Apple Unveils Liquid Glass in iOS 26 at WWDC 2025
At WWDC 2025, Apple showed off its biggest design refresh in years. The change comes with Liquid Glass, a new look that stretches across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. The new design is part of iOS 26, a version number that now matches the release ye
The style uses clear, shiny layers that move and react as you use your device. Apple wants it to feel natural and clean, but some think it might make reading harder for some people.
Along with design changes, Apple added tools that use AI, calling the group Apple Intelligence. These tools let your phone understand what’s on the screen, answer calls better, and even turn your words into images.
With this update, the Messages app adds polls, cash payments, and custom backgrounds. There’s also Genmoji, which builds new emoji from your ideas, and Image Playground, where you can ask ChatGPT to make pictures. In Phone, you’ll find features like Hold Assist and live call translation.
Some features only work on the newest iPhones—those with the A17 Pro chip or better. Older devices like iPhone XR and XS will not get this update.
What’s new:
- Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 across devices
- Genmoji and custom image tools in Messages
- Smarter call and translation features with Apple Intelligence
- Polls and payment options in group chats
- AI features need the latest iPhones
‘Broadest Update Ever’
Alan Dye, Apple’s human interface VP, described it as, “the broadest software design update ever.” The update keeps basic layouts the same but makes everything feel more lively.
The developer version is out now. A test version for everyone else will come in July. The full release is set for this fall when the next iPhone arrives. Investors reacted calmly, with some disappointment that Siri updates were pushed to 2026.
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