Apple unveils iOS 26 with new liquid glass design

As expected, Apple has named the new version of its mobile operating system iOS 26. The main change is a completely new design inspired by visionOS. The company calls this the biggest update to the system's appearance since the release of iOS 7. Not without new features related to the standard application updates.

iOS 26 uses glass interface elements that actually simulate the behavior of real glass in the real world. As expected, there are no round app icons, but they can become transparent, as if they were made of glass. The same applies to widgets.

The lock screen has been slightly updated: the watch can dynamically change its size depending on the available space in the image behind it. The splash screen itself also changes as notifications accumulate. In addition, with the help of AI, the image can take on a three-dimensional appearance when the device is moved.

The appearance of all Apple's standard applications has also been updated. For example, in Safari, websites are now displayed from edge to edge of the screen, and the bottom bar with the address bar has become as compact as possible. Apple Music now supports the display of animated album covers and personal collections on the home screen.

The phone app has been significantly redesigned: the home page displays favorite contacts and call logs. Users can choose to switch to the classic view with a separate tab. When an unknown number calls, the iPhone in the background answers the call itself and waits for the caller's greeting. After that, the smartphone will display information about the incoming call on the screen and ring so that the user can decide whether to answer it. In addition, when connected to a carrier, you can turn on standby mode when annoying music is playing: the iPhone in the background keeps track of the call status and notifies you by phone when the live person finally answers.

In Messages, you can now change the background splash screen in chats, and messages from unknown numbers are now sent to a separate folder as spam to avoid cluttering the home screen.

Apple has also added real-time translation for calls, message conversations, and video calls via FaceTime.

In terms of artificial intelligence, Apple has also added the ability to generate new emojis by combining any standard emojis. The Visual Intelegiene feature now recognizes objects not only through the iPhone camera, but also directly from the smartphone screen. It is reminiscent of Google Circle, but with deeper integration - at the operating system level. To use this feature, you just need to take a screenshot. After that, you can find something you like on the Internet or ask any questions about it. If it is an event poster, AI will suggest adding the event to your calendar.

iOS 26 adds a new Games app. Through it, you can quickly access all the games on your device, as well as the Apple Arcade catalog. Here you can also communicate with friends and compete with them for game achievements. For example, who can run more in the runner.

iOS 26 is expected to be released in the fall with the release of the new iPhone.