Following the annual WWDC 2025 conference, Apple has lifted the veil on iOS 26a version that puts artificial intelligence at the heart of the user experience and introduces a new design called Liquid Glass. The update, expected in September, marks the most radical change to the interface since iOS 7 in 2013.
Liquid Glass: a new visual language
The visual signature of iOS 26 is based around Liquid Glassa graphics language inspired by visionOS. It introduces a fluid, transparent and dynamic interface where elements - icons, navigation bars and widgets - adapt their opacity and react to movement.
The new design can be seen on the lock screen, where the time changes according to the background image, and on the home screen with translucent icons. The rendering creates a sense of depth and reinforces visual consistency across the entire Apple ecosystem. apple.com.
Compatible iPhones: a strategic decision
iOS 26 will be reserved for iPhones equipped with an A13 Bionic chip or later, meaning that the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR will no longer be available. This decision underscores Apple's desire to focus its innovations on devices capable of exploiting the full potential of the iPhone. Liquid Glass and theApple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence: AI everywhere
The central element of iOS 26nicknamed Apple Intelligenceintegrates AI into every facet of the system:
- Live translation for FaceTime, Messages and calls, with real-time subtitles reddit.com
- Genmoji and Image PlaygroundAI-driven creative tools for generating emojis and personalising images
- Visual IntelligenceThe "screen extract" function enables you to analyse a screen extract and take action (search, purchase, summary).
- Smart shortcutsoffering summaries, visual creations or automatic responses via AI
Apple is reserving certain advanced functions - such as live translation and intelligent reminders - for models with the A17 Pro chip or more recent models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and its successors.
iOs 26 Apps revisited: Messages, Phone, CarPlay
Messages
- Customisable backgrounds and polling functions
- Input indicators in group conversations
- Integration of Apple Cash in bundled mode
- AI spam filtering
Telephone
- Call Screening intelligent filter to identify automatic calls
- Hold Assist Holds calls and notifies you when the human caller answers
CarPlay
- Interface Liquid Glass for CarPlay Ultra
- Video streaming via AirPlay when the vehicle is stationary
Other new systems
- Apple Music creation of playlist folders, automatic mixing via AI, live translation of lyrics, etc.
- Maps On-board AI to suggest frequent itineraries and places visited
- Wallet interactive flight tickets, digital passport management, flight tracking, etc.
- Apple Games a single application for all Apple games and social interactions
- Accessibility voice reader, Braille support, background ambient sounds, call transcription, etc.
Roll-out: 2025 timetable
- Beta developers since 10 June 2025
- Public beta scheduled for July (probably around 14-15/07)
- Final version expected in mid-September 2025in parallel with iPhone 17
Reactions and issues
The design Liquid Glass received a warm welcome mostly positiveThis has been praised for its visual depth, but some people are concerned about readability in certain conditions. The adoption of a version name based on the year (iOS 26) marks a strategy of clarification for users.
On the technical front, the rise of AI, the end of compatibility with certain models and the strengthening of cross-platform experiences demonstrate Apple's ambition to dominate the mobile ecosystem while prioritising recent devices.
Conclusion iOS 26: a strategic shift
iOS 26 combines a bold visual redesign (Liquid Glass) with intelligent and user-centred. By focusing on more immersive, personalised and consistent experiences, Apple is confirming its position as a leader in mobile software innovation. The tight schedule (beta in July, release in September) calls on developers and users to get ready now.
The arrival of iOS 26 is more than just an update: it's a renewed vision for iPhone, based on visual elegance, contextual intelligence and cross-platform consistency.
