The rumors were true: Apple is skipping past iOS 19 and going straight to iOS 26, bringing a host of exciting new features. One of the most notable changes is a stunning redesign of the iPhone's home and lock screens, now referred to as Liquid Glass. This new aesthetic promises to extend across all of Apple's upcoming operating systems, showcasing a comprehensive overhaul that was revealed during the company's WWDC keynote on June 9.
After overpromising on AI advancements at WWDC 2024, Apple has shifted its focus this year to essential quality of life improvements. Notable updates are set to arrive in both the Phone and Messages apps. Users will benefit from enhanced features such as the ability to filter out spam texts and an option to hold their place in a phone queue while waiting for a representative. Additionally, a beloved feature from the Photos app is making a comeback, much to the delight of users.
While the current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, Apple is skipping ahead to iOS 26 this year. This change aligns the iOS version numbers with a year-based system, akin to car models. Therefore, the upcoming iOS and its sibling operating systems will be designated as 26 to reflect the year ahead, even though they will be released in late 2025.
The new Liquid Glass design has emerged as the star of the show at WWDC. For years, the iPhone's home and lock screens have retained a similar appearance, with the last significant update allowing users to customize their app and widget aesthetics. The introduction of Liquid Glass offers a refreshing facelift, combining a new translucent material that maintains adaptability to dark and light modes based on ambient conditions.
In this new design, buttons across various apps such as Phone and Maps will feature a floating design, intended to be less distracting while remaining easy to identify. Although the design overhaul has sparked some controversy, many, including Engadget's Devindra Hardawar, appreciate the new direction, despite its resemblance to Microsoft's Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly two decades ago. Users will have the flexibility to adjust transparency to their personal preference, further enhancing the cohesive experience across all Apple operating systems.
iOS 26 is packed with remarkable new features designed to enhance user experience. Here are some highlights:
Phone App Redesign: A revamped Phone app allows users to scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages all on one screen. The new Hold Assist feature will notify users when an agent is available, eliminating the hassle of elevator music. Live Translation: This feature enables real-time translation during phone calls and text messages, facilitating conversations between speakers of different languages. Polls in Group Chats: Users can create polls in group messages to simplify decision-making for outings or trips, making communication more efficient. Filtering Unknown Senders: In the Messages app, spam texts will be automatically filtered into a separate folder, helping users manage their inbox more effectively. Visual Intelligence: This feature allows users to search for items displayed on their iPhone screens, making it easy to find products online using screenshots. Photos Tabs Return: Users will be thrilled to see the return of tabs in the Photos app, allowing for easier navigation between Library and Collections without endless scrolling.While some older models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will not support the new upgrade, all iPhones released in 2019 or later are eligible for the iOS 26 update. The compatible models include:
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro MaxNew models, presumed to be the iPhone 17 series (or possibly iPhone 26), are expected to be announced in September.
The public beta for iOS 26 will be released in July through the Apple Beta Software Program. Interested users should sign up at beta.apple.com with their phone number or email to access the latest features. Once registered, users can install the beta by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on their device. However, caution is advised as beta software may present risks.
The official release of iOS 26 is anticipated this fall, typically occurring in September shortly after the annual Apple iPhone event. Last year, the rollout took place on September 16, exactly one week post the iPhone 16 announcement.
For those interested in Apple Intelligence features and all that was revealed during WWDC, keep an eye out for additional updates on iOS, macOS, and more. Also, stay tuned for the intriguing prospects of the delayed Siri rework as showcased in iOS 26 screenshots.
