1. Liquid Glass design brings clarity and depth
In line with the new Liquid Glass design, the Camera app now features translucent, floating controls that blend seamlessly with the live viewfinder. Softly rounded buttons hover above the framing area, and the previously solid toolbar behind the shutter controls is now transparent. This refresh not only looks sophisticated but also provides better visual context for framing shots.
2. Two‑tab layout for Photo and Video
iOS 26 simplifies navigation with a two‑tab layout clearly separating Photo and Video modes. These primary buttons sit just below the shutter control, eliminating clutter. Users can still swipe horizontally to access Portrait, Slo-Mo, Cinematic, Panorama, and other modes—now tucked behind a swipe gesture rather than listed all at once.
3. Pop-out menus streamline settings access
Advanced settings are consolidated into elegant pop-out menus. Tapping the mode button reveals customizable controls—Flash, Timer, Exposure, Styles, Aspect, Night Mode, and Live Photo—in a layered, intuitive interface. In video mode, accessible options include Flash, Exposure, and Action mode. For quick settings, a six-dot icon in the top-right corner provides instant access.
4. Remote shutter via AirPods
A standout enhancement allows AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 to act as a remote shutter. Connect your earbuds, hold their stem while in the Camera app, and take photos or record videos hands-free. Press and hold again to end recording—ideal for group shots, tallies, and creative angles.
5. Cleaning warning—no more blurry shots
iOS 26 adds a clever lens-cleaning notification. The system now identifies when your camera lens is dirty and prompts you to clean it—clarifying why image quality may appear hazy.
6. Professional camera controls—finally in-app
One of the most requested features has arrived: users can now adjust photo and video formats directly within the Camera app. Easily switch between JPEG and RAW, toggle between 24MP and 48MP capture, and even change video resolution, format, and frame rate—all without leaving the Camera interface.
7. Developer support for cinematic tools
iOS 26 opens doors for third-party apps by adding Cinematic mode APIs and an Audio Mix API. App developers can now offer movie-like focus transitions and control audio mixes—isolating voices or ambient sounds—from within their own camera apps.
Why this matters
- For casual photographers, the Liquid Glass design and simplified layout make capturing moments easier and more fun.
- For power users, in-app access to format, resolution, and frame rate settings removes friction and boosts creative control.
- For accessibility and convenience, features like AirPods shutter and lens cleanliness warnings enhance usability across scenarios.
- For developers, Apple’s support via new APIs ignites innovation across photo and video apps.
Final analysis
With iOS 26, Apple overhauls the Camera app user experience—blending visual elegance with practical functionality. The two‑tab layout, intuitive pop-out menus, and in-app control options together address long-standing workflow frustrations. Add in the intelligent AirPods shutter, lens-cleaning alerts, and developer tools—and the Camera app feels modern, capable, and refreshingly complete.
Expect this redesign to roll out publicly this fall with iOS 26. If you’ve been waiting for a cleaner, smarter iPhone photography experience, this update just might be the one.
Photo Credit: Mac Rumors
