Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote on June 9 unveiled a comprehensive suite of upcoming changes across its operating systems, including iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. A significant highlight was the introduction of the “Liquid Glass” design, a new translucent aesthetic set to refresh the visual experience across Apple’s software ecosystem.
The iOS 26 public beta is currently available for users eager to test these new features ahead of their official fall release. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently noted that the current beta operating systems, including iOS 26, are “by far the most popular developer betas we’ve had,” indicating strong public interest. The final release of iOS 26 is anticipated this fall, likely in September, aligning with Apple’s traditional iPhone launch events.
One notable change in Apple’s software numbering convention is the direct leap from iOS 18 to iOS 26, skipping intermediate versions. This strategic shift aligns iOS version numbers with a year-based system, akin to car model years, meaning that while iOS 26 will be released in late 2025, its designation reflects the year ahead. Despite this jump, iOS 18 continues to receive updates, with version 18.6 recently released.
The “Liquid Glass” design emerged as a central theme of this year’s WWDC, marking a significant departure from the consistent appearance of iPhone home and lock screens over the years. This new aesthetic introduces a “translucent material” for apps and widgets, allowing for a clearer, more ethereal visual experience. The design adapts to both dark and light modes and incorporates “floating” buttons in several applications, such as Phone and Maps, designed to be less obtrusive yet easily discernible. While the design has generated some debate, drawing comparisons to Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly two decades ago, it signals a fresh direction for Apple’s interface.
Apple has already demonstrated responsiveness to user feedback regarding the Liquid Glass design. Following the release of iOS 26 beta 2, adjustments were made to dial back some of the transparency in certain areas, indicating an iterative approach to its implementation. The overarching goal of Liquid Glass is to foster greater visual cohesion across all of Apple’s operating systems, as exemplified by its integration with the new macOS Tahoe 26.
Beyond the aesthetic changes, iOS 26 introduces a range of practical new features designed to enhance user experience and productivity. These include a redesigned Phone app that allows users to scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages all on a single screen, and a new “Hold Assist” feature that notifies users when a representative comes to the phone. Additionally, iOS 26 features live translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, polls in group chats, filtering unknown senders in Messages, Visual Intelligence for reverse image search, the return of dedicated tabs for “Library” and “Collections” in the Photos app, and a new FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature that automatically pauses communications if nudity is detected.
While iOS 26 brings numerous improvements, a major update to Siri, originally promised at WWDC 2024, has been delayed until “the coming year.” However, reports suggest that Apple is planning a significant “brain transplant” for Siri, potentially integrating it with third-party artificial intelligence models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude. This strategic move could position 2026 as a pivotal year for Siri’s capabilities. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly developing a “stripped-down” AI chatbot to directly compete with ChatGPT.
The iOS 26 update will be compatible with a wide range of iPhone models released in 2019 or later. However, earlier models such as the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, which currently run iOS 18, will not be eligible for the upgrade. The list of compatible devices includes 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 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The presumed new iPhone 17 models are also anticipated to be compatible.
To install the iOS 26 public beta, users can enroll in the free Apple Beta Software Program by visiting beta.apple.com and signing up with their phone number or email. Once enrolled, the beta can be installed by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting “iOS 26 public beta.” Users are advised to exercise caution and avoid installing the beta on their primary iPhone due to the inherent risks associated with unfinished operating systems.
The development of iOS 26 has seen several beta releases, with new features gradually appearing. iOS 26 developer beta 5, released on August 6, introduced new elements such as a “bouncy animation” on the passcode screen and in the Control Center. These changes are expected to migrate to the public beta soon. The iOS 26 public beta became available on July 24.
The final version of iOS 26 is expected to be released to the public this fall, typically in September, often within a week of the annual Apple iPhone event. Last year, the corresponding iOS version was rolled out to iPhone users on September 16, precisely one week after the iPhone 16 lineup announcement.
These updates collectively underscore Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining its user experience, introducing innovative features, and strategically evolving its software ecosystem to meet both current user demands and future technological trends.
