When Apple launched the first-generation iPhone in 2007, it came with a simple yet functional Notes app. Over the years, as the iPhone’s performance skyrocketed, the Notes app evolved into a powerful productivity tool packed with advanced features. Today, users can create formatted notes with tables, headings, bullet points, numbered lists, and more. You can even capture ideas instantly using Quick Note without fully opening the app.
The app now also supports voice recording with real-time transcription, and it includes a built-in document scanner to digitize paperwork instantly — a must-have for professionals, students, and business users.
With the arrival of iOS 26, Apple is taking things to the next level by introducing a game-changing Adaptive Toolbar in the Notes app, making note-taking and document management faster and smarter than ever before.
What’s New in the iOS 26 Adaptive Toolbar?
Previously, in iOS 18, the Notes toolbar included key features like:
- Formatting menu
- Checklists
- Tables
- Attachments
- Markup tools
- Apple Intelligence writing tools
These tools were placed above the keyboard, and many had extra functions accessible via tap.
In iOS 26, Apple has redesigned this interface. Instead of swiping through 18 different toolbar options, the new Adaptive Toolbar uses Apple Intelligence to predict and display the tools you are most likely to use — right when you need them.
How the Adaptive Toolbar Boosts Your Workflow
The Adaptive Toolbar in iOS 26 dynamically changes based on your actions:
- Editing a sentence? You’ll see Bold, Italics, and Underline options immediately.
- Formatting multiple lines? Indent and Outdent controls will appear without extra searching.
This context-aware UI design not only saves time but also improves mobile productivity, whether you’re writing business notes, creating study materials, or managing project documents.
Early Access and Release Date
The new Adaptive Toolbar is already available in iOS 26 Beta 5 for developers and public testers. If Apple keeps this feature in the final release (which seems highly likely), the stable version of iOS 26 will roll out globally next month, bringing smarter note-taking to millions of iPhone users.
