iOS 26: What’s New and What eSIM Users Need to Know

Apple’s iOS 26 is a major update, with changes that affect the design, intelligence features and how iPhones handle connectivity. For Sim Local eSIM users and frequent travellers, there are also some new important improvements in how eSIMs are managed, switched and even transferred. This post will take you through the key new features, what you need to know before upgrading, and the most important updates for eSIM users.

iOS 26 introduces a new design called Liquid Glass. This brings more translucency, layered effects and subtle animations across menus, the Lock Screen, Control Centre and app toolbars. The result is an interface that feels more dynamic and visually consistent across all Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS.

Apple has expanded its on-device intelligence features. Visual intelligence now allows you to interact directly with content on your screen, such as selecting objects, copying text from images or asking questions about what you see. The Shortcuts app is more powerful too, with deeper integration for automation. Some advanced features will only work on newer iPhone models with stronger hardware.

Live translation is now more widely available across calls, FaceTime and Messages. Phone call improvements such as call screening and hold assist help filter out unwanted calls. Messages adds new options such as polls in group chats, customisable backgrounds, better spam filtering and improvements to the group chat layout.

A new Games app brings easier discovery and sharing of mobile games. The Preview app, familiar to Mac users, is now on iPhone to improve PDF viewing and annotation. Maps gains “Preferred Routes” and better navigation suggestions. There are also quality-of-life improvements including custom snooze times for alarms and automatic pausing of AirPods when the user falls asleep.

Note: iOS 26 supports a wide range of iPhones, although some features are limited to newer models. The most demanding features, such as advanced intelligence functions and live translation, require more powerful hardware.

• Back up your iPhone first. Always ensure your data is saved before updating.
• Check device support. Some features are not available on older iPhones.
• Be ready for new permissions. Features such as visual intelligence or live translation may need access to the camera, microphone or photos.
• Carrier support is key. New eSIM transfer features and automatic switching depend on carriers supporting them.
• Some features may roll out gradually. Not all new functions will be available in every country or on every carrier at launch.
  
  

For eSIM users and frequent travellers, iOS 26 brings some of the most exciting updates.

iOS 26 can now automatically switch between your home and travel eSIM profiles based on your location. This helps make sure you use the correct plan abroad. When you return home, your travel eSIM can be disabled automatically while keeping iMessage and FaceTime linked to your main number.

You can now transfer an eSIM directly between iPhone and Android without contacting your carrier or scanning a QR code. This makes changing phones across platforms simpler and faster, which is especially helpful for travellers or those moving between devices.

iOS 26 offers better control over dual or multiple eSIM profiles. It is easier to select which line to use and to maintain Apple services such as FaceTime and iMessage on your primary number even if your active data line changes.

• Check that your carrier supports automatic switching and cross-platform transfer.
• Test eSIM transfer at home before relying on it during travel.
• Review your settings after updating to ensure the correct eSIM is active.
• Keep an eye on which plan is being used abroad to avoid unexpected roaming charges.
• If possible, keep a backup of your eSIM details in case of any issues.
• Remember that some features may only work on newer iPhone models.
  
  

iOS 26 is one of Apple’s most significant updates in recent years. The new Liquid Glass design gives the system a fresh look, while intelligence features and smarter communication tools improve everyday use. For travellers and eSIM users, the ability to automatically switch between lines and transfer eSIMs across iPhone and Android is a major step forward.

The usefulness of these changes will depend on carrier support and device compatibility. As carriers and eSIM providers adopt these new tools, users will see smoother experiences when travelling and switching devices.