Apple has just rolled out iOS 26, the latest update to its mobile operating system, and it’s bringing some exciting new changes. The most notable feature? A complete visual overhaul that introduces the Liquid Glass design language, which makes everything look sleek and ethereal. 
This new aesthetic first appeared in Apple’s visionOS software and is now making its way across iOS, watchOS, macOS, and iPadOS.
Liquid Glass: Apple’s Boldest Redesign in Years
Liquid Glass combines fluidity with clarity, mimicking the appearance of glass and adjusting dynamically based on how you interact with your device. Whether you’re navigating between apps or switching screens, everything feels seamlessly integrated with a transparent, adaptable interface. The effect is consistent across most of the operating system, including notifications, the Control Center, and app interfaces
. Plus, iOS 26 introduces new parallax lock screen wallpapers that shift and move based on how you tilt your device.
Camera
iOS 26 has also completely revamped the Camera app. Photography and video modes are now separated into distinct sections, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. All settings are hidden in a swipe-up drawer, keeping the interface neat and clutter-free. 
The entire app embraces the Liquid Glass theme, giving it a clean, modern feel.
Safari
Safari has gotten a design overhaul too. The browser now opens websites in full-screen mode, with the tab bar becoming translucent and shrinking when you swipe, offering a minimalist experience that lets the content shine.
Phone
The Phone app gets a major update as well
. Favorites, recent calls, voicemails, and contacts are now all combined in one place for easy access. A new Call Screening feature allows you to see who’s calling, even if the number is unknown. If you’re stuck on hold, the app can detect hold music and automatically wait for a live agent to join the call, then alert you when they do.
Messages
Messages has added some fun new features too. You can now apply dynamic wallpapers to iMessage threads, with even Apple Intelligence helping to create personalized backgrounds. The app now lets you create polls and send or receive Apple Cash in group chats. Additionally, unknown senders are now automatically silenced, keeping your inbox clean from spam.
Genmoji & Image Playground
Apple’s Genmoji gets a major upgrade, giving you more control over crafting the perfect emoji for your group chats. There’s also a new ChatGPT-inspired illustration style, making your reactions even more expressive.
Live Translation
Live Translation is now available across multiple apps, including FaceTime, making conversations with people who speak different languages smoother than ever.
Apple Music
Apple Music introduces new features like AutoMix, which creates custom mixes based on your listening habits, and Lyrics Pronunciation, helping you learn the correct way to sing along. You can also pin your favorite tracks, artists, and playlists to the top of your screen for easy access.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps now offers proactive route suggestions based on real-time traffic, road closures, and other obstacles, helping you navigate smarter.
Apple Pay
Wallet now integrates Apple Intelligence to pull order details from your Mail app, keeping all your orders neatly organized in one place. It also expands its digital car key support to more brands, making it easier to access your car with just your iPhone.
Games
A new Games app helps you keep track of all your games in one place. You can view your friends’ achievement scores, challenge them to complete feats, and even turn single-player games into multiplayer experiences.
Visual Intelligence
The iPhone’s new Visual Intelligence feature can search for anything you’re currently viewing on your screen, like the Gemini Live app, to help you find more information on the fly.
This update to iOS 26 promises to reshape how we interact with our devices, making everything feel more cohesive, intuitive, and futuristic.