Apple iOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and games app is here
Apple announced iOS 26 at WWDC, presenting a comprehensive visual redesign based on the new “Liquid Glass” concept, as well as expanded Apple Intelligence features, updates to core communication apps, and much more.
According to Apple, Liquid Glass is a translucent material that reflects and refracts the environment to create dynamic, responsive interface elements. The new design language transforms the lock screen: Time seamlessly adapts to the available space in wallpapers, and spatial scenes create 3D effects when users move their iPhone. App icons and widgets receive new customization options, including a strikingly clean appearance.
Apple says Liquid Glass improves the app experience systemwide by focusing more on content. Safari pages are now borderless, providing more display space, while the Camera app has a simplified layout to minimize distractions while taking photos. The Photos app introduces separate tabs for the Library and Collections. The tab bars in Apple Music, News, and Podcasts dynamically shrink as you browse to prioritize content.
Apple Intelligence is also being improved in iOS 26: Live Translation is integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone to enable real-time communication between different languages using on-device processing. Visual Intelligence goes beyond the camera and analyzes screen content. For example, users can search for similar items on Google, Etsy, or other apps, or ask ChatGPT questions about displayed information. The feature also recognizes events and can automatically populate calendar entries.
The creative possibilities of Genoji and Image Playground have been expanded. Users can now combine their favorite emojis, genemojis and descriptions to create something new. In addition, Shortcuts receives intelligent actions based on Apple Intelligence, including special actions for functions such as writing tools and image playground. Apple has also announced the availability of a new Foundation Models frameworks that enables direct access to device-internal AI functions for free offline infection.
The communication apps in Apple iOS 26 have received some remarkable updates that aim to reduce interruptions. The telephone app combines favorites, current calls and voicemails in a single view, while the call test is based on live voicemail to collect caller information before deciding whether to answer. In addition, there is the waiting list assistant who notifies users if an employee is available in the queue.
Messages now features a check for unknown senders and places unknown contacts in a dedicated folder until user approval. The app also offers custom backgrounds, poll features, and typing indicators for group chats. Apple Intelligence also suggests when polls might be helpful.
CarPlay has also received visual updates, including compact views for incoming calls that preserve navigation information, as well as Tapbacks and pinned conversations in Messages. Widgets and Live Activity now keep users informed without distracting the driver from the road.
Additional features in iOS 26 include Apple Music’s AutoMix for seamless DJ-style transitions and lyrics translation for international songs. Maps enables tracking of visited places with end-to-end encryption; and Wallet enables installment payments and offers a rewards section for in-store Apple Pay purchases.
iOS 26 with Apple Games App
A new Apple Games app centralizes the gaming experience with personalized recommendations and social features and, according to Apple, now serves as the primary gateway to Apple Arcade’s more than 200 titles.
iOS 26 launches in developer beta today, with the public beta available next month and launching this fall for iPhone 11 and later models. Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 15 Pro models or later.
