Xiaomi HyperOS 3 has been the closest and the fiercest rival to iOS 26. The same was the case with the phones, when Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 17 series, making it the closest and fiercest rival of the Apple iPhone 17 series. Same design, same specs, and almost the same OS as well. And hence, the ultimate difference and rivalry of HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26 began to trend. So, HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26, which OS is better and which is more secure and convenient for you? To find the answers, let us dive into this article and find out all the side-by-side comparisons and verdicts between these two OS.
Also Read: Xiaomi HyperOS 3.0 Release Date, Eligible Devices, Features December 2025!
Xiaomi HyperOS 3: All Key Specs
Xiaomi HyperOS 3 started to roll out around September 2025. In this new update, Xiaomi tried to bring some solid changes to all Xiaomi phones. What were these changes? Well, HyperOS 3 brought liquid glass UI, customised lock screen UI, new widgets, enhanced camera modes and features, and much more. So, before we move to the HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26 comparison, let us have a quick look at all the specs of HyperOS 3 right here.
All Features Of HyperOS 3
UI Features
- Liquid Glass UI: HyperOS 3 has brought a liquid-glass UI, where you can see apps in glass format, transparent and smooth to shift.
- New Animations: Over 100 system-wide animations have been improved for fluid, seamless visuals.
- Floating Window and Switch: Floating window and switching between notifications and apps have come in this OS.
- Xiaomi HyperIsland: A unified notification hub has come for monitoring essentials and smooth content switching.
Security Updates
- Edge-to-Cloud AI Security: A new AI security enhancement comes in this update. It helps in in-device and cloud privacy computing and keeps data private.
- Confidential Transmission: Confidential on-device storage is now paired with cloud computing.
- MiTEE Protocol: This feature enables secure cross-device interconnectivity.
AI Features
- Gemini Integration: Latest Gemini features and AI bots have been installed.
- AI Calls Assistant: HyperOS 3 adds a real-time AI interpreter for calls and conferences, bilingual subtitles from audio, and offline face-to-face conversation translation.
- SmartAI for Camera: You can now get capturing suggestions, edit suggestions, and more AI-based modes in the camera.
- AI Dynamic Wallpapers: You can now change personal photos into stunning cinematic visuals.
Now, let us give you a glimpse of the specs of iOS 26, before we dive into the HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26 comparison.
iOS 26: All Key Specs
iOS 26 came in June 2025, and since then, all the updates of this variant have been top-notch. Apple has brought in some of the best OS upgrades, and many new features inside Android have also been added due to the inspirations drawn from iOS 26. So, in short, iOS 26 still holds a supreme stand among OS competitors.
Also Read: iOS 26.1 Release Is Now Public: Know All The New Features
All Features of iOS 26
UI Features
- Liquid Glass UI: Apple was the first to bring the liquid glass UI with iOS 26.
- Dynamic Wallpapers: iOS 26 allows you to customise, change, and add dynamic wallpapers.
- New Lock Screen Widgets: Many new lock-screen widgets have been added.
- Updated App Icons: Light, dark, colour-tinted, or clear glass styles with refractive effects; mix-and-match customisation.
- Games Hub: A new Games Hub has is there for unified download, storage, and presentation of games.
Security Updates
- Adaptive Power Mode: A new AI-driven battery optimisation feature has been added.
- AI-based Security Enhancement: AI is being used for security enhancement.
- Spam Detection: Better call and mail spam detection.
- Website Blocking: Enhanced website blocking and tracking in the Safari browser has arrived.
AI Features
- AI in Maps: AI now learns routines, provides proactive delay alerts and traffic notifications.
- AI in Genmoji and Image Playground: Mix emojis, Genmoji, and descriptions for custom creations, and expanded artistic styles arrive.
- Visual Intelligence: You can now capture screenshots for ChatGPT queries, do image search, add calendar events, and drag area-specific highlighting.
- Enhancements in Apple Intelligence: 20+ new features come to Apple Intelligence.
HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26: Complete Comparison Of All Features And Verdicts
Here is a table to understand the HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26 comparison better:
| Benchmark | HyperOS 3 | iOS 26 | Verdict |
| UI | Refined animations, redesigned Home screen with new icons/widgets, AI Cinematic Lock Screen, and HyperIsland for notifications. | Liquid Glass, vibrant Lock Screen with 3D spatial scenes, updated icons, and Dynamic Island for activities. | HyperOS 3 is more fluid and customisable. |
| Security & Updates Years | Quantum-level post-quantum encryption, edge-to-cloud AI privacy, MiTEE protocol. 3 to 4 years of support. | On-device AI processing, advanced Safari protection, and enhanced parental controls. 6 to 7 years of updates. | iOS 26 as it’s safer and has more years of support. |
| New Features | AI-based writing, Speech, Search, Translate, Gemini Live integration, split-screen multitasking on tablets. | Apple Intelligence: Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, Genmoji/Image Playground, Maps route learning. | Tie, both are good in terms of AI. |
| Battery Optimization | AI analyses usage patterns for app-level management, smart charging, and background process limits for efficiency. | Adaptive Power Mode (AI auto-adjusts), Optimised Charging with real-time insights, and enhanced Low Power Mode. | HyperOS 3, as it uses AI optimisation better. |
Also Read: Vivo X300 vs OnePlus 15: Full Specs, Comparison And Verdicts
HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26: Which OS Is Better?
Now, let us discuss this HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26 debate in detail, and give you the exact winner. In terms of OS, choosing one OS is very difficult because every OS is unique and best in its own terms. Moreover, with each OS having different devices of its own, choosing which OS is better than the other becomes tougher.
But still, we have brought in a detailed and neutral verdict of this HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26 comparison, and say which one is better.
| OS Features | Which OS Is Better? |
| AI Features | iOS 26 is better as it has more solid and large-scale AI specs. |
| Seamless Integration | HyperOS 3 is better as it has more compatibility. |
| UI Specs | HyperOS 3 is better as it has more dynamic UI specs and a more customisable UI. |
| Widgets | iOS 26 has more useful and productive widgets. |
| Privacy | iOS 26 is better due to Apple’s security caps. |
| Accessibility | iOS 26 is better as it brings Head Tracking, Brain Interfaces, and multi-language captions. |
| User Freedom | HyperOS 3 is better due to its open and flexible nature. |
Final Verdict On HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26
Now, summing up this whole debate with verdicts, let us come to some conclusive verdicts and analysis of this comparison.
If you want to choose between HyperOS 3 and iOS 26, iOS 26 is better overall with its privacy, AI specs, and dynamic specs. But HyperOS 3 has more diversity, compatibility, helps in more multitasking, and is more customisable. So, as the mentioned wins have been specified, choose your favourite OS according to your preference.
Also Read: Samsung One UI 8.5: Release Date, Features & Eligible Devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HyperOS 3 support Liquid Glass?
Yes, HyperOS 3 also brings liquid glass UI effects.
When was iOS 26 launched?
iOS 26 came in June 2025.
In which devices is HyperOS 3 available?
HyperOS 3 is currently available on Xiaomi 17 series, Xiaomi 15 series, REDMI Note 14/13, POCO F7/X7, and will soon come to more devices.
In which series is iOS 26 available?
iOS 26 comes with the iPhone 17 series. Moreover, the update has now been made available in all iPhones from the 12 series and above.
HyperOS 3 vs iOS 26: Which OS Is Better?
iOS 26 is slightly better than HyperOS 3 as it has more security features and is more AI-friendly.
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