Apple has announced iOS 26 at the Worldwide Developers Conference, showcasing its innovative “Liquid Glass” design and a suite of new features. The update will be available for iPhone 11 series and newer models, including the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 series. However, some features are exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 due to their reliance on Apple Intelligence.
The new Liquid Glass interface offers a dynamic, translucent look, adapting seamlessly to the lock screen and apps. Enhanced app layouts provide a more immersive experience, with Safari extending edge-to-edge, a streamlined Camera interface, and new tabs in Photos. Music, News, and Podcasts apps now prioritize content with shrinking tab bars during browsing.
Apple Intelligence introduces Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, while Visual Intelligence allows users to analyze on-screen content. Genmoji and Image Playground offer creative enhancements, and Shortcuts now include AI-driven smart actions.
The Phone app integrates Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail, and adds features like Call Screening and Hold Assist. Messages introduces sender screening, group chat polls, and customizable backgrounds. CarPlay benefits from visual upgrades and smarter alerts.
Additional updates include AutoMix and lyrics translation in Apple Music, a new Visited Places feature in Maps, installment payments and rewards in Wallet, and the introduction of the Apple Games app for Apple Arcade enthusiasts.
iOS 26 is currently in developer beta, with a public beta expected next month, and a general release planned for September.
