iOS 26 ‘Liquid Glass’ Design Launches: Full iPhone Compatibility & New Features Revealed
Apple’s iOS 26 introduces the stunning “Liquid Glass” visual overhaul with translucent, glassy UI on compatible iPhones (iPhone 11 and newer, excluding XR/XS). Alongside design updates, expect AI-powered translation, call screening, Live Polls in Messages, and more.
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Apple’s eagerly awaited iOS 26, launching in fall 2025, brings a dramatic visual makeover across iPhones, iPads, Macs, Watches, and more with its new Liquid Glass design language. Introduced at WWDC on June 9, 2025, this reimagined interface features semi-transparent, glass-like layers that refract and respond to light and motion, redefining the look and feel of iOS and beyond.
Apple has confirmed that Liquid Glass is available on all iPhones that support iOS 26, including models from iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and the complete iPhone 16 lineup—plus iPhone SE (2nd generation). Notably, iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are excluded. While Liquid Glass applies to all eligible devices, advanced features like Live Translation and Visual Intelligence will be limited to iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and newer models.
- Supported models include: iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max; iPhone 12/12 mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max; iPhone 13/13 mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max; all iPhone 14 & iPhone 15 models; iPhone 16(e), 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max; SE (2nd gen).
- Not supported: iPhone XR, XS, XS Max.
- Advanced AI features limited to: iPhone 15 Pro and later.
What Is ‘Liquid Glass’?
The Liquid Glass interface brings layered, translucent panels and icons that mimic real glass—reacting beautifully to light, movement, and context. This design extends across home screens, widgets, Control Center, and native apps like Camera, Safari, Messages, and Music—delivering a cohesive visual experience across all Apple devices.
Apple’s developers can also utilize enhanced SwiftUI APIs to apply Liquid Glass effects in third-party apps. However, some users have raised concerns about reduced readability and lack of contrast in direct sunlight or cluttered wallpapers.
New Features in iOS 26 Beyond Design
Live Translation (Messages, FaceTime, and Phone): Real-time audio/text translation in multiple languages—available only on newer AI-enabled iPhones.
Phone App Upgrades: Includes call screening, Hold Assist (automatic detection of speaking during hold), and unified call layouts.
Messages Enhancements: New features include typing indicators, group polls, custom chat backgrounds, and filtering unknown senders.
Game Hub and Apple Intelligence: A new Games app centralizes gaming activities. Apple Intelligence now powers Visual Intelligence (content-aware screenshot analysis), Genmoji, ChatGPT-based image search, and smarter Shortcuts.
App Redesigns: Visuals and layouts revamped across Safari, Photos, Camera, Apple Music, Wallet, and CarPlay, making core apps more dynamic and content-focused.
Beta & Official Release Timeline
Developer beta: Released June 2025 at WWDC.
Public beta: Available since mid‑July via Apple Beta Software Program—iPhones running iOS 11+ are eligible.
Final version rollout: Expected in mid‑September 2025, coinciding with the iPhone 17 launch.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported iPhones | iPhone 11 and newer (excl. XR/XS/XS Max); includes SE 2nd Gen |
| Visual Theme | New Liquid Glass interface with translucent, motion-aware UI |
| AI Features Available | On iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16 models |
| Core App Changes | Enhanced Phone, Messages, Photos, Safari, Wallet, CarPlay, Games apps |
| Beta Availability | Developer: June 2025; Public: mid‑July 2025 |
| Full Release | September 2025, aligned with iPhone 17 launch |
With Liquid Glass, Apple redefines its visual identity—merging expressive aesthetics with polished usability in iOS 26. Coupled with powerful AI tools such as live translation and Visual Intelligence, the update is a landmark shift. If you’ve got an iPhone 11 or newer, you’re in for the most dramatic iOS refresh in years—just note that several advanced features require newer, Pro-tier models.
