Apple’s iOS 26 update for 2025 is more than just a visual refresh—it’s packed with new tools that elevate the iPhone experience. Among the most exciting additions is the arrival of Preview, a staple macOS app that has finally made its debut on iOS. For decades, Mac users have relied on Preview for quick access to images and PDFs without the need for heavy software. Now, iPhone owners can enjoy the same simplicity and power in the palm of their hand.
Whether you need to annotate a PDF, crop an image, or even scan documents, Preview on iPhone streamlines tasks that once required multiple apps. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this long-awaited addition.
What Is Preview?
Originally introduced back in 1989, Preview is one of Apple’s oldest and most enduring apps. While its initial purpose was straightforward—opening PDFs and image files quickly—it has steadily evolved into a lightweight productivity tool. On macOS, Preview gained editing features such as cropping, resizing, background removal, and even the ability to digitally sign documents.
With iOS 26, Apple has finally brought these capabilities to iPhone. You’ll now find Preview automatically installed in the Productivity & Finance section of your App Library and on your home screen once you update to iOS 26.
In short, Preview is your all-in-one solution for:
- Opening PDFs and images without extra apps
- Making quick edits to photos
- Adding text, annotations, or signatures
- Exporting files in multiple formats
- Scanning physical documents into digital PDFs
How to Access Preview on iPhone
There are several ways to launch the app:
- From your Home Screen or App Library under Productivity & Finance
- By searching using Spotlight
- Automatically, when opening compatible files in other apps such as Files, Mail, or Messages
This integration ensures that Preview is always available when you need it, without extra downloads.
Using Preview with Images
When you open an image in Preview, a suite of editing and annotation tools appears:
- Quick Edits: Tap the three-dot menu to rotate, flip, resize, or remove the background of an image.
- Annotations: Use the pen icon to draw or highlight, and the selection tool to crop.
- File Details: Tap the “i” icon for image metadata or the share button to send the file to contacts or apps.
Preview supports most common image formats, making it a practical alternative to heavy photo editors when you just need fast edits.
Using Preview with PDFs
Opening a PDF in Preview transforms your iPhone into a portable PDF reader and editor. Key features include:
- Navigation: Rotate pages, jump to specific pages, or scroll using the thumbnail view.
- Annotation: Highlight text, add comments, or drop in stickers for clarity.
- Text & Signatures: Insert text blocks, sign documents with your finger or stylus, and add checkmarks.
- Cropping & Info: Trim pages or check document details instantly.
- Search: Use the built-in search bar to find keywords within the document.
You can even tap and hold to select blocks of text, making it easier to copy or highlight critical information.
Scanning Documents into Preview
One of the most practical features is document scanning. To scan:
- Close your current file.
- Tap Scan Documents.
- Align your page in the viewfinder—Preview will automatically capture it.
- Add additional pages as needed or tap the checkmark to save your document.
The scanned pages are then converted into a PDF, ready to annotate, sign, or share directly from your iPhone.
Why Preview Matters on iOS 26
Before this update, iPhone users had to rely on a mix of Files, Notes, or third-party apps to manage PDFs and images. With Preview now built into iOS, Apple is simplifying the workflow. The app’s lightweight design makes it faster than launching full-fledged editors, yet it still packs enough tools to handle most everyday document tasks.
Conclusion: A Small Update with Big Impact
Apple’s decision to bring Preview to iPhone in iOS 26 may not be the flashiest change, but it’s one of the most useful. Whether you’re reviewing contracts, scanning receipts, or making quick edits to photos, Preview consolidates tasks that previously required multiple apps.
For professionals, students, and everyday users alike, this long-overdue addition proves that sometimes the best updates are the simplest ones. With iOS 26, your iPhone just became a far more capable productivity tool.
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