Upgraded to iOS 26? Here's why you shouldn't miss out on enhancing your iPhone right now
In a groundbreaking move, Apple has released iOS 26, a significant update that has made the iPhone 13 Pro Max a more useful device than ever before. The update, which was officially unveiled on September 15, offers a far more thoughtful and helpful user experience.
The new software introduces the "Liquid Glass" design, a feature that adds translucency to menus, giving the iPhone 13 Pro Max a fresh, new feel. This design is particularly noticeable in the overhauled Phone, Dialer, and Contacts apps, which now provide a unified view of call logs, missed calls, and visual voicemail messages.
One of the most notable changes in iOS 26 is the integration with third-party applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Teams, and Messenger, making it easier to access calls within these apps on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. The update also offers two dialer experiences, both utilising AI for call screening and staying on hold.
Tapping to call in iOS 26 now prompts users to choose which SIM to use, and pressing and holding a phone number provides shortcuts to call from any of the active SIMs on your iPhone 13 Pro Max. These changes aim to make phone calls easier and more efficient.
The update has resolved issues that had plagued the iPhone 16 Pro, and it is compatible with a wide range of Apple devices, including the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Pro, regular, mini, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Pro, regular, mini, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Pro, regular, iPhone SE, 2nd generation and later, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Pro, Plus, regular, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Pro, Plus, regular, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Pro, regular, mini, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Pro, regular, mini, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Pro, regular, and the iPad.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max now offers a stunning experience with the combination of the Liquid Glass Interface and the theming engine introduced in iOS 18. The update is most keenly felt on both the iPad and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, particularly for those who want to use Apple's tablet as a computer.
For those who prefer the familiar iOS dialer, the option to disable some features is available. The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air are expected to deliver an even better Liquid Glass experience.
Every Apple OS26 update is worth updating to when they're pushed to iPhones, iPads, Macs, Watches, and Apple TVs. The current iOS 26 public beta has resolved any initial impact on battery life.
In conclusion, iOS 26 marks a shift from being restrictive to being helpful, offering features previously unavailable on iOS and transforming the iPhone 13 Pro Max experience. The update is expected to become available around 10am PT / 1pm ET.
