Cupertino, June 11: Apple has released its highly anticipated iOS 26 with a Liquid Glass interface. The tech giant announced major upgrades during its WWDC25 (Worldwide Developer Conference 2025) event on June 9, 2025. The iPhone maker introduced its new operating system before the launch of this year's iPhone 17 series, marking a significant move to what it can introduce in September 2025.

Apple iPhone iOS 26 features a new design, Apple Intelligence-powered features, and a 'Liquid Glass' effect. Some popular apps have also received major design changes and improvements. Unlike previous iterations, iOS 26 offers a fresh design and more personalised features and functions. The look and feel are different from previous iOS versions.

Apple's senior VP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, said, "iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful”. The Apple iPhone iOS 26 comes with Liquid Glass - a translucent material reflecting and refracting the surroundings and keeping focus on the content. Apple said it would deliver a new level of vitality to controls, navigation, app icons, widgets and other areas.

iOS 26 introduces a dynamic Lock Screen with 3D spatial effects and updated app designs. The Camera app now has a cleaner layout, and the Photos app separates Library and Collections. Safari, Apple Music, News, and Podcasts feature floating tab bars that adapt while browsing for better content focus. Here are the key changes and updates introduced in the iOS 26 version. 

  • Liquid Glass design is applied to app icons, widgets, and system controls, giving a translucent look.

  • Personalised Home and Lock Screens allow more customisation with apps and widgets, including tinting, resizing, and dynamically adapting to wallpaper.

  • The New Photos app is simpler, single-view, with Collections and auto-playing content, making photo navigation easier and more personalised.

  • The New Messages app comes with text effects, emoji Tapbacks, message scheduling, and satellite messaging for iPhone 14 and later versions.

  • iOS 26 comes with system-wide AI (Apple Intelligence) features such as writing tools, image generation (Image Playground), Genmoji, Smart Replies, and deep app integration.

  • Phone and FaceTime upgrades offer features like Call Recording with transcriptions, Live Voicemail, satellite call support, and more.

  • The latest Safari browser offers summarisation and reader mode, redesigned navigation, etc.

Besides, Apple has introduced major changes in Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Apple Wallet and boosted privacy with many new features.

List of iOS 26 Compatible iPhones

  • The iPhone 16 series includes 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

  • iPhone 15 series, including 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14 series including 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone SE (Second Generation and Latest Version)

The Apple iPhone iOS 26 system will likely offer more new features and changes in future updates, offering a better user experience. 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2025 05:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).