Feeling frustrated with the same old note-taking experience? Apple Notes in iOS 26 has undergone a major transformation, bringing a host of exciting new features that might just change the way you organize your thoughts. Let's dive into everything that's new!
A Stunning Makeover: The Liquid Glass Design
The first thing you'll notice in iOS 26 is the completely revamped design, which Apple is calling "Liquid Glass." While the core structure of the app remains familiar, the entire interface has been modernized. Think of it as a fresh coat of paint and some seriously stylish new furniture for your digital notebook! Buttons have been updated and repositioned for better usability, and even the app icon has been refreshed. The search bar is now conveniently located at the bottom of the screen, and line spacing has been meticulously adjusted for improved readability. You can now swipe horizontally through the Notes toolbar, making it easier to access your favorite tools. This comprehensive overhaul manages to feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
The Adaptive Toolbar: Your Tools, Exactly When You Need Them
Apple Notes has steadily gained features over the years, and all those options can sometimes feel overwhelming. To prevent this feature overload from becoming a problem, iOS 26 introduces a clever adaptive toolbar. This toolbar, located above the keyboard on your iPhone, dynamically changes its contents based on what you're doing.
For example, when you're typing regular text, you'll see the usual formatting options: bold, italics, underline, and so on. But here's where it gets interesting: if you select multiple lines of text, the toolbar instantly transforms to display list tools, indent/outdent options, and more! Apple’s goal is to anticipate your needs and provide the most relevant tools right at your fingertips. Of course, you can still swipe to access the full range of tools, but the adaptive toolbar aims to make that less necessary. It's all about streamlining your workflow and keeping you focused. Is this a smart solution, or will it be annoying when it incorrectly guesses what you're trying to do?
Markdown Support: A Writer's Secret Weapon (Sort Of)
For those unfamiliar, Markdown is a lightweight markup language that lets you format text using simple symbols (like asterisks for italics or # for headings). It's incredibly popular among web writers and developers because it's easy to read and write. Apple Notes in iOS 26 now offers limited support for Markdown. You can import and export notes in Markdown format, allowing you to seamlessly move your notes between different apps and platforms. Importing Markdown files is done via the share sheet (or menu bar on iPad). Copying/pasting Markdown text won’t automatically trigger a Notes conversion.
But here's where it gets controversial... While you can write your notes entirely in Markdown, Apple Notes won't visually style the Markdown syntax itself. Meaning, you won't see the formatting applied in real-time as you type. Instead, the formatting is only applied when you export the note. This might disappoint some Markdown enthusiasts who prefer a live preview. John Gruber created Markdown as a “text-to-HTML conversion tool for web writers. Markdown allows you to write using an easy-to-read, easy-to-write plain text format, then convert it to structurally valid HTML.” Over the years it’s grown popular among writers who publish on the web.
Apple Notes on Your Wrist: Notes on the Go
If you're an Apple Watch user, you're in for a treat! iOS 26 and watchOS 26 bring the full Apple Notes experience to your wrist for the very first time. You can now view all your notes directly on your Apple Watch, with pinned notes conveniently displayed at the top. But this is the part most people miss... The new app also lets you create new notes directly from your Watch, without needing to reach for your iPhone. This is especially useful when you're on the go, and the dictation support makes it even easier to capture your thoughts quickly.
Unleash Your Inner Calligrapher: The Reed Pen
Apple Notes features a dedicated tool palette for use with the Apple Pencil (but it's also available on iPhones!). In iOS and iPadOS 26, this palette gains a new addition: the reed pen. This tool allows you to create beautiful, traditional calligraphy within Apple Notes, complete with built-in stroke-angle presets. It's perfect for adding a touch of elegance and personality to your handwritten notes and sketches. Is this a feature you'll actually use, or is it just a gimmick?
So, which of these new Apple Notes features in iOS 26 are you most excited about? Do you think the Liquid Glass design is a step forward? Will the adaptive toolbar truly streamline your workflow, or will it become more of a nuisance? And what about the limited Markdown support – is it enough, or does it fall short of your expectations? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
