In a significant reveal during WWDC 2025, Apple has introduced iOS 26 with a groundbreaking Liquid Glass Interface and substantial Apple Intelligence updates. The update represents a fundamental change in the look and feel of iOS and paves the way for a smarter, more engaging iPhone experience.
Liquid Glass Interface: A Dynamic New Look
The centerpiece of iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass Interface, a breathtaking new look that adds depth, life, and new feel to iOS. This glass-like, translucent effect imbues the system’s UI with delicate reflections and dynamic responsiveness, duplicating the optical properties of actual glass.
From reimagined app icons and widgets to system-wide navigation items, this interface makes the entire iPhone experience both alive and familiar. Time displays that change dynamically on the Lock Screen and spatial wallpapers that respond to device tilt bring a mesmerizing touch to everyday interactions.
Apple Intelligence: Smarter, More Personal
iOS 26 is designed around Apple Intelligence, unifying advanced AI features system-wide:
1. Live Translation: Translate audio and text chats instantly in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.
2. Visual Intelligence: Recognize and engage with on-screen content, from event information to real-time contextual hints.
3. Genmoji and Image Playground: Design distinctive emojis and images that merge text and pictures for self-expression.
4. Intelligent Suggestions: From shortcuts to auto-order tracking, Apple Intelligence adjusts useful suggestions across apps.
These are designed to simplify workflows, fuel creativity, and provide effortless, real-time support.
Major Updates to Popular Apps and Features
iOS 26 brings significant updates to essential apps:
1. Photos: A new experience for browsing and editing.
2. Messages: Intelligent message screening, personalized conversations with custom backgrounds, and polling features with AI-powered suggestions.
3. Phone: An integrated interface for Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail, with Call Screening and Hold Assist features.
4. Apple Music: Smarter translation and pronunciation of lyrics, and AutoMix for smooth transition between tracks.
5. Apple Maps: Smarter routing based on Visited Places and dynamic travel information.
6. Apple Wallet: Payment support for installments and additional travel integrations.
7. CarPlay: Polished interface, improved messaging, and CarPlay Ultra for centralized vehicle control.
8. Apple Games App: A fresh center for finding, playing, and following games, integrated with Apple Arcade.
9. AirPods: Studio-level audio recording and remote camera control through stem gestures.
10. Accessibility: Enhanced features, such as Accessibility Reader, Braille Access, and enhanced Live Listen.
List of iPhones that can Run iOS 26
iOS 26 can run on a large variety of iPhones, which means millions of customers can make the most out of its new functionalities. Here is the complete list:
- 1. iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- 2. iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- 3. iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- 4. iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- 5. iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- 6. iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- 7. iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
Note: Apple Intelligence features need iPhone 16 models and iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
Availability: When Can You Get iOS 26?
Developers can download iOS 26 today from the Apple Developer Program (developer.apple.com). A public beta will be available next month at beta.apple.com, with general availability coming this fall in tandem with iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 updates.
Final Thoughts
With the Liquid Glass Interface and profound Apple Intelligence integration, iOS 26 will bring an end-to-end immersive, intuitive experience unlike anything iOS has ever seen before. From dynamic design improvements to more intelligent communication features, Apple is again setting the bar for how much users can get out of their iPhones.
