Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26 for iPhones, which includes cutting-edge models like the iPhone 17 Series and the innovative iPhone Air. This latest software update introduces a multitude of features that enhance various functionalities, from the Photos app to the Safari browser, and even enables users to capture HDR screenshots.
This piece is part of our comprehensive series dissecting the new features and modifications found in iOS 26. We’ve previously covered enhancements to the Phone app, essential steps to take before updating, and notable immediate changes users will experience post-installation.
In this installment, we’ll delve into the upgraded Camera app, which is packed with exciting new features. Below are some of the standout enhancements included in iOS 26:
1. Revitalized User Interface with Liquid Glass Design
The Camera app has undergone a significant design upgrade, adopting Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic. This update presents a refined mode wheel that simplifies access to Photo and Video modes, allowing users to effortlessly swipe to additional settings like Portrait and Panorama.
2. Enhanced Camera Icon
Before you even launch the Camera app, you’ll be greeted by a refreshed icon that embodies the quintessential Liquid Glass theme—another nod to Apple’s commitment to cohesive design in iOS 26.
3. Lens Cleanliness Indicator
Now equipped with a feature that alerts users to a potentially dirty lens, the Camera app aims to improve photo and video quality significantly. This innovation, already a staple on Pixel devices, prompts users to clean their lenses for the best results. You can manage this feature via Settings > Camera by toggling the “Lens Cleaning Hints”option.
4. Streamlined Camera Controls
A swiping motion from the bottom of the screen unveils new camera control options, now featuring a polished appearance that seamlessly integrates with a translucent interface. Additional controls, like Night Mode and flashlight options, are easily accessible via a compact icon located in the upper right corner.
5. Capture Shots via AirPods
The integration of AirPods as a camera remote is a game-changer. If you own the latest AirPods models equipped with the H2 chip—namely, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4—you can simply press and hold the stem to snap pictures or record videos.
6. Superior Audio Quality with AirPods
Additionally, iOS 26 enhances audio quality for video recordings when using AirPods. This improvement is particularly advantageous for content creators, providing studio-like sound quality even in noisy environments. This feature utilizes the H2 chip, beamforming microphones, and advanced computational audio processing to enrich vocal clarity and natural sound texture.
7. Enhanced Panorama Photography
The Panorama mode has been refined to offer quicker performance and reduced motion blur, allowing for clearer expansive shots when sweeping across scenes with your iPhone.
Bonus Features: ProRes RAW, Genlock, and Apple Log 2
For those investing in the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, advanced camera capabilities await. These flagship devices are the first in the smartphone arena to support Apple’s ProRes RAW codec, Genlock, and Log 2. ProRes RAW allows for direct access to uncompressed RAW data from the camera sensor, paving the way for extensive image processing control.
With Genlock, users can synchronize multiple camera feeds, streamlining the post-production process. These enhancements are available through the updated Final Cut Camera 2.0 app and compatible third-party applications like Blackmagic Camera and DaVinci Resolve.
The Camera app in iOS 26 boasts numerous exciting features that aim to elevate your photography and videography experience. As the software continues to evolve through 2026, readers should also note that initial users have reported quicker battery drainage—an expected behavior during the rollout period. Apple has acknowledged this concern and suggested experimenting with the new Adaptive Power mode to potentially optimize battery performance.
If you feel there’s a noteworthy addition to the Camera app we’ve overlooked, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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