At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple indeed introduced iOS?26 as previously rumoured. The new name scheme follows the year and features a major update, including a visual redesign and deeper on-device artificial intelligence enhancements.
A "Liquid Glass" Visual Makeover
iOS 26 debuts "Liquid Glass", a refreshed design language that brings translucent, light-reflecting elements to iOS controls, notifications, app icons, and widgets. The new aesthetic enhances visual depth while maintaining iOS’s familiar layout.
The new design extends to the Home Screen and Lock Screen, making them more personal and expressive than ever. Liquid Glass also brings new customisation options to app icons and widgets, including a new clear look.
Some iOS 26 Features
Built on Apple Intelligence, iOS 26 offers on-device live translation across call, message, and FaceTime interfaces. It also delivers context-aware assistance via ChatGPT integration, smarter calendar prompts, and richer Visual Intelligence tied to content on screen. Apple said this is all processed locally, upholding user privacy.
In addition, the update also revamps communication features with Call Screening for unknown callers, a Hold Assist feature that waits on hold and notifies users, and options to see when a live person picks up. Messaging gains support for custom backgrounds, in-chat polls, typing indicators, and Apple Cash transfers in group chats.
Other than that, there are also other revamped system apps and services. Below is a list of summaries for each app and service:
- CarPlay receives a refined interface with minimised distractions, focusing on essential information and safer in-car use.
- A new Games app consolidates Apple Arcade, Game Center leaderboards, and installed titles into a single hub.
- Apple Music gains karaoke-style lyric translation and an AutoMix feature.
- Maps introduces daily route suggestions and a Visited Places log.
- Wallet expands support for digital IDs and delivers real-time boarding pass updates and bag tracking.
Developer and Device Support
iOS?26 introduces a developer-friendly Foundation Models Framework, enabling apps to leverage Apple Intelligence features through an on-device language model. The update supports iPhones from iPhone 11 onward, though older models like iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are excluded.
Release Timeline
The Developer beta is available now, and the public beta will open in July next month. As per tradition, the full release is scheduled for Fall 2025, likely alongside the iPhone 17 series launch in September 2025.
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