The upcoming iOS 26 brings a host of significant modifications to the iPhone interface, alongside numerous enhancements to built-in apps such as Notes, Maps, and Photos. One notable update is found in Apple’s Reminders app, which is gaining several new features. Here’s a rundown of what to expect in Reminders with iOS 26.
Introduction of Liquid Glass Design
The newly introduced ‘Liquid Glass’ design will influence all default applications in iOS 26, with some apps experiencing more drastic changes than others.
While the task list in Reminders appears to have minimal alterations, other sections of the app feel significantly updated.
For instance, the Smart Lists at the top of your task view have undergone a revamping, providing a fresh look paired with new icons in the upper-right corner.
Likewise, the screens for creating and editing tasks have a rejuvenated design. Data types are now arranged in a more user-friendly manner, with new spacing and headings that enhance usability.
Rapid Task Creation from Control Center and More
With the launch of iOS 26, Reminders introduces a new feature for swifter task creation.
You can now add the ‘New Reminder’ control to:
- Control Center
- Action Button
- Your Lock Screen
No matter where you position it, Reminders’ control provides a convenient popup that allows quick access to essential data parameters for creating reminders. You can modify the list, or add notes, due dates, locations, or flags.
Automatically Categorizing Lists
Sections have always been a useful feature for organizing extensive Reminders lists, but previously, users had to sort their reminders into these sections manually—essentially adding another layer of to-do items before being able to act on their actual tasks.
With iOS 26, Reminders introduces an innovative auto-categorizing feature that allows your lists to sort automatically.
Leveraging Apple Intelligence, and only with your explicit permission, Reminders can generate smart sections within your lists, automatically sorting your tasks accordingly. This upgrade offers a seamless overview of your workload without any additional effort required from you.
Suggested Reminders Powered by Apple Intelligence
This year’s upgrade also includes ‘Suggested Reminders’ powered by Apple Intelligence.
Utilizing AI language tools to comprehend the content provided, whenever you share emails, websites, or other materials within the Reminders app, you will receive task suggestions based on the shared information.
Call Back Reminders
iOS 26 brings welcomed updates to the Phone app, one of which is integration with Reminders.
From your recent calls list, you can now swipe left to access a new reminder button. Selecting this option allows you to set a ‘Call Back Reminder’ for one hour later, later that day, the next day, or at a custom time.
This new reminder will be created in the Reminders app with a direct link, and it will also be displayed prominently within the Phone app.
Time Zone Override
For those who frequently travel across time zones, unexpected alert times for reminders can be a nuisance.
Apple has provided a ‘Time Zone Override’ feature for the Calendar app, which will now also be available for Reminders in iOS 26.
Within the Settings app, you can select a default time zone for your reminders to follow, regardless of your physical location.
