This new version for iPhones has had some criticism on the “liquid glass” look, but it I strongly recommend to download as it overcomes some serious phishing and other security issues. Liquid Glass can be adjusted for your own preference. Users clinging to IOS 18 are left more exposed to exploitation.
Message and Phones have new features. The phone has new ringtones, Live Translation and a feature to let you screen calls before answering with you phone asking for the reason for the call. Go to Settings>Apps>Phone and then scroll down to Screen Unknown Callers section. You’ll see three options:
(Here’s an article on Live Translation as it takes a number of steps to set up. See https://support.apple.com/en-us/123185)
Never:
- Calls from unsaved numbers will ring, and missed calls will be displayed on the Recents list.
- Ask Reason for Calling: Calls from unsaved numbers will be asked for more information before iPhone rings such as their name and reason for the call.
- Silence: Calls from unsaved numbers will be silenced, sent to voicemail, and displayed on the Recents list.
Airdrop feature –
Apple has added AirDrop codes to iOS 26.2 for request from people who are not contacts. AirDrop codes are verification codes provided by the recipient during a transfer request. The sender must type this code on their end; or the transfer won’t go through. You’ll only need AirDrop codes for devices that aren’t in your contacts, though. AirDrop works as usual for your contacts.
Here’s how you can generate and use AirDrop codes while making a transfer with an unknown sender:
- Set your AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes.
- On the sender’s device, select the file or photo to be shared.
- Tap the Share icon and select AirDrop.
- Under People, tap the recipient’s iPhone.
- Back on your device, wait for an AirDrop Code prompt to appear.
- Click Get AirDrop Code and ask the sender to type the generated code.
Almost immediately after, the transfer will start, and you should see the progress on your screen. Select View to see the file once the transfer completes.
It seems like users either love or hate liquid glass. It can be customized so try this: Settings>Display &Brightness. Select Liquid Glass and choose Clear or Tinted. See if you prefer one or the other. Use it in one setting for a day while you use different apps to see what suits you.
If you are a user of Reminders you can use a new function to get an important notification when you set it as urgent so you don’t miss it.
Settings>Apps>Reminders>Alarms (toggle it on). Further down on that section you can choose to complete the alarm when opened. Now open Reminders and create a new Reminder and fill in the fields that apply to the task and then turn on the Urgent toggle. Press the blue check at the top to save. Now, at the scheduled time the alarm with set off your iPhone. You can then choose Snooze or Stop. Then a reminder will pop up on your lock screenMark it as done or reschedule.
Another way to be advised of incoming calls or messages.
Screen Flash – Settings>Accessibility>Hearing>Audio & Visual. Then scroll down to the bottom and tap Flash for Alerts. Toggle on. Further refine by trying the different options/combinations that work for you.
AirTags 2 have new features with 50% more range and an increase in speaker volume to make it easier to hear from a distance. Set is essentially the same as the older AirTag.
As always, be aware that some bad actors are trying to steal information from you to do financial harm. Recently people have reported that messages or emails are received claiming that a large Apple Pay transaction was tagged as fraudulent. The message may have what appears to be Apple logos and case numbers and have a sense of urgency. The goal is to distract you with bogus remarks to steal your credentials. Here are some warnings:
If it’s an email will not be from an official Apple Domain. Click on the sender’s email address in the Header to see what it reveals. Sometimes you may spot a typo, fuzzy images or that the message relates to some service or product you are not familiar with or use. DO NOT CLICK on any links in the message. Instead, verify the claim by going to the company’s official website relating to the produce or service to check for yourself. Go to your bank’s website and see if there is such a charge that is pending. You can also forward the message to reportphishing@apple.com
More help at https://support.apple.com/en-us/111756