Apple has announced its first major redesign for its software since iOS 7. The company is also changing the way it names the new software family by calling it whatever year the software will span across.
Naturally, “26” is the title for all upcoming operating systems. iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 will release later this year. Apple is calling the redesign “Liquid Glass” and the new design boasts clear tabs, vibrant colours, and lots of rounded corners.
iOS 26 is getting quite a substantial focus with various new features across the camera app, phone app, and more. Apple is finally giving the camera app an overhaul with a cleaner, refined menu system that focuses on only two modes with all the settings hidden away by a simple swipe.
The entire theme of your iPhone can also be changed to new gradient colours, a light mode, dark mode, and a new “clear mode” that sees all icons turn into clear glass.
The Lock Screen has also seen a redesign. Your clock will now fit into the entire screen depending on the image in focus. Portrait photos also feature a 3D depth effect where users can rotate their device to look around the image.
Apple Music is getting some Apple Intelligence features. Features include Lyrics Translation, Lyrics Punctuation, AutoMix, and Music Pins.
Speaking of Apple Intelligence, the company is adding Visual Intelligence to your device’s screen. So you’ll be able to search using AI using whatever is on your screen. Users press the Visual Intelligence button, which triggers the UI overlay. You can then tap on whatever you want to search to browse for product listings and web images. You can also just ask ChatGPT questions on whatever is in the image.
iOS 26 is also bringing the new gaming app to the platform called Games. The app compiles the latest game updates, new releases, a dedicated Apple Arcade tab, and a “downloads” tab into one place. Apple has also added controller support to the app so you can navigate the app without touching your device’s screen.
Of course, the same redesign is coming to other operating systems. watchOS is getting the Liquid Glass design while at the same time, new features like Workout Buddy. This acts as an AI-powered motivational voice which provided feedback depending on the workout you’re busy with, past workouts and even taps into the music you’re listening to.
All these new updates are expected to arrive in September with the beta phase rolling out later today.
