Apple unveiled the latest version of iOS, iOS 26, during the 2025 World Developer Conference in June. If you were waiting for iOS 19, you might be a little surprised to see Apple jump to iOS 26But the new number reflects the Exit season 2025-2026 For the software update. It also allows Apple to use the same number in all its updates, so there is no more confusion because you no longer download iOS, MacOS, Visionos and Watchos with different numbers.
iOS 26 brings the First new major design change that Apple has brought to iOS since iOS 7. Apple says that the New “liquid glass” look will be the basis of the next decade of iOS design. Liquid glass reflects and refracts its environmentwhile putting More concentration on content. Many interface elements are almost fully translucentand the design extends to Checks, navigation, application icons, menus, buttons and widgets.
Liquid glass is supposed transform according to the content or contextand it is behaves like glass in the real worldSo color is informed by its environment, and it is supposed to adapt between clear and dark elements. Use of liquid glass rendered in real time and can dynamically react to movement To change the way Light is reflected Off buttons, switches, sliders, side bars, tab bars, etc.
You will see Liquid glass in iOS 26In all Apple applications, notifications, on the lock screen, in the control center and on the home screen. Apple is also developers with tools to provide new equipment to their own applications for a coherent look. Liquid Glass also extends to iPados 26, MacOS Tahoe, Visionos 26, TVOS 26 and Watchos 26.
The liquid glass design overhaul is not only a shiny finish, it also brings Control design updates,, Tool barsAnd navigation Throughout iOS 26. Application windows, menu bars and other interface elements have More rounded cornersand orders have a Distinct functional layer Designed to sit above applications. These types of menus can dynamically To provide users with more options in an application.
During scrolling, The tab bars shrink To draw attention to the content, but the scrolling brings them back immediately for fluid navigation. When the tab bars are active, they refract the content that surrounds them. There are adults Liquid glass design updates For Camera, photos, safari, facetime, Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. On the locking screen, the liquid glass time expands and shrinks to adapt behind the subject of a wallpaper and on the home screen, Application icon and widgets are made from Several layers of liquid glass This gives the appearance of the depth.
The lock screen offers a spatial scene option for Photo wallpapersgiving them a 3D look and a sense of movement. The home screen may be different with an option to Translucent icons And widgets, but it is functionally the same.
Apple rationalized the application of the camera Layout with simpler navigation. He has photo and video tilles, with other options hidden behind the menus that develop with a tap. You can slide to access more photo and video options. Apple too Update of the Photos Application to put back again separate tabs For Library And Collections Views. In the photos, you can also activate Spatial scene For any image, obtaining a unique 3D view of the image.
Safari has a brand new lookand Apple a Update navigation. By default, Safari adopts the more rounded liquid glass buttons and Nixes the parameters At the bottom of the application, but there is an option to bring them back with a floating tab bar if you prefer a richer menu in functionalities. Music apple,, NewsAnd Podcasts All have a new tab bar which floats above the application content and shrinks dynamically when users navigate, so that the interface options take up less space on the screen.
In addition to a new design, Apple extends Apple Intelligence’s features that are available on the iPhone. Messages,, FacetimeAnd Phone Any support Live translation To automatically translate conversations when you converse with someone who speaks another language.
Visual intelligence understands now What is on your screenand can answer questions about what you are looking to use Chatppt integration. Functionality can help you find products, add events to your calendar, etc. Image Games Area support Chatgpt image generation So you can create images in more styles. Genmoji has a new feature for Mix several emoji characters To make a new one and add descriptions to create a brand new Emoji character.
In the Portfolio applicationThere is a new Apple Intelligence feature that can Scan your emails has Summarize the details of orders monitoring Merchants, even if you have not purchased with Apple Pay. It allows you to see all your purchases and their follow -up information in the same place. The wallet also supports now pay with stores in stores And get rewards on store shopping. Boarding cards In the wallet support Live activities For real -time flight monitoring and include access to cards and find my.
THE Shortcut application support smart actions This can summarize text, create images or press Apple Intelligence models, which facilitates the creation of automations. Reminders are capable of Suggest tasks, grocery articles and follow -ups Based on emails, and it can automatically classify related reminders in sections.
For developers, Apple is launching a new Foundation models Framework that allows anyone to draw from the AI model that is at the heart of Apple Intelligence, so that developers can add new AI features to their applications.
THE Telephone application has a whole series of new features. There is a unified arrangement This combines favorites, recents and voice messages. A new Calls The functionality requires Unknown appellants for their Name and reason to call Before sending you the call, Stop unwanted calls. When you are stuck pending, there is a Increase option that Stay on the line for youSo you don’t have to listen to irritating music. It allows you to know when a live agent is available.
Messages can Unknown sender texts screenSend them in silence to a dedicated folder where users can request more information or delete it. Group texts have now Entry indicators and support for sending and receiving Apple silverThe more messages add customizable background For each conversation and election.
In Music appleThere is a Translation words functionality that translates words that are not in your language, and Words of pronunciation helps you pronounce these words. A new Automatic The function uses intelligence for go from one song to anotherUsing stretching time and beating the match for a transparent change between the songs.
Apple cards support Places visited So you can remember where you came, and intelligence on devices can Understand your daily routeMake your favorite routes and inform you of potential delays and alternative route options.
Apple added a new Apple games application which is an all-in-one destination for Discover and play games. He supports recommendations, rankings, competitions with friends, etc.
Carplay Gets the same thing Liquid glass design redo, as well as Widgets and live activities This synchronization of the iPhone. There is quick access Tapback optionsImportant conversations can be pinned, and Apple has added a new compact view for incoming calls so that the instructions are not blocked.
In iOS 26, Airpods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 support Studio quality sound recording And an improved sound for calls and videos. Airpods can also be used to take a photo Or Video save With a press on the stem. For battery management, there is a new Adaptive power Define on the iPhone that intelligently determines when you use more battery than normal and adjusts things like screen brightness to preserve the battery life.
iOS 26 is Limited to developers Currently, but a public beta version will be available in July. The software will see a public launch in September alongside new iPhone models.
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