New iOS 26 Features That Can Make Or Break Your App Strategy
The first day of WWDC 2025 gave a clear message, if you create apps or do marketing in the Apple ecosystem, it is now important to understand and follow the new features and rules of iOS 26.
Everything new in iOS 26 #WWDC25 pic.twitter.com/fRmY0FrgKO
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 9, 2025
Apple didn’t just make design changes, it gave tools that make user experience more smart and controlled, like SMS filtering or Live Activities on CarPlay. These 5 big changes will directly affect how you design apps, send messages, and keep users active.
1. SMS from unknown numbers will now go silent
Main Update – In iOS 26 SMS from unknown senders will be moved to a separate folder automatically and won’t send any notification. Only important and urgent messages will skip this filter.
What it means for your brand
If you depend on cold SMS or send messages without having clear value. Users not gonna see that, as per Apple: “Only useful and real-time content will work.”
What to do now
- Use known sender IDs and clear language so SMS looks useful and trusted.
- Ask users during onboarding to “Save [Brand] as contact to not miss messages.”
- Keep SMS as backup and also use email, push, or in-app messages together.
- If SMS delivery or click rates drop, check OS versions, maybe Apple filtered them.
- Use RCS. Now it also works on iOS. It supports media-rich, branded messages that look modern and better.
2. Live Activities are now on more than just iPhones
Main Update – Now, the Live Activities feature will also work on macOS and CarPlay. Real-time updates like delivery information or live scores can be seen on car dashboards or computer screens.
Why it matters for brands
The use of real-time information is growing. Your alerts are now not just on phones, they can appear on any Apple device.
Next steps for developers
- Keep CarPlay designs simple, big visuals, easy text, no user actions needed.
- Try new ideas on macOS like timers, user goals, or challenges.
- Make sure your backend is strong so live updates can work without delay.
3. Liquid Glass UI: Apple gave the design an emotional touch
Main Update: Apple showed a new design called “Liquid Glass”, it uses see-through layers, smooth motion, and soft-looking elements on all devices.
What this means for your app
Expressive. Delightful. But still instantly familiar.
Introducing our new software design with Liquid Glass. pic.twitter.com/8hA0q2aCTf
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 9, 2025
If your app looks old or very different from the Apple system, users may stop using it.
What needs updating
- Make sure your app’s design matches iOS, use blur, soft layers, and smooth effects.
- Add small animations or movements to welcome screens or menus.
- Redesign in-app messages, popups, or tutorials to match the new design style.
- Check how everything looks in light and dark mode, so there is no contrast problem.
4. Apple’s New “Games” App: A New Way to Play and Discover
Apple introduces the Game app #WWDC25 pic.twitter.com/CVGvvuHfzK
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 9, 2025
Main Update: Apple launched a new app called “Games” where all iPhone, iPad, and Mac games are found and played in one place.
Why it’s useful for game developers
- Connect your games to the app to get seen more.
- Use leaderboards or rival-matching features where they make sense. Don’t add useless game tricks.
- Send alerts like “Friend beat your score” or “You unlocked a challenge.”
- Plan how to bring users back with rewards or updates shown in the Games app.
5. iMessage Now Feels Like a Social App
Apple introduces live translation in Messages, FaceTime and Calls #WWDC25 pic.twitter.com/rcOJdHY2Tl
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 9, 2025
You can now create polls in Messages in iOS 26 #WWDC25 pic.twitter.com/vvA7Z41XdD
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) June 9, 2025
Main Update: iOS 26 updated the Messages app, you can now change chat backgrounds, make group polls, and the spam filter is better.
What this means for brands:
Messaging is no longer a one-way tool. Only messages that feel personal and useful will work.
What to do now:
- Add in-app polls, emoji reactions, or quick questions like users do in their chats.
- If your app uses groups or communities, try showing group mood or votes inside the app.
- Send messages based on what users are doing, like streaks, goals, or shared content.
OneSignal’s Role in These Updates
When Apple is focusing on timing, context, and personalization, OneSignal helps you plan smart messaging across SMS, push, in-app, and live activity features. This helps create a smooth and complete experience for users.
Conclusion
iOS 26 has changed the way mobile apps and messages work. With SMS filters, real-time updates on different devices, and design changes, only those brands will grow that can move fast and stay useful. Now, just building an app is not enough, you have to be present in every important moment.
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