At WWDC 2025, Apple officially introduced iOS 26, marking a bold step into a more immersive, intelligent, and unified software experience. At the center of the reveal is a stunning “Liquid Glass” visual overhaul, bringing translucent layers, floating modules, and dynamic UI responsiveness across system apps.
This redesign sets the tone for what insiders are calling the “Glasswing” era, Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone, expected to feature seamless glass edges and a display that melts into the hardware.
Key Features in iOS 26
1. Liquid Glass Interface
The interface now incorporates translucent menus, refreshed iconography, and layered visual depth. This is Apple’s most significant visual redesign since iOS 7 and aims to unify the user experience across devices.
2. Battery Intelligence
A new AI-driven system called BatteryIntelligence provides time-to-full-charge estimates, adapts to user behavior, and schedules charging to optimize battery health. Relevant data is also displayed directly on the lock screen.
3. Messages Upgrades
Messages now support built-in poll creation, synchronized chat backgrounds across devices, and enhanced smart reply capabilities. These updates aim to make communication more efficient and visually engaging.
4. AirPods Live Translate
AirPods gain real-time language translation capabilities, allowing users to communicate across languages without needing to glance at their screens. Additional features include audio-based photo capture and better noise handling in conversations.
5. Camera User Interface Overhaul
The Camera app receives a cleaner design, with distinct toggles for different modes and fewer on-screen elements, simplifying photography and videography for everyday users.
6. iPadOS Multitasking Enhancements
iPadOS expands its multitasking capabilities with improved window snapping, enhanced Stage Manager tools, and greater Apple Pencil responsiveness, further bridging the gap between tablet and desktop workflows.
7. Games App and CarPlay Updates
A new Games app consolidates all Apple Arcade and mobile gaming content into one location. CarPlay also receives a visual refresh aligned with the Liquid Glass aesthetic, continuing the unification of Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple Intelligence: Strategic Integration with iOS 26
Apple is taking a measured approach with its AI strategy. While iOS 26 avoids flashy generative AI features, it embeds intelligence where it matters: battery management, predictive behaviors, and cross-device optimization. Siri may integrate third-party AI models like ChatGPT or Gemini in the future, but the broader AI rollout has been deferred to 2026.
Preparing for the Glasswing iPhone
The Liquid Glass design is widely interpreted as a prelude to Apple’s upcoming Glasswing iPhone. This next-generation device is expected to feature a curved-edge all-glass design, an edge-to-edge display, and enhanced AI hardware.
iOS 26 positions Apple’s entire ecosystem, including iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and CarPlay, toward a more cohesive, intelligent, and visually consistent future.
Conclusion on iOS 26
iOS 26 represents more than just a visual refresh. It reflects Apple’s long-term vision of harmonizing design, intelligence, and usability across its ecosystem. As Apple approaches the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, this update lays the groundwork for its next decade of innovation.