Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 26, is making waves with its revolutionary changes announced at WWDC 2025. This update represents a significant visual overhaul, reminiscent of the changes brought about by iOS 7.
The introduction of a liquid glass design language unifies the look across all Apple devices, marking a new era for iPhone user experience. This update not only brings aesthetic improvements but also functional enhancements that change how users interact with their devices.
iOS 26 introduces a consistent visual identity across Apple’s ecosystem while maintaining device-specific optimizations. With the first developer beta available today, and the public release expected in fall 2025, users are eager to explore the new features.
This article will help you understand if your iPhone models are compatible with the new update and whether the new features justify upgrading.
Key Takeaways
- iOS 26 brings a revolutionary liquid glass design language.
- A consistent visual identity across Apple’s ecosystem.
- Functional enhancements improve user interaction.
- Check if your iPhone model is compatible with iOS 26.
- Explore the top features of iOS 26 in this article.
What’s New in iOS 26: A Complete Overview
iOS 26 represents Apple’s most ambitious redesign since iOS 7, promising a unified and immersive experience. At the recent WWDC2025, Apple unveiled the details of this significant update, highlighting its focus on creating a consistent design language across all its devices.
WWDC2025 Announcement Highlights
The WWDC2025 keynote brought to light several key features of iOS 26, including a liquid glass aesthetic that enhances the visual appeal of the interface. This new design philosophy is not just about looks; it’s also about creating a more intuitive and responsive user experience. Developers will be able to implement these new design guidelines in their apps to ensure consistency with the iOS 26 aesthetic.
The event also outlined the timeline for the developer beta releases, with the public beta and final release dates announced shortly after. This allows developers to prepare their apps for the upcoming changes.
The Biggest Visual Overhaul Since iOS 7
iOS 26 is described as the biggest update to the look and feel of the iPhone since iOS 7. The new design language ensures a unified experience across all Apple devices while maintaining device-specific optimizations. The liquid glass interface creates a more immersive experience, responding to user interactions in a visually appealing way.
The update also introduces new design options that allow for greater personalization while maintaining a cohesive visual identity. This means users can enjoy a more tailored experience without compromising the overall language of the operating system.
The Revolutionary Liquid Glass Design
With iOS26, Apple has unveiled its most dramatic design change yet: the Liquid Glass Design. This new aesthetic is not just a visual update; it’s a comprehensive overhaul that brings depth and dimension to the interface.
Clear Monochrome Glass App Icons
One of the standout features of the Liquid Glass Design is the “Clear” option for app icons, which transforms them into monochrome glass-like elements. This creates a unified and minimalist look that can be customized to suit user preferences.
To enable this feature, users can long-press on a blank area of the Home screen, select “Customize,” and then choose the “Clear” option. This simplicity in customization adds to the overall user experience.
3D Effects and Visual Elements
The Liquid Glass Design also incorporates subtle 3D effects into app icons, making them appear more immersive. Whether on the Home screen, dock, or folders, these effects add a layer of depth that enhances the visual appeal.
The 3D effects are particularly noticeable in the dock, where app icons seem to have a more pronounced presence.
Frosted Glass Notifications
Notifications in iOS26 have also received a visual makeover, adopting a frosted glass look that integrates seamlessly with the overall design. This not only adds to the aesthetic but also creates a more elegant notification system.
The frosted glass effect gives notifications a sophisticated look, making the interface feel more refined.
The Liquid Glass Design is more than just a visual change; it influences animations and transitions throughout the system, creating a cohesive and sophisticated user experience. By maintaining functionality while adding visual sophistication, Apple has managed to strike a perfect balance.
Compared to previous iOS design languages, the Liquid Glass Design represents a significant visual overhaul, one that modernizes the interface while retaining its intuitive nature.
iOS 26 iPhones: Compatibility and Requirements
Apple’s latest operating system, iOS26, is here, and it’s essential to check if your iPhone is on the compatibility list. The new update brings significant changes and improvements, but not all iPhone models will be able to run it.
Supported iPhone Models
iOS26 is compatible with iPhone models that have an A13 chip or newer. This means that the following devices will be able to upgrade:
| iPhone Model | Chip | Year |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone16e | Apple A18 | 2025 |
| iPhone16 Pro Max | Apple A18 Pro | 2024 |
| iPhone11 Pro | Apple A13 | 2019 |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | Apple A13 | 2020 |
Unfortunately, this also means that older models like the iPhone XR and iPhone XS will remain on iOS18, as they have older A12 chips.
Devices That Support Apple Intelligence
Some of the newer iPhone models not only support iOS26 but also Apple Intelligence features, marked with an asterisk (*) in the compatibility list. These include the iPhone16e, iPhone16 Pro Max, and iPhone15 Pro models. Apple Intelligence requires more advanced hardware, which is why it’s limited to these newer devices.
For those with compatible devices who are eager to try out iOS26 before its official release, Apple’s beta testing program is available. This allows users to test the new features and provide feedback. People with older devices that are no longer supported may consider upgrading to a newer iPhone model to access the latest features.
Top User Interface Improvements in iOS 26
Apple’s iOS26 update introduces a range of user interface improvements that simplify daily interactions. With a focus on intuitive design and streamlined functionality, iOS26 enhances the overall user experience.
Simplified Camera App Interface
The Camera app in iOS26 has been simplified to focus on the most commonly used Photo and Video options by default. Additional modes are now accessible through a tap and hold gesture, making it easier to navigate.
Expandable Controls Across Apps
iOS26 introduces expandable controls across various apps, creating a consistent interaction model. This means that options are revealed only when needed, reducing clutter and enhancing usability.
Floating Tab Bars Over Content
The new floating tab bars create a more immersive experience by hovering over content rather than taking up dedicated screen space. This design choice enhances the liquid glass design aesthetic, providing a more modern look.
Streamlined Settings Display
The settings display in iOS26 has been streamlined to show only current settings at first glance. Tapping on this display expands it into a full control panel, reducing visual clutter and making it easier to manage your preferences.
These UI improvements not only make day-to-day use more efficient but also maintain the liquid glass design language throughout the system. The new design enhances text readability with improved contrast against the glass elements, benefiting different iPhone Pro models, particularly those with larger displays.
As iOS26 is still in the developer beta stage, some features may change before the final release. Nonetheless, the new button designs and interaction patterns create a more intuitive experience across the system.
Should You Update to iOS 26?
With iOS 26, Apple has introduced a revolutionary liquid glass design that could be a game-changer for many users. If your iPhone is compatible, consider whether the new features justify updating, especially if you’re using an iPhone Pro model, which will get the most complete experience, including all Apple Intelligence features.
For those with daily driver phones, it’s advisable to wait for the stable release this fall rather than installing the beta version today. Developers should install the beta today to ensure their apps are optimized for the new design language. If your device is no longer supported, it might be time to explore new iPhone models.
