The iPhone features a refreshed UI with Liquid Glass in iOS 26, extending across all Apple systems

: Apple's iOS 26 marks a significant redesign with the introduction of the Liquid Glass UI, providing a cohesive and visually striking appearance across all devices. Announced during the WWDC 2025 keynote, the update also brings new features such as centralized gaming platforms, live AI translations in various languages, and security improvements like auto-screened calls and message filtering. Developer betas for multiple Apple OS versions rolled out immediately, with public betas expected in July and general releases in the fall. Enhanced multitasking for iPadOS, new functionalities for iPad files and Windows, and features across watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS form part of Apple's extensive revamps.

With iOS 26, Apple has rolled out its most significant design overhaul in years, introducing a new visual style called Liquid Glass. First revealed at WWDC 2025, this UI redesign brings semi-translucent, layered effects that give interface elements a smooth, floating appearance—reminiscent of frosted glass. The new look isn't limited to iPhones; it extends across iPadOS 26, macOS 26 (Tahoe), watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

The redesign transforms icons, tab bars, control panels, and lock screens into sleek, dynamic components that respond to movement and environmental context. System apps like Safari and Control Center have been updated with depth-enhancing blur effects. While visually stunning, some users have expressed concern about potential legibility issues, especially in areas with heavy transparency.

Apple describes the Liquid Glass interface as responsive and adaptive, using real-time rendering to adjust lighting and layering based on user interaction. Developers can implement these effects using new APIs available in SwiftUI, UIKit, and AppKit, allowing third-party apps to embrace the new design language seamlessly.

Alongside the UI changes, iOS 26 includes a suite of Apple Intelligence updates. These include live voice and text translation, enhanced call handling with “Hold Assist,” visual recognition tools, Genmoji (custom emoji mashups), and a unified Games app with built-in social features. iMessage also gains support for custom backgrounds and group polls.

While the new design has been praised for its futuristic look, accessibility advocates have raised concerns over visual clarity. Apple confirmed that iOS 26 will include accessibility settings like increased contrast and reduced transparency options to ensure usability for all users.

Sources: The Verge, The Australian, Business Insider, Apple Newsroom, The Washington Post