iOS 26 unveiled with Liquid Glass and AI-powered Intelligence

June 10, 2025

Apple has officially released iOS 26, marking one of the most transformative updates in iPhone history. Skipping from iOS 18 to 26 to align naming across platforms, this update introduces the visually striking Liquid Glass design language, deeper integration of Apple Intelligence (AI), and a host of new features aimed at improving user experience across apps, communication, and connectivity. In this article, we will discuss in detail the features of iOS 26 as described by Apple press release.

iOS 26 features overview

Liquid Glass Design

The standout feature in iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass interface. This design brings a fresh, fluid aesthetic to the iPhone experience, replacing static elements with dynamic, translucent layers that respond to movement and touch. Inspired by visionOS, this new visual language gives the interface a glass-like sheen, making it feel more immersive and alive. From floating widgets and rounded tab bars to animated transitions that mimic liquid motion, Liquid Glass adds depth and personality while maintaining the familiar usability of iOS.

From icons and widgets to tab bars and the keyboard, everything now exhibits a floating, glassy aesthetic. Even system animations have been reimagined, such as the water droplet effect in the Clock app’s tab bar or translucent layers over wallpaper and text.

Moreover, the Lock Screen adapts dynamically to images and notifications, while wallpapers gain 3D-like spatial scenes, reminiscent of Nintendo 3DS effects. Customization options extend to app icons and widgets, now offering a clearer and more expressive look.

Apple Intelligence comes alive

iOS 26 deepens the integration of Apple Intelligence, ensuring that tasks are not only smarter but handled on-device for better privacy. From live translation in calls and messages to on-screen visual understanding, AI now plays a central role in user experience.

This update also brings a new “Ask” tool and image recognition, with which users can take a screenshot and highlight elements for more information, shopping, or contextual actions. We have already seen something similar in Google’s Circle to Search.

A new added feature called Smart Shortcuts now incorporates Apple Intelligence, unlocking context-aware actions, auto-suggested responses, and even personalized order tracking from email content. Developers can also tap into Apple’s foundation models using a new API framework.

Communication Reimagined

The redesigned Phone app now includes tabs for Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail all in one scrollable view. Call Screening only rings your device after unknown callers state their name and purpose. Hold Assist will alert users when a customer service rep is available after long waits.

The Messages app adds support for AI-generated chat backgrounds, polling in group chats, and Apple Cash transfers. Screening tools now silence and sort messages from unknown senders into a dedicated folder until reviewed.

FaceTime introduces video messages and personalized contact posters. Integrated Live Translation offers real-time audio and caption translation during calls.

Redesigned core apps

The Camera app gets a simplified Liquid Glass interface with easier access to quality settings. In Photos, 2D images can now be converted into immersive 3D Spatial Scenes. Tabs for Library and Collections make organization simpler.

Safari now features a floating, adaptable tab bar that shrinks during browsing and expands when needed, offering a distraction-free experience.

Apple Music gets lyrics translation, pronunciation tools, 3D album artwork on the Lock Screen, and AutoMix for seamless transitions. Music Pins lets users bookmark favorite songs, artists, or genres.

Enhanced experiences

iOS 26 transforms the in-car experience with a Liquid Glass-inspired CarPlay design. Widgets, Live Activities, and Tapbacks come to the dashboard. CarPlay Ultra allows for total system integration across vehicle screens, including climate and audio controls.

Apple Maps now learns user behavior for better commuting suggestions and introduces Visited Places to revisit previous locations. The Wallet app features a more intuitive boarding pass UI and supports Find My trackers and flight status sharing.

A new playground for gamers

iOS 26 introduces a dedicated Games app, consolidating the gaming experience under one roof. Users can discover new titles, track updates, and join multiplayer sessions via tabs like Home, Arcade, Play Together, and Library.