Apple introduced iOS 26, a sweeping update that brings a refreshed visual design and powerful on-device AI features to the iPhone and beyond.
Apple has unveiled a new design language known as “Liquid Glass,” which features smooth, semi-transparent layers that dynamically respond to the environment adapting seamlessly to both light and dark modes, as well as background content. This aesthetic is applied across the system, from widgets and app icons to lock screens and menus, producing a visually rich, almost three-dimensional experience through its layered transparency.
This same visual language extends across Apple’s ecosystem iPadOS, macOS (“Tahoe”), watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS marking the most significant interface revamp since iOS 7.
iOS 26 introduces enhanced screening tools:
- Call Screening: Automatically handles calls from unknown numbers by prompting callers to state their name and reason before letting your phone ring through.
- Hold Assist: Automatically waits on hold during long customer service calls, giving you back your time. The phone quietly recalls you when an agent becomes available.
- Message Filtering: Messages from unknown senders are isolated in a new folder where users can review them privately.
On-device AI now powers Live Translation in Messages, Phone, and FaceTime offering real-time captions and translation without sending data to external servers.
Additionally, iOS delivers in-chat polls, akin to WhatsApp’s feature, enabling richer group interactions.
watchOS 26 gains an AI‑driven Workout Buddy that delivers encouragement, analyzes fitness data live, and offers real-time insights, made possible by Apple Intelligence and a new text‑to‑speech model.
Apple has now standardized the naming system for its annual operating system updates. Users can expect to see uniform version numbers across platforms: iOS 26, macOS 26 (codenamed “Tahoe”), iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
iPadOS now supports true windowed multitasking, macOS boosts Spotlight and Live Activities, and tvOS adopts the Liquid Glass look with sleek, minimal overlays.
Developer previews are available now, with a public beta slated for July and a full release this fall.
Analysts describe the updates as polished but cautious, reflecting Apple’s steady convergence into on-device AI amid rising competition. Its stock saw a slight dip post-announcement, though the new ecosystem-wide integration was praised for reinforcing user engagement .
IOS 26 delivers a visually immersive “Liquid Glass” design across devices, smarter call and message handling, robust on-device AI like live translation, and fitness tools all underscoring Apple’s strategic commitment to privacy, aesthetics, and ecosystem synergy.
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