Apple Unveils iOS 26 with Integrated Document Editing and Scanning App

Apple has launched iOS 26, bringing with it the much-anticipated Preview app aimed at streamlining document editing, PDF annotation, and scanning processes for iPhone users. The app integrates capabilities from the Files app, Markup tools, and the camera’s document scanner into a single, intuitive interface. This update simplifies document workflows, allowing users to manage files without the need for third-party applications.

The updated app’s design is familiar to Mac users, featuring functionalities such as background removal, signature addition, and efficient document management. A standout feature is the improved scanning tool, which is both fast and accurate, making it ideal for handling receipts, contracts, and notes that need secure storage. The app streamlines document management by centralizing everything in one place, eliminating the need to switch between multiple apps.

For Android users, the Google Drive app now includes an upgraded scanning feature with sharper previews, smarter cropping, improved shadow removal, and color filters for more professional scans. Microsoft Edge, on the other hand, offers a built-in PDF reader with annotation capabilities, though it lacks full editing features, making it useful for quick annotations and signing. While Apple’s Preview app is a significant enhancement for iPhone users, Android and Windows users already have strong alternatives for document management.

The release of iOS 26 represents a step towards a more unified and efficient digital workflow for Apple users, reinforcing Apple’s focus on enhancing productivity across its ecosystem. However, whether the Preview app will replace existing third-party tools remains to be seen, as users may find it beneficial to combine the new features with their current solutions for a more comprehensive document management experience.