Apple (AAPL) on Monday introduced a major redesign of its operating system, dubbed “Liquid Glass,” during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
The update marks a significant visual and functional overhaul, as the company showcases its newest technological innovations at the high-profile developer event.
Apple has officially introduced iOS 26, the next-generation iPhone operating system, during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), unveiling a sweeping redesign centered on Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design language and a range of app updates across the platform.
The release also signals a shift in Apple’s iOS naming convention. Previously, this update would have been called iOS 19, following iOS 18. Moving forward, Apple will name its major iOS updates after the year following their debut — similar to how car manufacturers label new model years.
The redesign brings a fresh look to several parts of the OS. The lock screen clock can now stretch further across the screen, while the Camera app has been streamlined by hiding many controls for a cleaner feel. In Safari, web pages now display edge-to-edge, and the tab bar floats over the content.
The Phone app is gaining new capabilities, including call screening, which can answer and hold calls for users.
The Messages app is also receiving several updates, such as customized backgrounds. Apple will offer its own options, but users can also upload photos or generate images using Image Playground. A new feature allows users to create polls, and Apple Intelligence can even suggest creating one based on the conversation. Group chats will now include typing indicators.
With Genmoji, users can create new emoji by merging two existing ones, moving beyond simple text-based descriptions. Meanwhile, Image Playground now includes a feature to generate images using OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Apple is adding a powerful new Live Translation feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, which translates conversations in real time directly on the device. It works in text threads, phone calls, and FaceTime, and developers will have access to the feature via a new API.
In Apple Music, users will get lyrics translation and pronunciation guides, while AutoMix allows seamless song transitions, DJ-style. Users can also pin favorite artists and playlists to the top of the app.
Apple Maps is gaining personalized routing capabilities and can alert users to traffic delays. The app will also let users review their visited locations to more easily share with friends.
Starting this fall, Apple Wallet will offer the option to create a digital ID. Boarding passes will get updated designs and allow access to indoor airport maps. Apple Pay will integrate with Apple Intelligence to track external orders.
A new Games app is also on the way, focused entirely on mobile gaming. It will feature users’ downloaded App Store games, access to the Apple Arcade library, and a Play Together tab showing what friends are playing, including leaderboards for shared challenges.
Apple is also debuting Visual Intelligence, a feature that uses on-screen context to help users learn more about what they’re viewing. For example, if a user sees a jacket in a social media post and takes a screenshot, they can use Visual Intelligence to search for it via Google. Similarly, it can identify event details in screenshots and help add them to a calendar. Users can also ask ChatGPT about anything visible on their screen.
This update marks Apple’s second major iOS release to incorporate Apple Intelligence features. iOS 18 introduced early AI tools like enhanced writing assistance, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integration. However, more advanced upgrades to Siri, such as the ability to take action based on on-screen content, were postponed ahead of their anticipated rollout.
Despite the announcement, Apple shares slipped more than 1.5% during the presentation. ‘Liquid Glass’ Operating System Redesign at WWDC.
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