Apple unveils iOS 26 – a Liquid Glass overhaul and more AI promises

Beyond the naming change, the most significant update in iOS 26 is a major visual overhaul across Apple’s operating systems. These new responsive, translucent user interfaces draw inspiration from visionOS, the operating system powering Apple Vision Pro. This marks the first major design change to the iPhone’s user interface in over a decade, since iOS 7 jettisoned skeuomorphic design in 2013 for a flatter look.

Reports of a “Liquid Glass” design language proved accurate, emphasizing light and transparency. App icons and buttons sport new looks, while toolbars and tab bars will have a see-through appearance. Apple is also introducing pop-out menus for quick access to options, reminiscent of the “peek and pop” 3D Touch features from a decade ago. Widgets will also receive a refreshed look to match the new design. On the lock screen, the clock font will dynamically resize as alerts appear.

CarPlay is also getting this visual redesign, featuring a more compact view for incoming calls to avoid obscuring directions. Messages in CarPlay will gain Tapbacks (emoji responses) and pinned conversations, with widgets and Live Activities reflected on the infotainment system. These updates will also extend to CarPlay Ultra.

Several core apps are receiving notable updates in iOS 26. The Phone app will consolidate recent calls and voicemails into a single tab, with favourite contacts listed above. Users will see Apple Intelligence summaries of voicemail transcripts. A call screening tool will automatically answer unknown calls, displaying who is calling and why, allowing users to decide whether to pick up. A Hold Assist feature will notify users when a live agent is available, potentially eliminating long hold music waits.

In FaceTime, major controls have been moved to the bottom right for easier access. Safari will feature a more transparent address bar and “advanced fingerprinting protection” enabled by default for enhanced privacy. The Camera app aims for simplification, allowing users to switch between photo and video options with a swipe. The Photos app will see the return of tabs.

Messages will gain background images for chats, poll creation, and the ability to send and receive Apple Cash payments in group chats, which will also show typing indicators. On-device spam detection for Messages is incoming, providing an option to screen messages from unknown senders into a separate folder, while still making two-factor authentication codes easily accessible.

Wallet will allow digital IDs from passports. Refreshed boarding passes will provide real-time flight updates via Live Activities, airport navigation maps, and quick options for reporting missing bags. Maps will learn preferred routes (e.g., for school runs) and provide relevant updates like traffic conditions. A Google Maps-like location history will also be available, which Apple states is end-to-end encrypted.

A new core app, Games, will be introduced in iOS 26. This app will serve as a hub for viewing and downloading Apple Arcade titles, accessing users’ game libraries, and managing multiplayer options like achievements.

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While Apple Intelligence hasn’t seen massive success yet, iOS 26 brings genuinely useful AI-powered features. Translation tools will be deeply integrated, reducing the need for separate translation apps. The most impactful aspect will be live translation for text and audio in phone calls, FaceTime, and Messages, powered by on-device models. Live translation and pronunciation guides for Apple Music lyrics are also a cool addition. An AutoMix feature in Apple Music will use intelligence for smoother, DJ-style song transitions through time stretching and beat matching, alongside moving album art.

Developers will gain access to on-device Foundation Models for their apps, enabling integration of features like live translation. A visual intelligence update will allow users to ask ChatGPT questions about on-screen content and seek information from supported apps like Google and Etsy. Visual intelligence will also detect events and suggest adding them to calendars.

The Shortcuts app is updated with Apple Intelligence-powered options and dedicated actions for Writing Tools and Image Playground. Apple Intelligence will also summarize tracking information from purchase emails, centralizing order details and delivery progress. Minor AI updates include Genmoji (combining existing emoji), while an upgraded Siri is still in development.

iOS 26 introduces changes to parental controls, making it easier to create Child Accounts and move children into them. Parents can grant exemptions for app downloads outside set age restrictions. Apple will also blur “sensitive content” in FaceTime calls and Shared Album photos.

New accessibility features include Accessibility Reader, offering a “customized systemwide reading experience,” and Braille Access, a new interface for iPhones connected to braille displays. Apple also promises a “new level of accessibility” across its ecosystem with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, and other tools.