iOS 26 has arrived. The biggest iPhone software redesign since iOS 7 in 2013 is now available as a free update for compatible devices. In addition to a new look, iOS 26 upgrades core apps and pushes Apple Intelligence further in new ways. Here are the highlights.
Liquid Glass redesign across iPhone
Not since iOS 7 in 2013 has Apple changed the look of its software in such a dramatic fashion. Apple is calling the new look Liquid Glass.
The material refracts and reflects what is underneath it, creating a dynamic, fluid effect that gives depth to the Lock Screen, app icons, Control Center, and system apps. The redesign is meant to make iOS more expressive without losing its familiarity, and it also brings consistency across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
The Lock Screen has been revamped with a more dynamic clock that automatically scales to stay in view alongside notifications, while photos can transform into spatial scenes with subtle 3D depth as you move your device.
Album art in Music can animate behind playback controls, and app icons now offer more personalization with light, dark, tinted, and clear styles.
Each app including Camera, Photos, Safari, and FaceTime have been redesigned with the same Liquid Glass foundation. Safari introduces a new floating tab design, and FaceTime gains a refreshed landing page that highlights recent contacts with animated posters and video previews.
Apple Intelligence in action
Apple Intelligence expands in iOS 26 with new features. Visual intelligence can analyze whatever is on your screen, letting you add events from a flyer into Calendar, translate text, or ask ChatGPT about images and information without leaving the app.
Live Translation works across Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, providing on-device translated captions and even real-time translated audio during calls.
... continue reading