The release of iOS 26 brings with it a host of enhancements across the platform, but some of the most exciting new features are found within the built-in Notes and Reminders apps. Long a staple of the Apple experience, these two apps have been reimagined to better support productivity, organization, and collaboration. Whether you’re a longtime Apple user or just diving into the ecosystem, these updates are sure to catch your attention.
Smarter and More Powerful Notes
Apple has infused the Notes app in iOS 26 with intelligence and flexibility that users have been requesting for years. Here are some of the standout features:
- Smart Summaries: Using on-device machine learning, Notes can now auto-generate concise summaries of long entries. This is perfect for quickly reviewing meeting notes or lengthy brainstorm sessions without rereading the entire text.
- Voice Recording Integration: You can now record voice notes directly within the app and have them automatically transcribed. Even better, the text transcription is searchable.
- Linked Notes: Similar to how websites use hyperlinks, you can now link one note to another. This is a game-changer for organizing research, connecting ideas, or creating your own internal wiki.
- Improved Drawing and Sketch Tools: Apple has enhanced the sketching interface to include more shapes, better precision with Apple Pencil, and the ability to copy sketches as images for use in other apps.
Additionally, Notes now supports a persistent side panel on iPad and larger iPhones, making it easier to switch between folders and recent notes while maintaining context. Search capabilities have also received an upgrade, allowing users to filter by attachments, checklists, or even types of handwritten notes.
Reminders Gets a Productivity Boost
The Reminders app has grown from a simple to-do list into a feature-rich task management tool. In iOS 26, Apple has added numerous capabilities aimed at reducing friction and helping users stay on top of their responsibilities.
- Templates: Save time with reusable templates for lists, such as ‘Grocery List’, ‘Project Checklist’, or ‘Vacation Prep’. Creating a to-do list from a template is now just one tap away.
- Tag Management System: While tags were introduced in earlier versions, iOS 26 now allows custom tag color coding, filtering by multiple tags, and grouping similar tagged items across different lists.
- Natural Language Input Enhancements: Just type “Call Alex tomorrow at 10 AM” and the app will automatically parse and schedule it correctly. These improvements make inputting reminders quicker and more intuitive than ever before.
- Time Blocking and Daily Planner View: Apple has introduced a new planner-style view that organizes reminders by time blocks, letting you visualize when you’re most busy and when you have openings for deep work.
Reminders also now features collapsible sections within lists for added organizational clarity. These collapsible sections are perfect for breaking down bigger projects or grouping tasks by priority or topic.
Collaboration and Syncing: Smarter Together
Another area where both Notes and Reminders see significant enhancements is in collaboration. With deeper integration into iCloud and iMessage:
- Shared notes or reminders now show live activity status, such as “Typing…” or “Editing by John.”
- You can control permissions more granularly—allowing some users to view, while others can edit.
- When someone assigns a task or leaves a note comment, you’ll receive a smart notification that integrates directly with your Focus Mode settings to avoid unwelcome interruptions.
Coupled with seamless syncing across all Apple devices, this allows users to maintain structure and clarity whether they’re on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even through iCloud on a web browser.
Privacy and AI Integration
All new features in Notes and Reminders are built with Apple’s signature focus on privacy. The AI summaries, voice transcriptions, and context-aware suggestions are all processed on-device. No data is sent off to the cloud without your explicit permission, keeping your sensitive information secure.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26 brings forward a robust set of tools in both Notes and Reminders that elevate them from basic built-in apps to true productivity powerhouses. Whether you’re a student, professional, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to stay more organized, the new features can help streamline how you manage information and tasks. With smarter organization, better integration, and a continued focus on privacy, Apple has once again delivered meaningful updates that make everyday life a little easier—and a lot more efficient.