Apple iOS 26 Unveiled: Liquid Glass UI & AI Features

WWDC 2025: Apple Unveils iOS 26 With ‘Liquid Glass’ Design & AI Integration

At its annual WWDC 2025, Apple officially introduced iOS 26, unveiling a bold new direction for the iPhone operating system. The update marks the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7, introducing a sleek ‘Liquid Glass’ interface paired with AI-powered features under the brand Apple Intelligence.

🔍 What Is the Liquid Glass Interface in iOS 26?

The new Liquid Glass UI brings translucent widgets, dynamic reflections, and glass-like motion effects that offer an almost optical illusion-like interaction experience. Apple has described the new interface as mimicking the "optical qualities of solarium."

Additionally, apps such as Phone, Messages, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Wallet, and CarPlay have been revamped with cleaner designs and deeper personalization options.

🧠 AI Features in iOS 26: Genmoji, Smarter Siri & Visual Intelligence

Apple is doubling down on generative AI, launching new features including:

Genmoji: AI-generated custom emojis.

AI-powered image creation.

Live translations for messaging.

Smarter Siri Shortcuts.

Revamped multitasking and a new Apple Gaming app.

💬 Criticism & Comparisons: Is Liquid Glass iOS Just a Repackaged Vista?

Despite the visual leap, tech critics and developers have voiced early concerns. Users who downloaded the Developer Beta reported:

Readability issues, especially with notification cards.

Aesthetic elements clashing with functional clarity.

Notably, tech YouTuber MKBHD criticized the design, calling the legibility concerns a step backward.

Adding fuel to the fire, Microsoft Windows subtly trolled Apple on Twitter, pointing out the similarities between iOS 26’s aesthetics and Windows Vista/7’s Aero Glass theme.

📱 List of iPhones Compatible with iOS 26

Apple confirmed that only select iPhone models will support iOS 26. Here’s the official list:

iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e

iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

📵 iPhone XR, XS, XS Max and earlier models are no longer supported under iOS 26.

🔚 Final Thoughts

While Apple's iOS 26 brings undeniable innovation with its futuristic UI and AI integration, its success will depend on how it balances aesthetics with usability. As the beta continues to roll out, all eyes are on how Apple addresses early concerns raised by the developer community.

📲 Stay updated with Bizz Buzz Tech for the latest Apple, Android, and AI developments.

Follow us on Google News