FaceTime in iOS 26: Live Translation, New Interface and Enhanced Safety

08/15/2025 Mobile Apps

FaceTime's Big Makeover in iOS 26: What's New?

So, iOS 26 is here, and if you're like me, you're probably wondering what's new with your favorite apps. Let's dive into the changes hitting FaceTime. One of the coolest additions is the live translation feature, especially if you often chat with people who speak different languages. It's like having a personal interpreter right in your call!

Imagine this: you're video chatting with a colleague in Spain. With Live Translation, you'll see live captions in English as they speak Spanish, and your responses will be translated back to them. It's not perfect, and it only supports a few languages right now (English, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish), but it's a huge step towards making global communication easier. Just remember, both you and your contact need a compatible device running the latest software.

Beyond translation, the entire FaceTime interface got a revamp. Say goodbye to the old list of contacts. Instead, you get a card-style view with full images. It's visually appealing and makes finding the right person quicker.

The "New Call" button has moved to the bottom, and you can now filter your calls. This includes a handy feature that silences unknown callers, sorting them into a separate list. If you're tired of spam calls, this is a welcome change.

And if you're concerned about sensitive content, FaceTime now includes Sensitive Content Warnings and Communication Safety features. These tools can blur nudity and provide warnings, helping you avoid unwanted content. It's all done on your device, so Apple doesn't see your data, and you can turn it off if you don't want it.

Overall, iOS 26 brings some significant improvements to FaceTime. The live translation feature is a game-changer for international communication, and the updated interface makes the app more user-friendly. If you are concerned about privacy and safety, the new content warnings are a plus. I think these changes will make FaceTime an even more useful tool for staying connected.