IOS 26

 One of the most striking changes in iOS 26 is the introduction of the “Liquid Glass” design language. This visual overhaul brings a semi-transparent, fluid aesthetic to system UI elements, app icons, widgets, and notifications. Inspired by glass textures, the interface subtly reacts to motion and light, giving iOS a more dynamic and modern feel. However, early beta feedback led Apple to tone down some of the transparency in later builds to improve legibility, making it more refined and user-friendly.

Apple Intelligence is further integrated into iOS 26, with enhanced Visual Intelligence features. These allow users to interact with screenshots and photos using tools like “Ask” (powered by ChatGPT), object recognition, translation, and contextual suggestions such as adding events to the calendar. These features run on-device, preserving privacy and responsiveness, but are limited to newer models with Apple Intelligence support like iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series.

The Phone and Messages apps have received several major upgrades. Apple now offers Call Screening, which lets users screen unknown callers automatically, and Hold Assist, which waits on hold for you and alerts you when a human is available. Messages gets support for polls, typing indicators in group chats, and custom chat backgrounds. Apple Cash has also been improved to allow easier bill splitting directly within chat threads.

The Photos app in iOS 26 is redesigned with a cleaner tab-based layout—featuring Library, Collections, and Search sections—and smarter curation based on location and time. It also includes subtle 3D spatial effects that respond to device motion. The Camera app has also been streamlined, simplifying the UI to focus only on primary modes (like Photo and Video) with a swipe-based navigation system. This shift aims to reduce visual clutter and improve ease of use while keeping the new aesthetic consistent.

Maps and Music receive thoughtful updates as well. Apple Maps now suggests personalized routes, allows you to mark and share visited places, and includes enhanced airport navigation with boarding pass integration through Live Activities. In Apple Music, users can pin favorite songs, access real-time lyric translation and pronunciation guides, and enjoy improved AutoMix transitions between tracks for a more seamless listening experience.

iOS 26 also introduces a brand-new app called Apple Games, which replaces the old Game Center. It acts as a hub for all installed and cloud-based games, showcasing achievements, social features, and recommendations. Privacy has been improved as well, with more granular app permissions, secure accessory pairing, and quantum-secure encryption protocols preparing iPhones for future-proof data protection.

Lastly, iOS 26 introduces Recovery Assistant, a helpful system tool for diagnosing issues and restoring a device even when offline or without a computer. The update drops support for older devices like the iPhone XR and XS series, focusing instead on Apple Silicon-powered and newer A-series chip devices. A public beta is expected in July 2025, with full release coming in September alongside the iPhone 17.