Apple released the first public beta of its new mobile operating system, iOS 26, featuring its “Liquid Glass” user interface and improved AI features. The release allows early adopters to get their hands on Apple’s latest software before its wider public availability later this fall.
The update represents the most notable visual transformation since iOS 7, featuring a “Liquid Glass” design that offers a more transparent, glass-like feel to user interface elements, like buttons, screens, and in-app navigation and controls, among other things. Liquid Glass is integrated throughout iOS 26, including in key apps like Phone, Camera, Safari, Music, and others, as well as in notifications, the Lock Screen, Control Center, and the Home Screen.
The software update also includes an redesigned Lock Screen for iPhone and iPad with a 3D photo effect and dynamic clock and updated app icons, which users can now set to clear, too.
In terms of AI features, the new software brings a live translation feature that translates conversations in real time, AI-powered shortcuts, poll suggestions in Messages, and an update to Visual Intelligence for conducting image searches as you browse.
Other software versions, including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26, have also adopted the Liquid Glass design.
Here is a brief overview of all the new features being introduced.
iOS 26
In addition to the glass aesthetic, iPhone users have several updates to be excited about, including a dedicated gaming app that serves as a new destination for playing and discovering games in one place.
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The Phone app is introducing a new Call Screening feature that prompts unknown callers to state their name and reason for calling before the recipient answers. Additionally, a Hold Assist feature will notify users when hold music ends, signaling that they can speak to a live agent. The app, along with Messages and FaceTime, will also support real-time live translations. In the Messages app, meanwhile, users can expect a feature that has AI-generated suggestions for polls.
In addition, iOS 26 will bring updates to Genmoji and Image Playground, as well as improvements to Camera, Photos, Maps, and a range of other minor additions, including the ability to customize alarm snooze times.
iPadOS 26
A big win for iPad users is that they’ll experience a more Mac-like tablet. For example, iPadOS 16 is bringing the Preview app from macOS, which enables annotation on PDFs. Plus, a new windowing system that lets users adjust the size of web pages and apps, as well as manage multiple windows and tabs at once.
macOS Tahoe 26
One notable update for macOS 26 involves Spotlight, which will employ AI to anticipate user searches and suggest actions based on frequently performed tasks or ongoing projects. Additionally, macOS is gaining Live Activities, allowing users to sync activities directly with their iPhones and access recent calls and contacts.
watchOS 26
One of the more significant features coming to the new watchOS is Workout Buddy, a fitness assistant powered by Apple Intelligence that provides motivation using a generative AI voice during workouts, pointing out key moments like closing the Exercise ring for the day.
Apple has also revamped the Workout app, introducing a helpful new option called Autoplay Media. This feature automatically starts playing music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Additionally, Apple Music can intelligently recommend the most suitable playlists for your workouts and will recall listening habits for each type of exercise.
Another update is the automatic volume adjustment capability, which adjusts the volume of calls, timers, alarms, and Siri to match the surrounding sound levels, ideal for quiet places like libraries.
Apple also introduced a new one-handed flick gesture that’s designed to dismiss notifications, silence incoming calls, and return to the watch face, among other actions.
tvOS 26
Arguably, the most useful new feature coming to Apple’s TV operating system is the ability to switch profiles seamlessly. Users can easily select their profile as soon as the Apple TV wakes from sleep, allowing them to quickly resume their viewing experience.
Apple Music introduced a fun feature that enables users to use their iPhones as microphones for sing-alongs, complete with on-screen lyrics displayed on the TV. Multiple iPhones can connect at once, making it possible for friends and family to join in, queue songs, and even send emoji reactions.
Additionally, new Contact Posters for FaceTime allow users to showcase customized photos and names, personalizing the experience. Another notable update includes the expansion of Live Captions to support translations in languages such as French, German, and Spanish.
