Apple Launches iOS 26: A Major Update with Liquid Glass Design and AI-Powered Features
Apple officially unveiled iOS 26 during its annual WWDC 2025 event. This release marks one of the biggest upgrades in iOS history. It introduces a sleek new Liquid Glass interface, enhanced Apple Intelligence (AI) features, and several performance and usability improvements, designed to elevate the experience across iPhones and other Apple devices.
🔍 Key Highlights and New Features of iOS 26
1. Liquid Glass Interface
iOS 26 brings a fresh Liquid Glass UI featuring transparent elements, smooth animations, and soft reflections. This design overhaul gives iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices a modern and fluid visual experience.
2. Smarter Apple Intelligence (AI)
Apple has significantly upgraded its AI system in iOS 26. Key improvements include:
- Real-time voice and text translation
- Context-aware visual intelligence
- More advanced Siri shortcuts
- Genmoji – allows users to create custom emojis using AI
- Enhanced accessibility features for users with disabilities
3. Upgraded Core Apps
Several built-in apps have been improved in iOS 26:
- Phone & Messages: Improved spam filtering and better group chat experience
- Photos: New tabbed interface with separate “Library” and “Collections” sections; support for creating spatial wallpapers
- Notes: Now allows exporting notes in Markdown format
- Clock: Users can now customize the snooze duration of alarms
4. New Apple Games App – A Hub for All Your Games
For the first time, Apple has introduced a dedicated Games App in iOS 26. It centralizes all installed games and offers easy access to Apple Arcade, challenges, and Game Center leaderboards.
📱 iPhones Compatible with iOS 26 (Supported Devices List)
iOS 26 will be available on the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
- iPhone 12 Series (including Mini, Pro, and Pro Max)
- iPhone 13 Series
- iPhone 14 Series
- iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 16 Series (including the new iPhone 16e)
🚫 Note: Devices using the A12 Bionic chip—like iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max—will not receive the iOS 26 update.
📆 iOS 26 Release Timeline
- Developer Beta: Released on June 9, 2025
- Public Release: Expected in September 2025, alongside iPadOS 26 and macOS 26
🧠 Other Noteworthy Features
- AirPods can now act as remote camera controls
- Apple Watch introduces personalized, AI-powered fitness coaching
- Vision Pro now supports PlayStation controllers, enhancing the gaming experience
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