Apple Unveils iOS 26 Featuring Liquid Glass Design and New Productivity Tools
Key Points
- Liquid Glass introduces a translucent visual style across iPhone interfaces.
- Hold Assist alerts users when a call queue is answered, reducing wait times.
- Live translation works in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages for real‑time language conversion.
- Messaging adds spam filtering for unknown senders and poll creation in group chats.
- Visual Intelligence enables image‑based web searches directly from screenshots.
- iPadOS gains optional multitasking with resizable windows and the same design language.
- AirPods receive studio‑quality audio recording and remote camera control features.
- iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone models from 2019 onward and will roll out later this year.
Apple introduced iOS 26, its next major operating system for iPhone, bringing a fresh Liquid Glass aesthetic and a suite of enhancements across messaging, calls, and device interaction. The update adds features such as Hold Assist for call queues, live translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages, and improved spam filtering. iOS 26 also extends to iPadOS with multitasking improvements and updates to AirPods, including studio-quality audio recording and remote camera control. The rollout targets newer iPhone models while older devices will remain on previous versions.
Liquid Glass Design Refresh
iOS 26 introduces a new visual language called Liquid Glass, which applies a translucent look to home and lock screens, as well as to select app interfaces. The design adapts to light and dark modes and offers floating button styles that aim to be less distracting while maintaining clarity. Apple has adjusted the level of transparency based on user feedback, ensuring a cohesive appearance across its ecosystem.
Enhanced Communication Features
The update brings several productivity upgrades to the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps. Hold Assist notifies users when a representative joins a call, reducing wait‑time frustration. Live translation enables real‑time language conversion during phone calls, video chats, and text conversations, helping users communicate across language barriers. Messaging gains a spam‑filtering folder for unknown senders and the ability to create polls within group chats, streamlining coordination.
New Tools for Visual Search and Media
Visual Intelligence allows users to search the web using images captured on their device, turning screenshots into searchable queries. The Photos app restores separate Library and Collections tabs, simplifying navigation. Camera updates place controls in more accessible locations and provide alerts when lenses need cleaning. Screenshots now include options for highlighting content, searching online, and querying AI assistants for information.
iPadOS 26 and AirPods Enhancements
iPadOS receives optional multitasking capabilities that let users resize and move multiple apps on screen, along with the Liquid Glass visual overhaul. AirPods gain studio‑quality audio recording for clearer sound in noisy environments, remote control of the iPhone camera, and a gesture‑based live translation feature hinted at in the beta. Rumors suggest future models may incorporate health monitoring, though this remains unconfirmed.
Compatibility and Rollout
iOS 26 is available for iPhone models released from 2019 onward, while earlier devices will continue on prior software versions. Users can enroll in the public beta program to test the new operating system before the official public release later in the year. The update is positioned as a major step forward‑looking for Apple’s software lineup.