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Apple unveiled iOS 26, a transformative update to its iPhone operating system, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025, in Cupertino, California. The update introduces a sleek “Liquid Glass” design, advanced Apple Intelligence features, and practical tools like Call Screening and Live Translation. Announced alongside updates to iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26, iOS 26 aims to unify Apple’s ecosystem with a cohesive design and enhanced functionality. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS 26, its features, supported devices, and how to access the developer beta.
A New Era of Design: Liquid Glass
At the heart of iOS 26 is Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design, a visually striking interface inspired by visionOS. Described as a translucent material that “reflects and refracts its surroundings,” Liquid Glass brings a glossy, fluid aesthetic to app icons, widgets, and system menus. According to Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design, “This is our broadest software design update ever… It makes even the simplest of interactions more fun and magical.”
The Lock Screen now dynamically adapts to notifications and photo subjects, while spatial scenes add a 3D effect to wallpapers. Core apps like Camera, Photos, and Safari have been redesigned with rounded, intuitive interfaces, making navigation smoother and more engaging.
Features of iOS 26
iOS 26 introduces several user-focused features, blending practicality with innovation:
- Call Screening: iPhones will automatically answer calls from unknown numbers, prompting callers to state their purpose. A transcription appears before the phone rings, helping users avoid spam.
- Live Translation: Integrated into Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, this feature provides real-time translations during calls, with captions for FaceTime, and works even if the caller doesn’t use an iPhone.
- Visual Intelligence: Enhanced with ChatGPT integration, this tool lets users search for items on their screen, like finding a jacket online, with privacy controls ensuring data isn’t shared without consent.
- Games App: A new hub for gaming, featuring Home, Arcade, Play Together, and Library tabs, making it easier to discover and play games.
- Apple Maps and Wallet: Maps now learns preferred routes and tracks visited places, while Wallet offers a new boarding pass interface with airport mapping.
Apple Intelligence and Developer Access
Apple is opening its foundational AI model, powering features like Siri enhancements, to third-party developers. Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering, noted, “This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar,” addressing delays in some AI-driven features. Developers can now integrate Apple’s live translation and Visual Intelligence into their apps, fostering innovation across the ecosystem.
For example, Apple showcased how OpenAI’s ChatGPT enhances its Image Playground app for image generation, emphasizing user privacy by requiring explicit consent for data sharing.
Supported Devices and Compatibility
iOS 26 supports most iPhones running iOS 18, but three older models—the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max—are no longer compatible due to hardware limitations. Apple Intelligence features, such as advanced Siri capabilities, require an A17 Bionic chip or later, limiting them to:
Device | Supports iOS 26 | Supports Apple Intelligence |
iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max | Yes | Yes |
iPhone 16 / 16e / Pro / Pro Max | Yes | Yes |
iPhone 14 Series | Yes | No |
iPhone XR / XS / XS Max | No | No |
iOS 26 Release Date and Beta Access
The full version of iOS 26 is expected to launch in September 2025, likely alongside the iPhone 17. However, Apple made the iOS 26 developer beta available immediately after the WWDC keynote on June 9, 2025. Unlike previous years, the beta is accessible to anyone with an Apple ID, not just developers.
To download the iOS 26 developer beta:
- Visit Apple’s Developer Enrollment page and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Go to the Apple Beta Software Program on your iPhone and enroll your device.
- Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update, select “iOS 26 Developer Beta,” and tap Update Now.
Apple advises caution, as beta versions may contain bugs. Experts recommend installing the beta on a secondary device to avoid disruptions. A public beta is expected in July 2025 for a more stable experience.
Why iOS 26 Matters
Unlike competitors’ focus on ambitious AI visions, Apple’s WWDC 2025 emphasized practical improvements for everyday use. Features like Call Screening and Live Translation address real-world needs, while the Liquid Glass design unifies Apple’s ecosystem across iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. The shift to year-based naming (e.g., iOS 26 instead of iOS 19) simplifies Apple’s operating system lineup, aligning with macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26.
Despite a 1.5% dip in Apple’s stock post-WWDC, the updates signal Apple’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design, setting the stage for a competitive fall release.
What’s Next for iOS 26?
As the beta testing phase progresses, Apple will likely refine features based on user feedback. The public beta in July will offer a glimpse into the polished version, with the final release expected to coincide with new hardware in September. Developers, meanwhile, can leverage Apple’s opened AI framework to create innovative apps, potentially reshaping the iPhone experience.
Stay tuned for updates on iOS 26’s development, new features, and tips for a smooth beta experience. Have you tried the iOS 26 beta yet, or are you waiting for the public release? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow our blog for the latest tech news!
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