“Apple iOS 26 Introduces ‘Liquid Glass’ Redesign, AI Upgrades—Coming This Fall to iPhone 11+”

Apple unveiled iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, calling it the biggest visual and functional overhaul in a decade. With the new “Liquid Glass” design language, powerful on-device AI tools, and a revamped user experience, iOS 26 sets the stage for the AI-driven future of iPhones while keeping Apple’s trademark emphasis on privacy and performance.

The update arrives amid Apple’s broader push to unify visual aesthetics across iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro through more immersive UI elements and context-aware intelligence.

Release Timeline

Developer beta: Available now (June 9) for Apple Developer Program members

Public beta: Scheduled for mid-July

Full release: Expected on September 16, 2025, shortly after the iPhone 17 launch

Device Compatibility

Supported devices include iPhone 11 and newer, as older models with A12 chips (iPhone XS/XS Max/XR) are excluded

iPadOS 26, rolling out alongside iOS 26, also supports current iPads (A12 chip and above)

Top Features of iOS 26

Liquid Glass UI

Translucent, glass-like menus, controls, and icons with dynamic lighting and depth

3D Photos & Lock Screen Effects

Photos appear three-dimensional; lock screen shifts in reaction to motion

On-Device AI Enhancements

Live translation in calls, Messages, and FaceTime.

ChatGPT screen context integration, visual search, and smart calendar event detection

Redesigned Core Apps

Camera, Photos, Safari, Music, Maps, Wallet, and a new Apple Games hub all receive fresh layouts and features

CarPlay & Messaging Improvements

New Live Activities, message polls, “Tapbacks,” and pinned chats in CarPlay

Smart Battery Optimization

AI-driven power management adapts to usage patterns for improved battery life

Why This Matters

This release is Apple’s most ambitious software overhaul in years, blending stunning visuals with powerful AI while maintaining privacy via on-device processing. The versioning shift—from sequential to year-based (iOS 26 instead of iOS 19)—signals a broader strategy across Apple’s platforms

Is iOS 26 a Game-Changer?

Apple’s iOS 26 isn’t just a cosmetic refresh—it’s a functionally rich, privacy-protecting evolution of the iPhone OS. From immersive visuals to contextual AI, it makes your device feel more personal, responsive, and future-ready.

If you're using an iPhone 11 or newer, you'll soon experience Apple’s boldest software leap in a decade.