When iOS 26 shimmers into view this fall, the translucent new Liquid Glass interface overhaul won’t be the only change to the iPhone. Announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), iOS 26 is set to take on a look that Apple pioneered with the Vision Pro, featuring glassy, translucent panels that will echo throughout all of the company’s products.
This isn’t simply a cosmetic overhaul. The Camera and Photos apps are gaining long-awaited functional redesigns; the Messages and Phone apps are taking a firmer stand against unwanted texts and calls; and improvements from Apple Intelligence contribute to this year’s updates, even as the rollout of Siri enhancements is delayed. Here’s what you can expect to see on the iPhone soon.
The next version of the operating system is expected to ship in the fall, likely alongside new iPhone 17 models, with developer betas currently available and a public beta expected in July.
Transparent New Liquid Glass Design
After more than a decade of a flat, clean user interface introduced with iOS 7, the iPhone is getting a fresh look. This overhaul extends across Apple’s product lineup, from iOS to WatchOS, TVOS, and iPadOS. The Liquid Glass interface introduces a third way to view app icons on the home screen. In addition to Light and Dark modes, iOS 26 offers an All Clear option, where every icon appears as clear glass with no color. Enhanced lock screens will feature a 3D effect using spatial scenes, providing depth to your background images.
Dynamic and Adaptable Lock Screen
Translucency is the defining characteristic of Liquid Glass, mimicking how real glass interacts with light and color. The “liquid” aspect refers to how controls can merge and adapt dynamically. For instance, the glassy time numerals on the lock screen stretch to accommodate images and adjust as notifications arrive. The dock and widgets now have rounded, glassy panels, floating above the background.
Camera and Photos Apps Go Even More Minimal
The Camera app will feature a simplified interface designed for quick access to basics. It will now showcase just two controls: Video or Camera. Users can easily swipe left or right to choose modes, swipe up for settings, and tap for additional preferences. The updated Photos app will enhance the picture-viewing experience, moving away from the cluttered scrolling interface first introduced in iOS 18.
The Phone App Gets a Revamp
The Phone app will finally update its interface to align with the new Liquid Glass design, taking advantage of today’s larger screen. More than just aesthetics, the Phone app aims to enhance usability, introducing a Call Screening feature that only rings if the caller shares their name and purpose. Additionally, Hold Assist will mute hold music while keeping calls connected, alerting users as soon as a live agent becomes available.
Messages Updates
Apple is making the frequently used Messages app more colorful by incorporating backgrounds into the chat window, featuring dynamic options that align with the new Liquid Glass design. Group texts can include polls, allowing members to add suggestions without the hassle of scrolling through old messages. Enhanced spam detection will help users filter the messages they want to see.
Safari Gets Out of Its Own Way
In Safari, the Liquid Glass design elevates the tab bar for better visibility, minimizing clutter. As you scroll, the tab bar will also shrink, providing a more streamlined experience.
FaceTime Focuses on Calls, Not Controls
FaceTime will adopt the new minimal design, with controls disappearing during a call to enhance user focus. The landing page will showcase your contacts with engaging video clips from previous calls.
New Music App Features
The Music app will introduce a lyrics translation feature, allowing users to follow along with song lyrics in other languages. Additionally, a lyrics pronunciation tool will help users sound out lyrics they may not understand. An AutoMix feature will blend songs seamlessly, creating a DJ-like experience for music lovers.
New Games App
Gaming on the iPhone is about to get even better with a dedicated Games app acting as a portal to Apple Arcade and other games. This new app aims to reduce friction, making access to gaming content straightforward and enjoyable.
Live Translation Enhances Calls and Texts
Apple’s live translation feature will facilitate conversations with speakers of different languages in real time. It will be available in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, enabling live translated captions during discussions.
Maps Gets More Personal
Updates to the Maps app will recognize frequent routes, alerting users to delays before they head out. Users will also see a “visited places” feature, categorizing locations for easier future access.
New CarPlay Features
Liquid Glass design is also making its way to CarPlay, with a more compact interface during calls, allowing important information like maps to remain visible. New widgets in CarPlay will provide customized data, and Live Activities will keep users updated on order statuses, like coffee or flight arrivals.
Wallet Improvements
The Wallet app will add a Digital ID feature for age and identity verification during domestic travel. Users will also be able to track orders across apps, with Apple Intelligence pulling information from emails and texts.
New Features Powered by Apple Intelligence
This year, improvements to Apple Intelligence will enhance personalization. New features will allow users to combine existing emojis, create dynamic images, and pull in event information from screenshots or images.
Some iOS 26 Updates Apple Didn’t Mention
Some exciting new features were not highlighted during the keynote. For example, AirPods owners will have an AirPods Camera Remote feature to start video recording from their iPhone. Users can customize snooze durations for alarms, and expanded audio recording options will improve conference calls and media capture.
iOS 26 Availability
The finalized version of iOS 26 is set to be released in September or October alongside new iPhone 17 models. Developers currently have access to the initial betas, with a public beta expected in July.
iPhone Models Compatible with iOS 26
iOS 26 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and later models, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Supported models include:
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)