Apple unveils iOS 26 with Liquid Glass, smarter features & redesign

Apple has previewed iOS 26, introducing a redesigned interface, expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, enhancements to core apps, and new features for CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and games.

The new version of iOS features a design approach built on what Apple describes as Liquid Glass, a translucent interface element intended to create visual depth while preserving familiarity for users. This design extends to the Home Screen and Lock Screen, with new options for customising app icons and widgets and a 3D effect for wallpapers.

Design changes include a Lock Screen where the clock dynamically adapts to available space and the introduction of spatial scenes that respond to movement. Updates to Camera and Photos aim to streamline the user experience, including a simplified Camera layout and new Library and Collections tabs in Photos. Safari now displays web pages edge-to-edge, and the Apple Music, News, and Podcasts apps have received redesigns to make tab bars less obtrusive.

Developers will have access to updated APIs and components built on Liquid Glass, enabling them to implement the new visual style in their own apps.

Apple Intelligence has been further integrated across the system, offering new ways to interact and communicate. Live Translation, supported in multiple languages, enables users to translate text and audio in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, running entirely on device to maintain privacy.

Visual intelligence now allows users to search and take actions based on current screen content, including asking ChatGPT questions or searching for similar images using Google, Etsy, or other supported services. The system can also recognise events mentioned on screen and suggest adding them to the calendar, filling in key details.

Genmoji and Image Playground expand self-expression by letting users combine emoji, generated images, and descriptions. Enhanced Shortcuts offer new intelligent actions and integration with features like Writing Tools and Image Playground. Apple Intelligence also summarises order tracking details from emails, consolidating information for easier access.

A new Foundation Models framework provides developers with direct access to on-device models behind Apple Intelligence, supporting offline use and maintaining privacy.

The Phone app is updated with a unified layout for Favourites, Recents, and Voicemails. Call Screening now collects information from callers before users answer, helping to eliminate unwanted interruptions. Hold Assist notifies users when a live agent is available if they are waiting on hold.

Messages introduces message screening for unknown contacts, placing them into a separate folder and giving users more options for response or blocking. Conversations in Messages now include custom backgrounds, polls, and suggestions for polls powered by Apple Intelligence. Group chat enhancements in the United States include typing indicators and expanded Apple Cash handling.

CarPlay receives updates to its design and usability, featuring a compact view for calls and the addition of Tapbacks, pinned conversations, widgets, and Live Activities to Messages. The CarPlay Ultra version allows for broader vehicle integration.

Improvements to Apple Music include Lyrics Translation, Lyrics Pronunciation, and AutoMix—an intelligent transition feature for songs. Apple Maps now offers a Visited Places function, tracking personal location history with end-to-end encryption, and uses on-device intelligence to suggest preferred routes and notify of delays or alternatives.

Apple Wallet updates include new payment options such as instalments and rewards with Apple Pay, as well as refreshed boarding passes providing live updates on flights and integrating with Maps and Find My for travel assistance.

Apple Games, a new app, consolidates users' games in one place and supports better access to Apple Arcade's catalogue of titles. Updates to AirPods bring voice isolation and camera remote features. Parental controls have been expanded, with enhanced control for Child Accounts and new features for content approval and communication safety. Safari's privacy features are extended by default, and accessibility enhancements include an Accessibility Reader and an all-new Braille Access interface.

"iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most. And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever."

The update will be available as a free software update for iPhone 11 and later. Some features, including Apple Intelligence capabilities, require specific devices and are supported in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese, with more languages planned by year-end. Feature availability varies by device, language, and region.