Introduction to iOS 26
iOS 26 was revealed at Apple’s WWDC9 event, which began at 20:00 on June 25, 2025. This year, Apple has rebranded its software naming convention, introducing the latest iPhone software as iOS 26 instead of following the previous sequence. The iOS 26 update features a groundbreaking new aesthetic known as “Liquid Glass,” drawing inspiration from visionOS, permeating every aspect from apps to widgets and the home screen.
What’s New in iOS 26
The iOS 26 update presents a captivating new design, robust Apple Intelligence enhancements, innovative ways to stay connected through the Phone and Messages apps, and significant updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet. Apple Intelligence now integrates system-wide with improved capabilities, maintaining user privacy. Updates in Phone and Messages apps are designed to enhance connectivity and minimize distractions such as unwanted calls. Additionally, iOS 26 introduces updates in CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet, along with Apple Games, a new app providing gamers a centralized hub for all their gaming activities.
“iOS 26 enriches experiences, making them more immersive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen to new features in Phone and Messages that prioritize meaningful connections,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering. “With potent new Apple Intelligence features embedded in the system, accomplishing tasks has never been easier.”
Brand New Look: Liquid Glass
The “Liquid Glass” design, a standout feature of iOS 26, enhances apps and system experiences, making them more engaging and enjoyable while retaining the familiar iOS feel. This design introduces a new level of vibrancy to controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more, reflecting and mirroring surroundings for heightened focus on content. Customization options for app icons and widgets are expanded with a crisp, stunning look.
The Lock Screen is more dynamic, with time adjusting fluidly to the available space in images, and spatial scenes bringing wallpapers to life with 3D effects as users move their iPhones. The Camera interface is simplified for enhanced focus, and the Photos app now separates Library and Collections views. In Safari, web pages extend from top to bottom, ensuring users can view more while retaining easy access to essential actions like refresh and search. Apple Music, News, and Podcasts feature a redesigned floating tab bar that dynamically adapts to users’ scrolling habits.
New Apple Intelligence-Powered Features
Apple Intelligence elevates the iPhone user experience, simplifying tasks and introducing novel communication methods. Live Translate, integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, enables seamless communication across languages, translating text and voice on-device to ensure privacy.
Visual intelligence extends capabilities, allowing users to explore and act on-screen content. Users can query ChatGPT about visuals and search platforms like Google and Etsy for similar items. Visual intelligence also identifies events, suggesting calendar additions with auto-filled details. Genmoji and Image Playground offer creative expression through custom emoji and description combinations.
Shortcuts are more potent with smart actions, providing tailored options for features like Authoring Tools and Image Playground. Apple Intelligence now automatically summarizes order tracking details from vendor emails, consolidating all order information and notifications, even for non-Apple Pay purchases.
Additional iOS 26 Innovations
The Phone app, integral to the iPhone, now combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail in a unified layout. Live Voicemail gathers caller information to help users decide on call responses, while Wait Assist alerts them when a live agent is available. Messages app improvements include scanning unknown sender messages, custom backgrounds, and poll creation suggestions powered by Apple Intelligence. Group chats now display “typing” indicators and support Apple Cash transactions.
CarPlay Enhancements
CarPlay receives a visual and functional makeover with iOS 26, including a compact view for incoming calls that preserves crucial information like navigation. Tapbacks and pinned conversations enhance Messages in CarPlay, with widgets and Live Events keeping users informed without distraction. CarPlay Ultra merges iPhone and in-car screens for a seamless, integrated experience.
The rollout of iOS 26 continues with ongoing content updates.
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