WWDC25

IOS 26: LIQUID GLASS, SMARTER AI INTEGRATION, AND USER-CENTRIC UPGRADES

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iOS 26 marks a pivotal moment for iPhone users, introducing an all-new design, advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities, and practical enhancements to apps like Phone, Messages, CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.

This major blends aesthetic innovation with functional improvements to make iPhones more intuitive, personal, and distraction-free.

INTRODUCING LIQUID GLASS

At the heart of iOS 26 is its new design language, anchored by Liquid Glass, a translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings, creating a dynamic, almost lifelike interface. Apple says that Liquid Glass brings “vitality” to app icons, widgets, navigation controls, and system-wide elements, making them feel fluid and responsive.

Unlike static designs, this material adapts to light and context, giving apps a sense of depth while keeping content in focus. For example, app icons can now adopt a clear, glass-like appearance, providing users with new customization options to match their aesthetic preferences.

The Lock Screen and Home Screen see the most dramatic changes. On the Lock Screen, the time display dynamically adjusts to fit the wallpaper’s composition, ensuring readability without clutter. Spatial wallpapers add a 3D effect, shifting subtly as users tilt their iPhone, creating an immersive experience, per Apple's announcement.

The Home Screen benefits from Liquid Glass widgets that blend with backgrounds, offering at-a-glance information with a polished look. TechCrunch says the changes make iOS 26 “familiar yet refreshingly new,” preserving the iOS feel while elevating its expressiveness.