At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled iOS 26, featuring a bold new “Liquid Glass” interface that reimagines the visual experience across all Apple devices. This marks the most dramatic design shift in over a decade, unifying the aesthetics of iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and visionOS under a single, immersive design language. The Liquid Glass interface is defined by translucent, glass-like surfaces that shift and respond to user interactions, creating a fluid and futuristic look.
The interface features layers of shimmering glass, dynamic morphing effects, and a new “All Clear” mode, where app icons appear as transparent, minimalist shapes. Machine learning adds depth and spatial awareness to lock screens and backgrounds, enhancing realism. Described by Apple’s VP of Human Interface, Alan Dye, as the most ambitious design project yet, Liquid Glass paves the way for a future where Apple’s UI expands beyond flat screens into augmented and spatial environments.
Beyond design, iOS 26 introduces significant upgrades. Apple Intelligence is more deeply integrated, enabling privacy-first AI features like Live Translation, smarter on-screen interaction, and personalized suggestions. The Phone app now screens unknown calls and offers a Hold Assist feature that lets users stay in the queue while using other apps. Messages gain new spam filters and group chat typing indicators.
Other enhancements include updates to CarPlay, a redesigned Apple Music experience with animated album art and karaoke mode, improved Maps and Wallet features, and a new Apple Games app that centralizes gaming. iOS 26 is now available to developers, with a public beta arriving soon and an official launch expected this fall alongside the iPhone 17.
Overall, iOS 26’s Liquid Glass UI marks a turning point for Apple’s software design, delivering a visually rich, intelligent, and deeply integrated user experience, while hinting at an ecosystem ready for next-gen hardware like AR glasses and foldable devices.
