Reminders in iOS 26 has a couple of new sensible options with Apple Intelligence, and a restrained visible improve over iOS 18. Here is how the 2 variations examine.
The Reminders app is not actually an app that individuals take into consideration that may do with some enhancements. What Apple has in the mean time is already a reasonably good software for making lists and following by way of with them.
With the introduction of iOS 26 at WWDC, Apple made fairly a couple of alterations to the app. Whereas the final construction stays untouched, it has refreshed the looks in addition to made it a lot smarter.
Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – Essential display screen
The primary display screen you see in Reminders is the primary trace that there are adjustments at play for the app. The bones of the structure are an identical throughout iOS 26 and iOS 18, with the principle sections on the high and My Lists beneath, full with objects in every.
Nevertheless, identical to different first-party apps, Reminders has been hit by Liquid Glass, Apple’s new aesthetic for all of its working programs.
The preliminary manifestation of this can be a change from a small, spherical, coloured icon on a white button for the highest 5 sections to the alternative. As an alternative, the color-coded segments are crammed up with shade, whereas the white is reserved for the consultant icons, which makes it fairly a bit classier.
It is virtually as if Apple’s speaking that you may contact your complete button, whereas the round icons virtually appeared like smaller buttons on a bigger white backdrop, although actually your complete factor was the button.
There’s slightly bit extra whitespace across the My Lists part, which additionally makes it slightly bit simpler to faucet every checklist individually.

Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – The iOS 18 (left) interface has been tweaked for iOS 26 (proper)
In iOS 18, the interface included a dots icon within the high proper to edit the lists and to load from a template. On the backside had been choices to create a brand new reminder or so as to add a brand new checklist, whereas a search bar appeared in the event you pulled down.
The iOS 26 strategy adjustments issues up, so {that a} Liquid Glass lozenge within the high proper has icons for search in addition to to create a brand new checklist, and the edit lists/templates button. On the backside is a single blue button with a plus image, which is to create a brand new reminder.
Whereas that is pretty neat in iOS 26, it is much less intuitive than earlier than, particularly since Apple has switched away from textual content to ambiguous buttons for brand spanking new lists and new reminders.
Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – Reminders and New Lists
Establishing a brand new reminder has modified fairly a bit. Most of it’s in a restructuring of what’s requested of the consumer to generate the reminder.
In iOS 18, tapping New Reminder has packing containers for Title and Notes, an possibility to pick the checklist, and Particulars. The final one brings up toggles for Date, Time, Location, When Messaging, and Flag, with additional choices for Tags, Precedence, a URL, and a picture that might be added.
The iOS 26 replace permits you to enter in a bit extra data than earlier than, with high packing containers together with Title, Notes, and URL. Toggles are additionally instantly introduced for Date and Time, then a setting for the checklist itself.

Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – You possibly can add extra information upfront in iOS 26’s model.
A Particulars hyperlink can be out there for the opposite objects, together with including tags, flagging the merchandise, setting precedence, then Location and When Messaging for when to remind the consumer, and including photos.
Apple hasn’t modified the knowledge requested right here, nor the choices. However, very like different adjustments in iOS 26, it is a refinement that lets customers add much more with out essentially needing to take the additional step to enter Particulars.
In stark distinction is New Checklist, which is the way in which you add a brand new checklist to the gathering. Whereas Apple has refined the construction of creating a brand new reminder, the checklist era display screen stays virtually untouched.
Even when it is a sensible checklist fairly than a normal one, every little thing in iOS 26 is an identical to what’s proven in iOS 18, with slightly added Liquid Glass spit and polish.

Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – The strategy so as to add a brand new checklist is surprisingly untouched.
The one variations are a touch of Liquid Glass and the change from “Accomplished and Cancel” on the high to a tick and a cross. There aren’t any actual adjustments right here.
Generally, no adjustments are wanted if the perform works ok.
Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – Checklist views and Apple Intelligence
Opening one among your lists comes up with the standard view of things, which you’ll rapidly add to or tick to say they’re completed. It is fairly related throughout iOS 18 and iOS 26, which is to be anticipated for an inventory app.
The primary apparent change is that iOS 18 has a “New Reminder” textual content on the backside, making it apparent the place to faucet so as to add one thing new. In iOS 26, it is the equally comprehensible Plus icon within the backside proper.

Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – Viewing lists and the choices for every model are fairly related, with minor exceptions
Icons within the high proper open up the share sheet, in addition to extra choices for the checklist. Each working system variations have the identical broad checklist of choices, comparable to to point out accomplished duties, to pick and rearrange reminders, to regulate the checklist data, so as to add sections, and to view as columns.
Within the case of iOS 26, there’s the choice to “Auto-Categorize,” full with an Apple Intelligence brand. If chosen, it’ll analyze the checklist and put the entire objects into smart classes.
For instance, a buying checklist might have sections for Dairy, Cleansing Provides, and Fruits. You possibly can create sections manually, however this appears to be fairly sturdy and makes smart classes the place attainable.

Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – Auto-Categorize in motion in iOS 26
For those who do not like what Apple Intelligence selects for the classes, you may at all times disable all of them with a couple of faucets, return to a full-list view, or make them your self.
This addition is kind of useful, however is very so for prolonged lists of things or duties that may be simply categorizable. Not everybody desires to manually type out an inventory of fifty buying checklist objects by class, particularly when there is a button that may do it for you.
After all, with Apple Intelligence being a serious a part of iOS now, it may do extra in Reminders.
Apple says that Apple Intelligence will have the ability to recommend duties so as to add to lists, grocery objects to buying lists, and different follow-up duties. It would accomplish that by detecting potential objects based mostly on emails and different readable textual content on the iPhone.
This might be helpful in the event you use job lists usually in your life, or in the event you really feel you really want to, since Apple Intelligence will probably be nudging you to make use of Reminders extra typically.
Reminders iOS 26 vs Reminders iOS 18 – Smarter adjustments
The Reminders app was in a superb place in iOS 18, by way of the way it regarded and what it might do. As an app for maintaining lists and reminding customers, it was a superb app that competed strongly with third-party rivals.
Apple’s revisions in iOS 26 hold the guts and the overwhelming majority of the app intact. Anybody who makes use of Reminders in iOS 18 will probably be instantly at residence in iOS 26 and rapidly get what they want completed.
Whereas Apple has made tweaks to make it extra productivity-friendly, the inclusion of Apple Intelligence is a giant one. Particularly because it would not overwhelm or change any options, however provides to the general expertise.
From the straightforward automated categorization of checklist objects to suggesting additions, these are pretty apparent areas the place Apple Intelligence may also help out.
The actual query is to ask the place Apple Intelligence could be much more assistive with the app.