Late summer and early fall are usually reserved for the last stretches of hot weather, kids preparing to go back to school, travel plans for the picture perfect fall destinations…It is the time of year when people start thinking about Halloween, and the taste of fresh pumpkin spice lattes can almost be felt in the air.
While it is still too early for the first cold breeze, this time of year has a special feeling. For the fans of new technology and advancements in software, it is arguably the best part of their summer/fall since it is usually the time when Apple releases its newest products.
As they have done many times in the past, this September saw the release of not just the new iPhone 17, but also the brand new iOS 26 that will utilize all that its hardware has to offer.
Apple is among the leading tech corporations in the world, and every new release brings about a craze among the fans of modern tech. A new edition of the iPhone means that there is a new flagship to get, while the new operating system implies fun new ways to interact with the digital world.
Be it business, education, or entertainment, it is the latest in smartphone innovation, so naturally, everyone jumps on board. If this is something you care about, we have a fun discussion for you.
Read on to learn about the entertainment features of the new iOS 26 and what it brings in terms of movies, music, and sports. The experience for the users will be better than ever, so let us see exactly what the devices running will be capable of.
iOS 26 Overview
The latest operating system from Apple continues the company’s focus on intelligent user experiences, privacy, and deep AI integration across its devices.
Announced at WWDC 2025 and released in the middle of September, iOS 26 introduces a suite of new features designed to make iPhones more responsive, personalized, and efficient. By building on the foundation of iOS 18, this version emphasizes on device intelligence, productivity enhancements, and a more customizable interface.
One of the most significant advancements in iOS 26 is the deeper integration of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s proprietary AI system. This system, first introduced in iOS 18 and gradually expanded over subsequent versions, now powers much of the on device processing.
In iOS 26, Apple Intelligence enables more contextual Siri interactions, advanced photo and video editing suggestions, and smart summarization for messages, emails, and notifications. These AI-powered features are designed to remain private by leveraging on device processing or using Private Cloud Compute for more complex tasks.
Speaking of Siri, iOS 26 has given it a major overhaul. It now supports richer conversational capabilities, a much better understanding of context, and improved memory of previous interactions. Users can type to Siri or use natural voice commands to complete multi step tasks.
Additionally, the system can summarize long text threads, emails, or even news articles, providing quick insights without opening individual apps. This is more akin to how AI models like ChatGPT are being used.
Entertainment on iOS 26
Smartphones, for most people, are mostly about entertainment these days. They care deeply about fun experiences they can have on their devices. iOS 26 brings a richer and more immersive entertainment experience to iPhone users, thanks to major improvements and new features focused on movies, music, and sports.
Apple continues to enhance its native apps and services while deepening integration with third party platforms, thereby making sure users have seamless access to their favorite content and more personalized engagement than ever before.
Sports enthusiasts receive a highly personalized and interactive experience in iOS 26, with enhancements in the Apple Sports app and deeper integration of live data into the overall system. It now provides real time scores, highlights, and news tailored to favorite teams and leagues.
Leveraging Apple Intelligence, the system can offer predictive insights like probable outcomes based on team performance and player stats. Apple products are generally used for activities such as betting on sports, which is why this feature can be so beneficial.
Notifications deliver timely updates about game starts, halftime scores, and final results without overwhelming users. For the first time, users can also interact with augmented reality (AR) features during live games by viewing 3D player stats and visualizations through the Apple Vision Pro headset.
When it comes to movies and video content, the software introduces a redesigned Apple TV app that emphasizes discovery and interactivity. The new interface prioritizes curated recommendations powered by Apple Intelligence, which can now suggest movies and shows based on viewing habits, preferences, and even the time of day.
For example, the system might suggest lighter comedies during the day and more immersive dramas or documentaries in the evening. Playback has been optimized for smoother streaming with support for higher frame rates and HDR content on all compatible devices.
Users can enjoy enhanced spatial audio features that create a more cinematic experience through compatible headphones and AirPods Pro. The Apple TV app also integrates with live events and premieres with notifications for new releases or upcoming screenings.
A new feature called “Watch Parties” enables synchronized viewing with friends and family with shared reactions and chat, making it easier to enjoy movies together even when apart.
On the music front, users benefit from expanded capabilities within the Apple Music app. The update includes improved on device music personalization that tailors playlists and radio stations more precisely to individual tastes. Apple Music now supports “Live Lyrics” for a wider range of songs, so listeners can sing along.
The interface for discovering new music has been revamped to highlight emerging artists and genres based on user listening history and social trends. Additionally, integration with the Apple Watch and HomePod devices has been tightened, further allowing seamless control and handoff of music playback across Apple devices.
Users can also enjoy spatial audio with dynamic head tracking on compatible devices in what is now an immersive, concert like experience that adjusts as they move their heads.
User Interface, Customization, and Apps
The new operating system brings several interface changes aimed at improving user interaction. The Control Center is now fully customizable and allows users to drag and drop widgets and controls to suit their preferences.
Widgets on the home screen are more interactive, while the Lock Screen gains new personalization options like animated backgrounds and live activity previews. It all looks and feels immensely better and more fluid. App icons can also be resized or placed freely, giving users more control over layout and accessibility. This was something they had been asking for in the past.
Apple has introduced several productivity enhancements in iOS 26, too. The Notes app now supports voice memos, smart tagging, and even real time collaboration with visual annotations.
Reminders have gained better calendar integration, and Safari includes an AI assistant that can provide article summaries and suggest reading lists. Messages now feature scheduled sending, message pinning, and enhanced search capabilities using natural language processing.
Security and Compatibility
As with every major update, Apple continues its strong emphasis on privacy. iOS 26 on iPhone 17 and other supported devices includes expanded App Privacy Reports that alert users to unusual background activity.
A new feature called “Privacy Zones” allows users to define safe locations like home or work where certain data can be accessed freely, while outside those zones, additional authentication is required. Communication Safety tools have been upgraded to detect and warn users of potentially harmful content in more languages and contexts.
iOS 26 has been optimized for better performance, especially on newer devices like the iPhone 17 lineup. Animations are smoother, app launches are faster, and battery life management has been refined through smarter background activity control.
The update supports devices starting from the iPhone 12 and newer, although some AI powered features are limited to models equipped with the Apple A18 chip or later. There is no way to have this advanced tech on older ones, as it is ancient history in tech years by this point.
iOS 18 VS iOS 26 Comparison
| Category | iOS 18 | iOS 26 |
| Version and Naming | Named iOS 18, part of the 2024 update cycle. | Apple jumped to iOS 26 to align version numbers across platforms (iPadOS, macOS, etc.) with the year. |
| Design and Customization | • Home Screen icon and widget freedom. • Custom icon colors and themes. • Redesigned Control Center with multiple pages and third party controls. • Replace flashlight/camera on Lock Screen with other apps. | • Full UI overhaul with “Liquid Glass” visuals: translucent effects, floating menus. • More expressive Home and Lock Screens. • Pop up interactions and visionOS inspired aesthetics. |
| AI and Intelligence | • Apple Intelligence introduced: rewrite, summarize, tone shift for text. • Smarter Siri with on device processing where possible. | • Advanced AI features like Live Translation in real time for Messages and FaceTime. • Visual Intelligence: interact with content on screen. • Genmoji & Image Playground expanded. • Intelligent context aware suggestions across apps. |
| Messages, Phone, and Communication | • RCS support added for richer messaging with Android devices. • Schedule messages, text formatting, and emoji tapbacks. • Satellite messaging for emergencies. | • Redesigned Phone app layout. • AI powered call screening and “Hold Assist.” • Message polls, custom chat backgrounds. • Smarter suggestions for replies and scheduling. |
| Apps and System Features | • New Passwords app consolidates login credentials. • Redesigned Photos app. • Local Matter control (for smart home) on newer devices. | • New Games app as a central hub. • Improved Apple Maps with “Visited Places” and delay alerts. • Apple Music adds lyric translation and smoother transitions. • CarPlay gains widgets, compact call UI, and messaging upgrades. |
| Battery and Performance | • Improved efficiency, but AI features are limited to newer devices. • iPhones with the A12 chip or later are supported. | • AI optimized battery usage based on user habits. • Likely drops support for A12 devices (iPhone XS/XR). • Focus on smoother performance for newer hardware. |
| Accessibility | • Incremental updates to UI customization and assistive features. | • Enhanced accessibility tools: screen reader upgrades, magnifier enhancements, live captions, better Braille support. |
| Release and Compatibility | • Released in Fall 2024. • Broad device support, limited AI features on older phones. | • Releasing Fall 2025. • Only supports iPhones with A13 Bionic or newer. • Requires newer hardware for full AI functionality. |
New iPhone 17 FAQs
When was the iPhone 17 released?
The iPhone 17 preorders started on September 12, and it became available on September 19.
What are the key upgrades over the iPhone 16?
Expected improvements include a 120 Hz ProMotion display on all models, better scratch resistant coating, upgraded cameras, improved battery life, and faster wireless performance with new networking chips.
What are the camera improvements?
The front camera may be upgraded to 24 MP, while rear cameras on Pro models could feature new 48 MP sensors and improved ultra wide and telephoto lenses. There may also be a new horizontal camera layout.
Will the iPhone 17 support a 120 Hz refresh rate on all models?
Yes, ProMotion (up to 120 Hz) is available on all iPhone 17 models, not just the Pro variants.
What about battery life and charging?
Battery life has been improved across the lineup, with the top model offering close to 39 hours of video playback. Charging is faster, and it supports 40 W charging for quicker top ups.
Is there a new “Air” or ultra thin model replacing “Plus”?
Yes, Apple may replace the “Plus” model with a thinner and lighter “iPhone 17 Air” or “Slim” version, focusing on portability over advanced features.
What are the networking/connectivity upgrades?
The iPhone 17 has support for Wi-Fi 7, improved Bluetooth, and potentially a new Apple designed 5G modem for better wireless performance.
Is the iPhone 17 more durable or better at resisting scratches/smudges?
Yes, it features a more advanced display coating that improves scratch resistance and reduces glare, although early reports suggest some display materials may still attract scuffs.
What might the starting storage and pricing look like?
Base storage starts at 256 GB, with pricing beginning at around $799 for the standard model.
What new software or “smart” features might the iPhone 17 bring?
iOS 26 introduces advanced on device AI features, an improved always on display experience, and faster data transfer via upgraded USB-C ports.