iOS 26: The Great iPhone Redesign with Apple Intelligence

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled iOS 26, marking a transformative leap forward in the iPhone experience. With the integration of the new Liquid Glass UI, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and sweeping enhancements across core apps, this update reshapes both form and function. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the features, design philosophy, technical innovations, and everything else iOS 26 brings to the table.

Redefining Design: Liquid Glass UI

The most immediately noticeable change in iOS 26 is the Liquid Glass UI—a dynamic, fluid design language inspired by visionOS. Interfaces feel alive, with responsive translucency and motion-driven behavior. Icons subtly shift in lighting, and screens adapt to ambient context, creating a near-holographic feel. Apple’s design lead Alan Dye calls it “the most immersive UI we’ve ever shipped.”

Compared to iOS 16–iOS 25, Liquid Glass represents a fundamental visual overhaul. iOS 26 drops flat gradients for deep shadows, edge tints, and depth-based interaction—similar to the real-time rendering seen on the Vision Pro headset. Every app benefits from the new design ethos, from Safari to Messages.

Apple Intelligence: Next-Level Smart Features

Apple is launching its new AI framework under the name Apple Intelligence. These features leverage on-device processing and cloud intelligence (with privacy protections) to enable:

• Genmoji: Generate customized emoji using text prompts and facial suggestions.
• Siri 2.0: Completely revamped Siri with deep language understanding, powered by large language models.
• Smart Context Tools: Tap-and-hold gestures suggest relevant actions—like summarizing a long article or replying to emails using your writing style.
• ChatGPT integration: Use ChatGPT natively through Siri or system-level functions without installing third-party apps.

All major processing for AI tools remains on-device if you’re using an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, thanks to the A17 Pro and M2 chip capabilities.

Messages: Personalization, Automation, & Privacy

iOS 26 brings big upgrades to iMessage. Users can now create group polls, edit sent messages after 10 minutes, and customize chat bubbles with colors, patterns, and animated stickers. Read receipts are now granular—you can choose who sees them and when.

Apple Intelligence enables smart replies that reflect your tone, even using previous conversations for reference. You can also auto-summarize group chats and isolate important conversations using Smart Priority mode.

Phone App: Smarter Call Handling

Call screening now works live using on-device AI. When unknown numbers call, your iPhone displays a live transcript so you can decide whether to answer. If you’re on hold, iOS 26 will detect when a human returns and notify you instantly.

Photos, Maps, and the Magic of Memory

The Photos app now supports spatial photography—pairing multiple camera inputs for immersive image depth. A new editing engine lets you remove objects, enhance color, and generate stylized versions with AI filters. Memories auto-generate highlight reels with voiceovers and soundtrack suggestions.

Maps introduces personalized routing based on calendar events, frequent destinations, and shared locations. The new AR city experience in major metros overlays navigation on real-world buildings using the camera.

Wallet & Apple Pay: All-in-One Digital Companion

iOS 26 turns Wallet into a travel hub. Dynamic boarding passes adjust automatically based on flight changes. Hotel check-in, rideshare receipts, and event tickets are integrated with Smart Stacks. Apple Pay now supports installment payments natively in over 20 countries.

Apple Music, Podcasts, and Karaoke+

The Music app gets Karaoke+, a mode that lowers vocals and displays live lyrics in multiple languages. There’s support for AI-powered crossfading and dynamic playlists that evolve based on your listening habits, mood, and time of day. Podcasts get chapter previews and AI voice summaries.

Games, App Store & Game Mode

All your games are now in one place with the new Games App. It tracks achievements, controller compatibility, and cross-platform cloud sync. A new Game Mode optimizes CPU and GPU for peak performance, while minimizing background processes.

Battery & Power Management

Adaptive Power Mode now anticipates when you’ll need more battery life—during travel, meetings, or long calls—and optimizes background activity and screen refresh rate accordingly. It uses AI patterns to learn your daily habits.

Accessibility Features in iOS 26

New accessibility tools include facial tracking for people with motor disabilities, sound-based notifications for the hearing impaired, and smart screen reading via the updated VoiceOver engine. AI narration can describe onscreen content in natural language, even in third-party apps.

Privacy and Security Reinforced

Apple has added Private Relay improvements, a new Password Vault with biometric unlock, and AI Privacy Grade indicators that show how your data is being used by each app. Siri and ChatGPT interactions do not leave your device unless you consent.

Developer Features and Swift Evolution

For developers, iOS 26 offers upgraded APIs to integrate Liquid Glass effects and system-level intelligence into third-party apps. SwiftUI 6 enables more interactive widgets, while Xcode 17 includes visionOS simulator support and advanced debugging tools.

Release Timeline and Supported Devices

• Developer Beta: Available now via Apple Developer Program.
• Public Beta: Launching in July 2025 for all users with compatible devices.
• Official Release: Fall 2025, likely September, with iPhone 17 series.
• Supported Devices: iPhone 11 and later. Apple Intelligence requires iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or newer.

Final Thoughts: Is iOS 26 Worth the Hype?

iOS 26 isn't just another update—it's a complete rethinking of how your iPhone interacts with you. From design innovation to privacy-conscious AI features, Apple has packed its latest OS with tools that feel futuristic yet familiar. Whether you're a power user, a student, a traveler, or a casual scroller, iOS 26 offers something transformative. This update may well be remembered as the defining software release of the iPhone’s second decade.

Written by Suraj Prajapati.