iOS 26 introduces a brand new Liquid Glass design, however the replace additionally contains another new options that haven’t obtained as a lot consideration.
Beneath, we recap three smaller iOS 26 options that you just may need missed.
iOS 26 must be launched in September, however anybody can signal as much as take a look at the general public beta totally free. Ensure to again up your iPhone first.
Adaptive Energy Mode
iOS 26 introduces an Adaptive Energy Mode on the iPhone, alongside the present Low Energy Mode.
Apple says that Adaptive Energy Mode could make “small efficiency changes” when needed to increase an iPhone’s battery life, together with barely decreasing the show brightness or permitting some actions to “take a little bit longer.”
The complete description of Adaptive Energy Mode, from the iOS 26 beta:
When your battery utilization is increased than common, iPhone could make small efficiency changes to increase your battery life, together with barely decreasing the show brightness or permitting some actions to take a little bit longer. Low Energy Mode could activate at 20%.
Adaptive Energy Mode is just obtainable on the iPhone 15 Professional fashions and newer.
Adaptive Energy Mode is turned off by default. The choice may be turned on repeatedly within the Settings app below Battery → Energy Mode.
Digital Passport
iOS 26 helps you to create a digital model of your U.S. passport in your iPhone.
After making a Digital ID within the Apple Pockets app, primarily based in your U.S. passport, you’ll be able to current it in particular person at choose TSA checkpoints for id verification functions throughout home journey. Nevertheless, Apple says it isn’t a alternative for a bodily passport, and it can’t be used for worldwide journey and border crossing functions.
Apple says the Digital ID function is safe, non-public, and compliant with REAL ID.
The passport-based Digital ID will also be used for age and id verification in apps, on-line, and in shops, in line with Apple.
AirPlay for CarPlay
iOS 26 will let iPhone customers wirelessly stream movies to the CarPlay display screen utilizing AirPlay, in line with Apple. For security causes, video playback will solely be obtainable when the car is parked, to forestall distracted driving. The linked iPhone will have the ability to detect when the car is in movement and finish playback.
Apple says that automakers want so as to add help for CarPlay with AirPlay video, so it is going to probably take a while to roll out. It’s unclear if a brand new car is required.
From the CarPlay web page on Apple’s developer web site:
Video within the automotive
AirPlay video within the automotive permits individuals to observe their favourite movies from iPhone proper on their CarPlay show after they aren’t driving. Combine help for CarPlay with AirPlay video to allow this function in your automotive.
There have been already some unapproved methods to observe movies by way of CarPlay, with numerous jailbreak tweaks and TestFlight beta apps promising to unlock such performance. Now, it’s one thing that Apple will formally enable.