Apple has just announced iOS 26 with the brand-new Liquid Glass design language and meaningful new features.
Liquid Glass Takes Over iOS 26 in Major Refresh to iPhone for Years to Come
iOS 26 is an overwhelming update, and I’ll try to keep it as simple as possible.
Lock Screen
Starting from the Lock Screen, Liquid Glass takes over all corners of the iPhone. From the clock on the Lock Screen from corners of buttons, it’s perfectly transparent yet so modern.
It’s not just a flat UI, it’s all about depth.
If you love your photos, iOS 26 will give them depth and turn them into a Spatial Photo. Just move your iPhone around, and you’ll see them in 3D on the Lock Screen.
Updates to Camera and Photos App
The Camera app gets a massive update, and focus is put on usability. Changing modes is easier than ever, and if you love changing formats from time to time, focus has been put on that as well.
Apple is bringing back tabs to the Photos app, and since it’s all about Liquid Glass, the menus come alive when you scroll through photos and watch videos.
Remember those 3D wallpapers on the lock screen? That works in the Photos app too. Talk about reliving memories, right?
Updates to FaceTime
FaceTime is now more expressive, and you can even create a video poster for yourself for others to look at before they even call you.
Controls have been moved to the bottom right, ensuring you get to see more of the other person and less on the controls. And yes, it’s all Liquid Glass too.
Unified Phone App
Apple has a new ‘Unified’ view in the Phone app, which puts everything from missed calls to favorites to voicemail in a singular view.
New Hold Assist
Don’t want to hold too long on a call? Your iPhone will hold for you and instantly tell you when the operator is available.
Call Screening
If an unknown number calls you, your iPhone will ask the person’s name and purpose of call. When they reply, it will be marked as a legit call and you can answer it, or dismiss it if you like.
New Backgrounds in Messages App
You can now change the background in a Messages chat. There are animated options available, and you can even use Apple Intelligence to create a new one too.
Polls Arrive in Messages
You can now create polls in group chats in the Messages app. I really don’t have to explain how this works since it’s been available on other services since forever.
Typing Indicator for Group Chats
Ever wondered who’s typing in a group chat? iOS 26 will now tell you.
Combine Emoji to Create a New One
Drop one emoji on top of the other, and your iPhone will combine them both to create a new one.
Create Images Using ChatGPT in Image Playground
Apple is adding the ability to generate images using ChatGPT in Image Playground. This is a huge upgrade, and of course, privacy is kept in mind too.
Live Translations
Apple is bringing Live Translation to the iPhone. Just talk naturally in your language, and it will be translated to the other. This not only works in Messages, but it works in the Phone app too. This will take conversations to another level.
Lyrics Translation in Apple Music and Pronunciation
Apple Music now translates lyrics to your language and if you want to sing along in the language the song is in, Apple Music will tell you pronunciations of the lyrics too.
Visited Places in Maps
Apple Maps will tell you where you’ve been, great for recalling where you’ve been lately. And relax, it’s secure, and you can delete anything whenever you like.
New Games App
Apple is launching a brand-new Games app. It’s exactly what has been rumored for a long time, but way better in person. You get recommendations for games, your Apple Arcade stuff, explore games, go through your past games, see what your friends are playing, and more.
Big Update to Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence extends to the iPhone screen, so you can get information on anything you’re viewing. It works with every app you can think of out of the box.
The way it works is easy: take a screenshot, tap the Visual Intelligence button, and it will scan the screen and give you information that you’re looking for.
And yes, there’s ChatGPT integration if you want to go deep into the finer details.
Compatibility
iOS 26 will be available on the iPhone 11 all the way up to the latest iPhone 16 models.
Download the iOS 26 Beta
Interested in trying out the beta? Check out this link.
