Apple has announced iOS 26, a major update that introduces a new design, intelligent experiences, and upgrades to core apps. The interface now features a new translucent material called Liquid Glass, bringing a cleaner and more customizable look to the Home Screen, Lock Screen, app icons, widgets, and more.
The Lock Screen is more dynamic and personalized, with time fluidity adapting to the image in the background to create a more immersive look. New spatial wallpapers are also introduced, which respond to the user’s movements with a subtle 3D effect.
Apple Intelligence is more deeply integrated into iOS 26, enabling on-device features such as Live Translation in Phone, Messages, and FaceTime. Visual Intelligence allows users to take action based on what’s on their screen, such as identifying events, searching for similar images or products across supported apps, or obtaining instant answers from ChatGPT.
Apple Intelligence also enhances shortcuts and automatically performs order identification and tracking to add even more convenience. Moreover, Apple has introduced a new Foundation Models framework, providing developers with direct access to on-device intelligence.
The Phone app has been redesigned with a unified layout that combines Recents, Favorites, and Voicemails. Call Screening provides context about incoming calls from unknown numbers, and Hold Assist alerts users when a live agent is available. In Messages, users can filter and review messages from unknown senders before choosing to engage. Conversations also receive updates with custom backgrounds, polls, typing indicators, and expanded Apple Cash functionality.
CarPlay receives a stunning new design, featuring a new compact view for incoming calls, Tapbacks, and pinned conversations to Messages in CarPlay. System apps have been updated with the Camera and Photos apps receiving a simplified layout, Safari introducing a full-screen browsing experience, and Apple Music introducing lyrics translation and AutoMix transitions. Maps now track visited places, and Wallet includes more payment flexibility and updated boarding passes.
The new iOS 25 also introduces Apple Games, a new app for managing and discovering games. AirPods are also more versatile than ever, with new camera control functions and features that build on Voice Isolation and studio-quality audio recording for great sound quality and clearer calls.
All the new features are available now for testing to developers through the Apple Developer Program. The public beta will be available next month through the Apple Beta Software Program, with the full release scheduled for fall as a free software update for iPhone 11 and later models. For more information, visit Apple’s website.
