Liquid Glass is a huge new change coming to iOS 26. (Apple)
Tired of staring at your current iPhone, dreaming of iOS 26’s Liquid Glass interface? Stop waiting for fall! Apple’s public beta is here, offering a sneak peek at the stunning home and lock screen redesign we’ve been clamoring for. According to 9to5Mac, Tim Cook himself is calling this (and the other current beta OS’s) “by far the most popular developer betas we’ve had.” Dive into the translucent world revealed at WWDC on June 9th, and experience the future of iOS, macOS, and iPadOS today!
Forget AI hype: Apple’s iOS update is all about making your iPhoneactuallybetter. Remember those endless spam texts? Soon, you can silence the unknown senders for good. Tired of being stuck on hold? iOS 18 lets you reclaim your time while it holds your place in the queue. And get this: Apple’s resurrecting a beloved feature in Photos that you probably didn’t even realize you missed. Prepare for a refresh that focuses on the everyday annoyances we all face.
Siri’s stuck on repeat. Apple’s promised AI-boosted assistant, teased at WWDC 2024, is MIA until next year. Don’t hold your breath for beta breakthroughs. Whispers suggest a radical brain upgrade is brewing: Apple might tap the power of AI giants like ChatGPT or Claude. Could 2026 be Siri’s singularity?
iOS 26 is shaping up to be a game-changer! Every beta release unveils something fresh, like the ingenious FaceTime feature that keeps things PG by automatically freezing your video if it detects… well, you get the picture. Got a recent iPhone? You’re likely in luck – iOS 26 (beta and final) is coming your way. Ready for a sneak peek at the full feature roster dropping this fall? Let’s dive in!
What is iOS 26?
Forget iOS 19! Apple’s throwing us a curveball, catapulting straight to iOS 26 later this year. Think of it like this: car model years. While you’re eagerly awaiting the late 2025 release, the “26” designation aligns Apple’s mobile world with the year ahead. And in the meantime, iOS 18 is still basking in the summer sun, with updates like 18.6 keeping things fresh.
It’s official, we’re moving to iOS 26. (Apple)
What is Liquid Glass design?
WWDC 2024: Let’s face it, the Liquid Glass redesign stole the show. For years, the iPhone’s home and lock screens have felt…static. Remember the thrill of finally customizing your aesthetic with widgets? Liquid Glass injects a much-needed dose of dynamism back into the everyday. It’s a facelift that breathes new life into our most-used spaces.
Apple’s calling it “Liquid Glass” a fitting name for the iPhone’s subtly revamped interface. Imagine app windows and widgets, seemingly crafted from clear, shimmering glass, dynamically shifting between light and dark modes like chameleons adapting to their environment. But the redesign doesn’t stop there. Floating buttons, less visually intrusive yet instantly accessible, now grace apps like Phone and Maps. While some critics see echoes of Windows Vista’s Aero past in this translucent aesthetic, others are embracing Apple’s bold new direction, finding a fresh, modern appeal in its glassy depths. Is it a nostalgic nod or a glimpse into the future of UI? The debate is officially open.
But hold on, even with iOS 26 beta 2, Apple’s already tweaking the Liquid Glass recipe, toning down the transparency in response to early user feedback. So, while Liquid Glasswillkeep evolving, prepare for a consistent Apple experience across devices. Curious how this translucent dreamscape will look on your Mac? Dive into the details of macOS Tahoe 26 and see Liquid Glass take over your desktop: https://www.engadget.com/computing/macos-tahoe-26-will-bring-apples-new-liquid-glass-ui-to-your-desktop-174149070.html
What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?
iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:
Tired of phone app chaos? Prepare for a revolution!Our redesigned app puts everything you need contacts, recent calls, voicemails on a single, streamlined screen. But the real gamechanger? “Hold Assist.” This smart feature alerts you the instant a live agent picks up, freeing you from elevator music purgatory. Reclaim your time and say goodbye to endless waiting.
Imagine effortlessly chatting with anyone, anywhere, regardless of language. iOS 26 makes this a reality with Live Translation! Now, phone calls, FaceTime chats, and even text message threads become globally accessible conversations. While Apple’s demo hinted at slight pauses, the potential is revolutionary: communicate in your native tongue and have it instantly translated for the other person, opening doors to a world without language barriers. Get ready to connect like never before.
Group Chat Chaos? Polls to the Rescue!
Drowning in a sea of group chat messages trying to nail down brunch plans or decide whose ride gets road trip honors? Soon, say goodbye to endless scrolling! Group chat polls are coming, making decisions a breeze. Finally, a fun and easy way to rally your crew and get things done!
Tired of Text Message Scams? Relief is Coming!
If your phone hasn’t been buzzing with bogus toll violations or fake citations, consider yourself fortunate. But for the rest of us bombarded by these spam texts, there’s good news: a new feature is on the way to filter these digital pests into a separate folder, restoring peace to your inbox.
Ever stumbled upon an Instagram post showcasing a must-have item, like those killer shoes someone’s rocking? Now, imagine instantly finding them – or something remarkably similar – online, straight from your iPhone screen. That’s the magic of Visual Intelligence. Think of it as a reverse Google image search baked right into your phone, turning your screenshots into shopping opportunities. See it, screenshot it, shop it!
FINALLY! Photo Tabs Return to Rescue Your Sanity!
Remember the endless scrolling nightmare after last year’s Photos update? Well, the good news is, Apple heard your cries! The beloved Library and Collections tabs are making a triumphant comeback. Say goodbye to the infinite scroll of frustration and hello to easily finding your cherished memories once again.
Imagine FaceTime with a guardian angel builtin. That’s essentially what iOS 26’s new “Communication Safety” feature offers. It intelligently pauses video calls if nudity is detected, acting as a digital safety net for children. The best part? This safeguard operates directly on the device, ensuring your privacy remains untouched by the cloud. It’s a proactive approach to child safety, right in the palm of your hand.
Tired of elevator music and robotic voices? Apple’s Hold Assist is your new superpower. Kiss goodbye to endless hold times and reclaim your sanity, one silent wait at a time. Finally, technology that respects your time.
Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?
Heads up, iPhone users! Thinking about iOS 26? If you’re rocking an iPhone XR, XS, or XS Max, you might be out of luck. But fear not, iPhone fans – if your device was released in 2019 or later, you’re likely in the clear to experience the latest and greatest Apple has to offer. Dive into the details and check the complete compatibility list here.
- iPhone SE (second generation or later)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Sneak peek into the future! Beyond what’s listed, brace yourselves for the almost-guaranteed arrival of the iPhone 17 lineup (or perhaps even the mythical iPhone 26?) this September.
How to install iOS 26 beta
Want a sneak peek into the future of iOS? iOS 26 is here well, the public beta is! Be among the first to explore the freshest features Apple has cooked up. Getting in is easy and free. Just swing by beta.apple.com, sign up with your digits or email, and prepare for liftoff!
Once you’re in, you can install it by going toSettings>General>Software Updateand selectingiOS 26 public beta.
Thinking of beta-testing iOS on your everyday iPhone? Proceed with caution! You’re essentially volunteering to be a guinea pig, and unfinished software can be buggy. Glitches, freezes, and even data loss are possibilities. Only install if you’re comfortable with the risks and have a backup plan. Your daily driver might just become a daily headache.
When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?
Mark your calendars, Apple enthusiasts! This fall, prepare for the arrival of iOS 26. Tradition dictates a September release, hot on the heels of Apple’s annual iPhone spectacle. If history serves as a guide, expect the update to land within seven days of the new iPhone reveal a pattern we saw last year when iOS 25 graced our iPhones on September 16, precisely a week after the iPhone 15 unveiling.
Apple Intelligence has arrived! Get the lowdown on every AI-powered feature unveiled at WWDC for iOS, macOS, and beyond in Engadget’s comprehensive breakdown: everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more. Plus, is iOS 26 already teasing the future of Siri? See what intriguing clues screenshots reveal about Apple’s upcoming AI assistant overhaul: intriguing preview of Apple’s delayed Siri rework.
Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.
Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.
Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.
Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.
Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.
Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.
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