Apple’s latest iOS update is available now, and it has more than a few changes and surprises in store. A new design makes everything look different, Apple Intelligence is even more widely integrated into your day-to-day experience, and there are over 200 changes and fresh features. There’s also good news for second-hand shoppers everywhere: you can still find iOS 19-supported phones when you buy a refurbished iPhone.
One of the first things you should know about the iOS 19 update is that it’s more commonly known as the iOS 26 update. The follow-up from 2024’s iOS 18 update saw Apple change its approach, adopting a year-based naming system for consistency across all platforms.
Every iOS update brings changes, and this time, Apple seems eager to focus on features that maximise convenience and improve your quality of life. While some new developments are major, like Apple’s design shift, others are subtle but powerful.
Here’s the OzMobiles guide to all you need to know about the iPhone’s new iOS software update, including its key features and whether a refurbished iPhone will still support it.
New Features of the iOS 26 Update
Here are some of the main changes that those with iOS 26-supported phones can expect:
New ‘Liquid Glass’ design
iOS 26 introduces Apple’s new ‘Liquid Glass’ design, which makes for a more fluid and consistent experience across a range of different apps and devices. Apple has said that Liquid Glass will form the basis of its design ethos going forward, and its dynamic approach mirrors the way glass works in the real world. The Liquid Glass design both reflects and retracts its surroundings, rendering in real-time and reacting to buttons, switches and sliders the same way that light does. Liquid Glass goes beyond the home screen to impact how iPhone users interact with apps and notifications. It brings fresh benefits to the design of toolbars, navigation and controls.
Liquid Glass means a dynamic lock screen, more visually appealing app icons and simplified navigation and controls.
New Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence is the brand’s own suite of AI features, and the iOS 26 update integrates it into even more features. For the first time ever, Visual Intelligence works with screenshots. Take a screenshot of something, and you can use ChatGPT to identify it and find more information. Genmoji and Image Playground let you get extra creative when generating images.
Apple Intelligence aids in communication and organisation. Live Translation automatically translates calls and text messages in another language so both parties can quickly understand, and the Shortcuts app can quickly summarise text or create images.
Better communication
iOS 19 is designed to reduce interruptions and protect your peace of mind. Call screening lets you decide if you want to pick up your phone once the caller shares their name and reason for calling. New screening tools let you detect spam and scammers and curate who can contact you through social media. You can also filter out spam text messages and spam phone and FaceTime calls. A voicemail summarising feature allows you to get the gist of what the caller had to say without having to listen to a whole message.
When you’re on hold to customer service, Hold Assist preserves your spot in the queue until a live agent is free to speak to you. The Polls in Messages feature makes activities easier than ever to organise in the group chat.
New Maps features
The Maps feature learns the routes you regularly travel and can alert you to delays before you leave the house. The Visited Places feature keeps tabs on locations you’ve been so you can quickly find and share highlights from your latest trip.
New Apple Music features
There are several new additions to Apple Music tools, including AutoMix, a pocket DJ that uses beat mixing and time stretching to transition between songs seamlessly. Other features include Lyrics Translation, which lets you instantly translate your favourite K-pop tracks, and Lyrics Pronunciation, which gets you ready to steal the show at Karaoke. You can also pin your favourite playlists to the top of the Music app and organise them into categories.
Vanishing navigation bars
When you’re scrolling Safari, Podcasts, Apple Music, etc., the tab bar will shrink down so you can see more of the content you wish to look at.
Time to Charge
If you tap the display while your phone is plugged into a charger, you can see how long it is until your iPhone is fully charged.
What Phones Won’t Be Receiving The Latest iPhone Update?
The latest iOS update is not available on the iPhone XR, the iPhone XS or the iPhone XS Max, but it will run on other iPhones that support iOS 18. The oldest phone to support iOS 19 is the iPhone 11, released in 2019. The new iOS update will work on its whole line-up, including the standard iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
See a full list of iPhones that support iOS 26. If you know your iPhone is eligible, here is how to update your iOS now.
Software Updates and Refurbished Phones
When you’re buying second-hand, refurbished smartphones are an excellent way to save hundreds of dollars while ensuring you still buy a quality phone with a warranty. Unlike regular used phones, refurbished smartphones have been put through a detailed testing process to make sure all their components work as intended. The smartphone has gone through processes like a factory reset, software and hardware testing and physical restoration before being re-released on the resale market.
Refurbished iPhones receive software updates for as long as new ones do. It’s the age of the phone, rather than its status as a refurb, that determines the length of its protection period. Older refurbs that are at the tail end of being able to receive discounts are typically available at much more affordable rates. But if lasting protection, improved performance and new features are priorities for you, all you have to do is find a retailer that sells iOS 19-supported phones refurbished.
Buy the Latest Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles
Whether you’re looking for iOS 19-supported iPhones or popular models from Samsung and other Android brands, OzMobiles has the right deal for you.
OzMobiles has the latest refurbished iPhones sourced in Australia. Save hundreds of dollars on hot deals from models like the iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Plus. Whether you want an even better deal on an entry-level iPhone or a flagship for a fraction of the price, there’s plenty from our stock to pick from.
The iPhone 11 isn’t available new anymore, but OzMobiles has plenty of models you can buy for more affordable prices. Pick up a second-hand iPhone 11, the oldest phone to support iOS 19, and save up to 40% off the RRP while still enjoying the benefits of the latest iPhone iOS software update.
From our iPhones to our smartwatches to our tablets, every OzMobiles device is put through a detailed 72-point testing process to make sure it meets high standards of quality. Each OzMobiles device comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee, and we have payment instalment options so you can own your iPhone of choice sooner.
Need to ask us some questions first? Contact the OzMobiles team online.
