS 26, text messages from individuals not saved in the contact list will be segregated into a separate folder, ensuring that they do not clutter the main inbox. Notably, these messages will not trigger notifications or ring the phone, allowing users to manage their texts with greater ease. Once accessed, users can either mark the sender as known or delete the message entirely.
While this new feature may seem basic from an Android perspective, it is a welcome addition for iPhone users. Google Messages has featured similar spam filtering capabilities for several years, allowing for a more streamlined messaging experience.
### Estimated Charging Time
A straightforward yet valuable update coming with iOS 26 is the inclusion of estimated charging times. Historically absent from iPhones, this feature provides users with an approximate time frame required for their device to charge fully once connected to a power source. Users will be informed of the expected charging duration based on the charger’s power output. When using a slower charger, the system will also notify users, enhancing the overall charging experience.
### Live Translation
The iOS 26 update will also debut a real-time translation feature for text messages and voice calls on FaceTime. This functionality allows for seamless interactions between speakers of different languages, providing immediate translations during conversations. Notably, all processing occurs on the device, ensuring the privacy and security of user communications. If users employ AirPods, the translations can be read aloud directly, further enhancing the usability of this feature.
In comparison, Google’s Pixel 6 introduced a similar Live Translate feature that caters to various communication formats, such as text messages, video calls, and audio clips. Unlike the Apple version, Live Translate on Pixel devices can also function offline, making it a versatile option in areas without internet access.
### Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence is another feature receiving a significant upgrade in iOS 26. Users can now take a screenshot of any item they encounter while browsing, such as clothing or home goods, and highlight it with a doodle or a circle. The iPhone will then identify the object and assist users in finding it online.
Similar functionality has been available on Android devices through Google’s “Circle to Search,” which allows users to search for items without the necessity of taking a screenshot. This capability emphasizes Apple’s aim to enhance the user experience through greater interactivity and intuitive features.
### Visited Places in Apple Maps
Finally, the updated Apple Maps in iOS 26 will feature a function called Visited Places. This tool will automatically keep track of locations users have visited, including restaurants, shops, and parks, making it easier to reflect on previous trips. User privacy is paramount, as this data is safeguarded with end-to-end encryption, preventing access by anyone, including Apple itself.
Additionally, the Visited Places feature will enable the iPhone to learn users’ typical travel patterns. If there are any disruptions or delays along familiar routes, users will receive timely alerts. Google Maps has offered a similar feature named Timeline for years, providing users with insight into their travel history.
### Conclusion
The forthcoming iOS 26 update showcases Apple’s commitment to integrating features that enhance user experience, often inspired by existing Android functionalities. As this update rolls out, it will be intriguing to see how users respond to these enhancements and if Apple’s implementations will prove to be more refined than those of their competitors.
