
Apple’s anticipated iOS 26 update, codenamed “Liquid Glass,” is creating buzz ahead of the date of its release, which is September 2025. With its striking, clear design as well as a plethora of new functions, iOS 26 aims to transform the iPhone user experience. After receiving comments from beta testing Apple is working on enhancing the app in order to blend its contemporary design with practicality and ensuring an enjoyable experience for millions of customers across the globe.
The Evolution of “Liquid Glass”
“The “Liquid Glass” design marks the biggest visual change to Apple’s design since the past decade, using inspiration from elegant, transparent interfaces that remind us of sci-fi movies. The new version introduces a vibrant glass-like look featuring fluid animations, translucent backgrounds for applications, as well as widgets for the home screen that mix seamlessly with customized wallpapers. The wallpapers respond to movements and tilts, generating the illusion of depth which creates an iPhone seem alive.
Early beta testers had issues with the heavy dependence on transparent. Text and notifications could be rendered unreadable in certain light conditions, particularly when using non-OLED display screens or the bright sun. Apple is responding by tweaking the levels of transparency, adding adjustable contrast settings as well as optimizing the readability of all phones starting from iPhone 13 to iPhone 13 to the upcoming iPhone 17 series. The adjustments will ensure that the aesthetics created by “Liquid Glass” doesn’t compromise its functionality.
The performance has also been an area of priority. older models, like that of the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro experienced a slight lag in animations when they were in the initial betas. Apple’s most recent builds optimise the update to work with a greater selection of hardware, which has reduced the drain on batteries and enhancing speed, making sure even budget-conscious customers with older models are able to take advantage of the updated look without having to sacrifice the performance.
Key Features of iOS 26

In addition to its stunning design, iOS 26 introduces a variety of new features that are created to improve productivity, creativity as well as privacy.
Future-generation Widgets: iOS 26 takes widgets to new heights, with greater interaction. Apps can be controlled by users such as Music and Podcasts as well as Calendar direct from their home screen. A good example is the Music widget allows you to play, pause or skip tracks without having to open the application, while a Notes widget lets you make quick changes to sketches or checklists.
Apple Intelligence 2.0 Based on the AI foundation, iOS 26 enhances Siri by enhancing its contextual awareness. This allows it to make suggestions in response to your calendar and messages or even your location. The new “Contextual Notes” feature automatically arranges your ideas by connecting them to pertinent calendar events, emails, or even contacts.
Privacy Dashboard: Apple continues its privacy-first ethos with the updated App Privacy Dashboard. This dashboard gives a clear and user-friendly explanation of the ways apps use data like location, camera or microphone. Users can tap one of the option to deactivate the permissions. Additionally, it flags apps that show abnormal activity and allows users to remain in control.
seamless continuity: iOS 26 strengthens the ecosystem of Apple with enhanced Handoff as well as universal Clipboard capabilities. It allows users to start tasks using their iPhone and then switch to an iPad to edit and then complete the work using the Mac without any friction. New “Shared Canvas” feature lets users with multiple Apple devices work together on drawings or other documents in real-time.
Accessibility Updates: iOS 26 introduces an enhanced VoiceOver support and dynamic font scaling to visually impaired users, as well as the ability to customize haptic feedback patterns which makes the iPhone easier to use than it has ever been.
User Feedback Drives Refinement

For platforms such as X users lauded for the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic for the modern and immersive feeling however they noted issues with reading. “The transparency is stunning, but I couldn’t read my notifications in sunlight,” one person wrote. A different user commented “Animations were choppy on my iPhone 13, but the latest beta feels smoother.” The speed at which Apple responds to issues demonstrates its dedication to providing an experience that is user-centered.
It also introduces an “Classic Mode” toggle, that allows users to decrease transparency, and then return to the conventional iOS appearance if they prefer. This feature is aimed at those who are looking for the new options without having to go through the “Liquid Glass” overhaul, providing a broad appeal.
What to Expect at Launch
It is expected to launch around mid-September 2025. The upgrade will be accessible in a no-cost download available on devices that run iOS 25, which includes the iPhone 13 14 and 15, 16 and the respective Pro, Max, and Mini variations. Apple has announced that its older models will be upgraded to editions of iOS 26 to make sure they are compatible however some features including advanced animations could be restricted to devices that are not A15 Bionic or older chipsets.
The developers are already taking advantage of the new version, with big apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Spotify, and Notion in the process of revealing iOS 26-optimized design. They will make use of the transparent look and feel of interactive widgets to create a seamless environment across all of the platforms. Apple’s apps, which include Safari, Photos, and Maps are being rebuilt entirely from scratch in order to show off their “Liquid Glass” look, featuring fluid transitions, and vivid hues.