How to Give Your Older Phone New Software Powers
Every autumn, the tech world buzzes with dazzling new gadgets. But what if a brand-new smartphone isn’t in your immediate future?
Good news! Your current device is likely eligible for a fantastic internal makeover. Apple’s latest iOS 26 software update, for instance, supports iPhones as old as the iPhone 11. While the most advanced A.I. features might be exclusive to the very newest models, a wealth of other exciting new capabilities are available for older devices.
Similarly, Android 16, which launched this summer, is compatible with devices like the Google Pixel 6 and numerous other smartphones from various manufacturers released over the last few years.
If you haven’t yet upgraded your phone’s operating system or are still getting acquainted with the new software, here’s a handy overview of what to expect and how to use it.
Initial Impressions: A Fresh Look
The most striking change in iOS 26 is its visual overhaul. The new “Liquid Glass” interface introduces a captivating translucent effect to your icons, notifications, and other screen elements. But if these see-through backgrounds make reading alerts or finding controls a challenge, you can easily adjust them for better clarity.
Simply navigate to Settings, then Accessibility, and finally Display & Text Size. There, you can tap ‘Reduce Transparency’ for solid notification backgrounds, or choose ‘Increase Contrast’ to make text in translucent areas more readable.
On the other hand, if you’re enchanted by the transparency and want to maximize it, long-press an empty spot on your Home screen until the icons start to jiggle. Tap the ‘Edit’ button in the top-left corner, then select ‘Customize’ from the menu. From there, you can choose the ‘Clear’ icon or any other style that suits your preference.
Android 16 also boasts a vibrant new aesthetic, dubbed ‘Material 3 Expressive.’ This look is already rolling out to many Google Pixel phones and offers extensive customization. Head to the ‘Wallpaper & Style’ section in your settings to personalize your screen’s appearance. Within the ‘Display & Touch’ settings, you can further enhance readability by making text larger, bolder, or by adding a high-contrast white background.
Diving Deeper into iOS 26 Features
iOS 26 is packed with hundreds of refinements, enhancements, and handy new tools. It also introduces two new apps: ‘Games’ to centralize your video game collection, and ‘Preview’ for easy handling of PDF files and images. While some of the more advanced features, such as Live Translation and enhanced Visual Intelligence for image-based searches, are exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, many other improvements benefit a wider range of devices.
While some tech review sites have thoroughly covered these new features, it’s worth noting that the more fundamental improvements are generally available across most compatible iPhones.
For instance, the update brings enhanced parental controls for managing kids’ Apple accounts, more intuitive navigation within the Photos app, expanded flight details in Apple Wallet’s boarding passes, critical weather alerts for travelers, and simplified controls in the Camera app.
The Maps app now includes an experimental ‘Visited Places’ section within its Places menu. Once activated, this feature automatically logs your whereabouts, allowing you to easily revisit your travel history. Apple emphasizes that this data remains private and encrypted.
Content creators using iPhones will also appreciate new recording functionalities. When using an audio or video app like FaceTime, simply swipe down to access the Control Center, tap the top bar, and then choose your preferred audio input source (such as an external microphone) or apply a specific filter setting.
The best approach to discover all the new iOS 26 delights is to simply dive in and start exploring. As with any major update, your phone might feel a bit slower or consume more battery right after installation. Apple acknowledges this effect can vary by device and is often temporary. For a visual walkthrough, an illustrated guide to iOS 26 is also available.
Delving into Android 16’s Latest Enhancements
Google initiated the rollout of Android 16 to its Pixel phones in June, and Samsung has since confirmed that its tailored version of Android 16 will soon reach Galaxy devices. Other smartphone manufacturers will follow suit with their own customized releases on their respective timelines.
The new software brings a refined notification experience, featuring live-order tracking from supported apps (such as Uber Eats) and intelligent grouping of alerts to keep your screen tidy. The Recents screen now offers a convenient drop-down menu for apps. If you’re using Android’s Gesture navigation, simply place your finger on the horizontal bar at the bottom and swipe up slowly to access it.
Security receives a significant boost with new features like the Advanced Protection Program, which is designed to safeguard against malicious apps and activities. Android’s Identity Check feature, which was introduced earlier this year to demand additional face or fingerprint authentication for sensitive account modifications, is now more broadly accessible. You can find both of these robust security options within Settings, under Google Services. Tap ‘All Services,’ scroll to ‘Personal & Device Safety,’ then select ‘Advanced Protection’ or ‘Theft Protection’ to configure the Identity Check settings.
True to tradition, Android 16 also hides a fun Easter egg. To uncover it, navigate to Settings, then About Phone, and finally Android Version. On the subsequent screen, repeatedly tap ‘Android Version 16’ until a new display appears. Press and hold the Android 16 logo to launch a captivating space-exploration game!