Apple has released the iOS 26 upgrade with many exciting features — some of which are being introduced for the first time ever on any smartphone. The Liquid Glass design is the centre of attention and showcases Apple’s next-level design innovation.
1. Liquid Glass Design
Inspired by the qualities of real glass, the new Liquid Glass interface introduces translucent buttons and controls that react to movement with real-time rendering. Many elements now appear as if liquid is flowing through them. As you interact with the screen, elements dynamically highlight and shift colors based on your touch, creating an incredibly fluid user experience.
2. Dynamic Lock Screen
Building upon the Dynamic Island feature, Apple now brings a dynamic lock screen that adapts as you move your phone. Time adjusts intelligently to match the wallpaper, and photos come to life with depth and motion — all while keeping key subjects visible. The clock display automatically adjusts to enhance visibility based on your background.
3. Updated App Icons & Translucent Controls
You can now choose app icons in light, dark, colored, or clear glass styles. The clear glass option looks especially stunning and complements the overall Liquid Glass design language. Media controls and interface elements are now translucent, reflecting and refracting their surroundings. This is beautifully demonstrated in Apple Music, where controls blend seamlessly with album artwork for a more immersive experience. The design works consistently across all Apple devices.
4. Live Translations in Communication
Thanks to Apple Intelligence, automatic live translations are now available for messages in eight languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. This is a game-changer for work, travel, and international communication — breaking language barriers in real time.
5. FaceTime Captions & Real-Time Voice Translation
During FaceTime calls, you’ll now see live captions across multiple languages. One-on-one calls even support automatic voice translations in five major languages with natural voice rendering. Apple ensures your privacy is respected, asking for permission before listening to conversations to provide these features.