As iOS 26 prepares for its anticipated release this fall, it promises to redefine the user experience on iPhone with an innovative Liquid Glass interface overhaul, inspired by the Vision Pro. This aesthetic shift marks a significant departure from the flat design established over a decade ago with iOS 7, introducing translucent panels across the entire Apple product ecosystem. Beyond cosmetic changes, iOS 26 brings functional enhancements to core applications like Camera, Photos, Messages, and Phone. Developer betas are already available, with the public beta set for July, paving the way for a release alongside new iPhone 17 models.
A key feature of the new Liquid Glass interface is its translucent design that mimics real glass, creating a dynamic and engaging visual experience. Users will find new modes for viewing app icons, including an “All Clear” view where icons appear as clear glass. The lock screen has also been upgraded to include a 3D effect, enhancing depth perception with the help of machine learning. This dynamic nature allows elements like the clock and notifications to interact fluidly with background images, creating a visually cohesive and immersive experience that adapts to the user’s content.
The Camera and Photos apps have undergone significant redesigns aimed at maximizing efficiency. The Camera app simplifies its interface, reducing distractions and allowing seamless mode switching between Video and Camera functions. Users can swipe for settings, creating a more intuitive experience. The Photos app also sees a much-needed overhaul, swapping its previous cluttered interface for a streamlined Liquid Glass menu, enhancing the overall user experience when viewing and organizing images.
Improvements to the Phone and Messages apps focus on functionality as well as aesthetics. The Phone app’s new design utilizes larger buttons and consolidated layouts that maximize screen real estate, making it easier to navigate calls. With features like Call Screening, which only rings for known callers, and Hold Assist that mutes hold music, users gain more control over their call experiences. Similarly, the Messages app introduces dynamic backgrounds, group polls, and enhanced spam detection, making it not only visually appealing but also more functional in a social context.
Apple’s Safari browser is also evolving with the introduction of the Liquid Glass design, which improves the browsing experience by keeping tabs out of the way as users scroll. In addition, FaceTime streamlines its interface to minimize on-screen controls during calls, refocusing the experience on the individuals being connected. The Music app and Maps app have seen updates too, with features like lyrics translation and personalized route tracking that enrich daily interactions with the device.
While Apple has woven many updates into the new iOS, there are also notable enhancements from Apple Intelligence that elevate user experiences, such as live translation features for communication across languages in Messages and FaceTime. Innovations such as a dedicated Games app and enhancements to the Wallet app, including a Digital ID for identity verification, further indicate Apple’s focus on making iOS 26 a more versatile and user-friendly platform. Despite the excitement surrounding these features, iOS 26 is built to run on iPhone 11 and later models, ensuring that a wide range of users can access the enhancements coming this fall.
