Apple unveiled the new iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 – an operating system that is not just a visual overhaul, but a complete transformation of the iPhone. With a "Liquid Glass" design, artificial intelligence integration, and surprisingly bold features, Apple is starting a new chapter in mobile aesthetics and functionality.
Do you still remember the moment when Apple with iOS7 said goodbye to skeuomorphism? Now it's welcoming something completely different - an almost hallucinatory three-dimensional design they're calling "Liquid Glass." It's as if the iPhone fell into a liquid crystal lab. And no, this isn't just a plastic refresh. This is Apple's attempt to redefine how a phone should be. looks, breathes and thinks. The new iOS 26... let's see.
The new iOS 26 – centered on Liquid Glass – shaping the future or an overly shiny mirage?
Apple says Liquid Glass is more than just a visual embellishment. It's a new design paradigm that combines light reflections, layers of depth, and moving elements that respond to light, touch, and context. It all feels like the display is made of digital glass floating above your fingers.
What does this mean in practice?
- The clock bar on the lock screen stretches across the screen as if to embrace the whole world.
- The icons are multi-layered and dynamically blend, as if Apple were bringing the Vision Pro philosophy to mobile devices.
- Safari is now borderless – tabs float above content, like holograms.
News that is serious… and not so serious
While Liquid Glass shines, it also brings concrete functionality that shows that Apple hasn't forgotten about users who actually use their phone for... well, anything other than looking at icons.
The phone app becomes your AI assistant
Call waiting? Siri – oops, sorry – Apple Intelligence will “hold” it for you. Spam? Now AI can answer for you and check if it’s something important or just another offer for two-part phototherapy.
Messaging: more than just bubbles
Now you can customize your chat background – use your own photo, an AI-generated image, or just pop it in the middle of a conversation when no one can decide where to have lunch. Typing indicators in group chats? Finally, you know who's writing a novel and who's sending emojis.
Apple Intelligence: AI that pretends not to be AI
The new iOS 26 fully introduces Apple Intelligence – a native AI platform that runs not in the cloud, but right on your device. Privacy? Checked. Speed? Faster than raising an eyebrow at the price of the iPhone Pro Max Ultra X.
- Live Translation: Live translations, anywhere – in messages, FaceTime, or even during a phone call.
- Visual Intelligence: take a screenshot of the jacket? iPhone looks it up online. Invitation screen? It appears in your calendar. ChatGPT is now your copilot.
Apple Music, Maps, Wallet and… games!
- AutoMix transitions in Apple Music sound like you were hired by a DJ.
- Maps Now remember your routes and warn of crowds before you even get out of bed.
- Apple Wallet with digital identity and internal airport maps? Please!
- Games app is Game Center on steroids – with leaderboards, Arcade access, and a “Play Together” tab for multiplayer madness.
And why is it now “iOS 26”, not iOS 19?
Apple has decided to name its operating systems after cars – with the year following. iOS 26 is not the result of eight hidden upgrades, but the system for the year 2026. Make no mistake – iOS 19 would not be “future-proof” enough for what Liquid Glass wants to say.
Conclusion
New iOS 26 is more than just a refresh – it’s an aesthetic explosion, a futuristic vision and an AI assistant all rolled into one. It may not be Siri that understands everything and makes coffee yet, but with Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence Apple is making it clear: the future is not just useful – it’s shiny, fluid and captivating.
If iOS 7 killed skeuomorphism, iOS 26 brings it back. Only this time it's not made of wood and leather - but of shiny glass magic.
