Apple Notes just got smarter in iOS 26—here’s what’s new!

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The Notes app in iOS 26 has received a subtle yet impactful overhaul, focusing on smarter UI, enhanced formatting, and seamless sharing. Apple skipped flashy redesigns, instead delivering practical improvements that make capturing, organizing, and sharing ideas smoother than ever. Here’s what’s new and what to expect when iOS 26 launches this September.

A Modernized UI for Effortless Navigation

Open Notes in iOS 26, and you’ll immediately notice a cleaner, more user-friendly interface. Key changes include:

• Note counts are displayed under each folder for quick reference.

• A search bar was relocated to the bottom of the screen, improving one-handed use on larger iPhones.

• A repositioned compose button optimized for thumb reach, speeding up note creation.

• New folder management and filtering controls at the top streamline navigation.

These tweaks enhance the daily flow of using Notes, making it more intuitive and responsive.

Smoother Note Editing with a Modern Toolbar

Inside individual notes, the editing experience has been refined:

• The old yellow toolbar is replaced by a floating tab bar with a sleek, modern look.

• The formatting toolbar now scrolls horizontally, keeping options like checklists, tables, and styles easily accessible.

• The AA formatting icon integrates seamlessly into the floating bar, reducing menu hopping.

Editing feels faster, smoother, and more predictable, letting you focus on your ideas.

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Enhanced Sharing and Markdown Export

Sharing notes is now more polished and versatile:

• The share sheet features a redesigned animation with rounded icons and a clean layout matching iOS 26’s aesthetic.

• A standout feature: Markdown export. Notes can now be exported as lightweight, universally compatible Markdown files. For example, a note like “Shopping List: Apples, Bananas, Milk” becomes:# Shopping List - Apples - Bananas - Milk

This is a game-changer for developers, bloggers, and anyone working with Markdown-based platforms.

Deeper Safari Integration for Research

Notes now integrates tightly with Safari, turning it into a lightweight research tool:

• From Safari’s three-dot menu, new options include

  • Create Note: Saves the entire webpage to Notes.

  • Create Quick Link: Stores the URL with a title.

  • Create Snippet: Captures selected quotes or sections.

  • Run Script: Enables automation workflows via Shortcuts.

These features make Notes a hub for web capture and research, especially for power users leveraging Shortcuts.

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The Evolution of Apple Notes: From Humble Beginnings to Powerhouse

To appreciate Notes today, let’s trace its journey:

• Pre-2007: Notes existed quietly in Apple Mail on Macs, a hidden tool for jotting ideas.

• 2007: Launched on the first iPhone with a skeuomorphic yellow legal pad design, offering basic text without rich formatting or syncing.

• 2013: Became a standalone Mac app with iCloud support, enabling seamless cross-device syncing.

• 2015 (iOS 9): Added checklists, drawing tools, document scanning, and attachments, transforming Notes into a versatile app.

• 2016-2019: Introduced real-time collaboration, tables, pinned notes, Apple Pencil support, gallery view, and shared folders.

• 2020-2022: Brought tags, smart folders, mentions, Quick Notes, and note-to-note linking for better organization.

• 2023-2025: Added advanced features like live audio transcription, Math Notes for handwritten equations, Smart Script for refined handwriting, collapsible sections, and Face ID-locked notes.

By 2018, over 80% of iPhone users were using Notes monthly, a testament to its growing indispensability. Yet, Apple’s design philosophy—emphasizing simplicity over clutter—ensures Notes remains approachable despite its power.

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iCloud: The Invisible Engine

iCloud powers Notes with fast syncing, end-to-end encryption, and offline access, keeping your content secure and up-to-date across devices. This robust backend lets Notes compete with apps like Evernote and Notion without overwhelming users.

Why Notes Stands Out

What began as a simple notepad is now a secure, synced extension of your mind. Apple Notes balances simplicity with powerful features, supporting everything from quick thoughts to complex projects. With iOS 26, it’s more ergonomic, flexible, and connected than ever.

Open Notes, jot down an idea, link your thoughts, and rediscover a tool that’s always evolving to keep your ideas organized everywhere.

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